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2009 - MAY NEWS
FIFA names Brazilian host cities for WC 2014 in 59th Congress
31.05.2009 ::World football governing body FIFA declared the name of 12 towns in Brazil which will host the World Cup 2014 in Brazil and concluded the 59th FIFA Congress at Bahamas with discussions on topics like doping, age limit in the Olympic tournament and the 2009 Confederations Cup.The World Cup will be made by Brazil for the second time in its history since it was organized in 1950.Brazil won the right to host the World Cup on October 30, 2007. After 1950, this is the second time the country is the host to the World Cup, and fifth to host it twice after; Mexico, Italy, France, and Germany.
Out of the 12 cities, Rio de Janeiro (Maracana Stadium), Sao Paulo (Morumbi),Belo Horizonte(Mineirao), Porto Alegre (Beira-Rio) and the capital Brasilia (Mane Garrincha) have assured their presence for the event. The other candidates are Campo Grande (Morenao), Cuiaba (Verdao), Curitiba (Baixada Arena), Florianopolis (Orlando Scarpelli),Fortaleza (Castelao), Goiania (Serra Dorada) and Rio Branco (Sand Floresta).
At the beginning of the year, a FIFA inspection team, visited all 17 cities of Brazil. Last year, in December, the executive members came to the conclusion that the matches should be spread across twelve staidums instead of the previously decided ten. The capacity of all potential stadiums is a minimum of 40,000 spectators.The final match of the 2014 World Cup may be held in Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The stadium has the capacity to hold at least one lac ninty thousand fans.
The FIFA executive committee will also study the infrastructure problems faced by Nigeria to host U-17 World Cup, scheduled from October 14 to November 15. On Wednesday, Congress will address issues on doping, which caused a disagreement between FIFA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), especially the controversial measures on localization of international players, which is necessary for testing surprises.
Another contentious issue at the meeting raised by FIFA supremo is the idea of limiting the number of foreign players per team to 5, known as the '+5' system , which would align six national players.
The Olympic tournament will be another point to discuss. The proposal is to lose 23 to 21 years age limit for participation in the Olympics, and to abolish the rule that authorizes the presence of three players over that age.
Chelsea beat Everton to win historical F.A Cup
30.05.2009 :: Chelsea wins F.A Cup 2009, the oldest professional
football tournament in the world (started 1871) ,which was played at Wembley Stadium today.
They beat Everton 2 - 1.Everton were hoping to retain their 6th FA Cup trophy,
but instead became the team that lost 8th FA Cup finals in their history.
Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard secured the silverware for Chelsea.But Everton opened the score in 26
seconds after kick off through Louis Saha.
Chelsea gradually recaptured possession in midfield after conseading the sudden goal and controlled most of
the action in the centre. Everton players displayed tremendous work-rate, determination and spirit but they
were simply insufficient to cope with Chelsea's class.
Louis Saha's goal was the fastest ever in a Wembley cup final just in 25 seconds when his left-footed
strike flashed past Chelsea custodian Petr Cech (1 - 0) . .In the 21st minute Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka
delivering a ball on the left flank towards Malouda who dispatching a fine cross in the middle of the
penalty area which was intercepted by Didier Drogba, who powered the ball in the net (1 - 1).The half time
result was 1-1.
In the 72nd minute however, Frank Lampard scored the winner, ending the dream of Everton to win a trophy
this season. Lampard’s goal also ensured that Chelsea will bid farewell to Guus Hiddink with a trophy.
Lampard's left-foot shot that Tim Howard got fingers to but couldn't keep out ( 2 - 1).Chelsea might have
had more, Malouda's 'goal' being disallowed and Lampard looking to have a decent penalty claim turned down
only for referee Howard Webb to book him instead for diving.
Gaas Hiddink's three-and-a-half months at Stamford Bridge might not have delivered the Champions League or
the Premier League title.But Hiddink had marked his farewell by depositing the FA Cup in the Chelsea trophy
cabinet with a 2-1 victory against Everton which was thoroughly deserved.He now returns to Russia and
alsohinted that he doesn’t want this to be his good bye with English football. Chelsea supporters have
expressed their admiration and respect for the Dutchman, and have repeatedly called for him to stay with
their team.
Chelsea won the prize money £2,000,000 as winner and Everton won £1,000,000
as Runners-Up and both teams has got £1,000,000 each as they won Semi final
matches.
29.05.2009 :: Premier India Football Academy conducted a summer
football camp in Bangalore from 25-29 May 2009 at the Railway Meadows ground,
near Bangalore Station. Thirty children participated in this soccer intensive clinic.
The sessions were conducted by UEFA coach Nirvan Shah and PIFA coach Olia
Kanu.
Children learnt the basic skills of passing, dribbling and control, as well as
defending and attacking as a unit and as a team. The sessions were for 3 hours
daily with two batches 7am-10am and 4pm to 7pm.
The boys were given a talk on Nutrition and Diet, as well as how to develop their
fitness & stamina. Nike were the official balls for the camp.
Earlier in the month PIFA conducted 3 similar camps in Mumbai.
Andrew Flintoff Signs up to "BARCLAYS FAN OF INDIA ’ Contest.
29.05.2009 (Press Release) :: England cricket superstar and Manchester City fan Andrew Flintoff is
the latest celebrity to back the ‘Barclays Fan Of India’ competition, the search for the
most passionate supporter of the Barclays Premier League in the country.
Fans have until Tuesday 9 June to enter the contest, which has already seen hundreds of
entries flood in from across India . The winner will receive a trip to the UK to watch a
Barclays Premier League team of their choice play during the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League
season, and ten runners up will win a Barclays Premier League team shirt of their choice.
Powerful all-rounder Flintoff was at the City of Manchester stadium today, lending his
support to the competition. He said: “I’ve seen for myself that Indian fans are incredibly
passionate about sport, and it’s great that so many have already entered the ‘Barclays Fan
of India’ competition. The Barclays Premier League is the best league in the world, and I’d
encourage fans from across India to sign up before the closing date of 9 June for a chance
to win the fantastic prize of a trip to England to watch the team of their choice.”
Fans interested in entering the competition should visit www.barclaysfanofindia.com or
submit their entry to participating outlets of Café Coffee Day.
The Barclays Premier League is the most popular domestic football tournament anywhere in the
world, with over 4.77 billion people watching it in over 200 countries. It also has many of
the top players including World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three Cheers for Barcelona ..Hip Hip Hurrah's ...
29.05.2009 :: Samira Sultana, Hyderabad : Let’s face it! The experience and perseverance of Barcelona did not meet its match in
Manchester United. That was “TOP CLASS” football. They were the champions hands down.. I
have always been a player fan by that I mean Thierry Henry but after UEFA 09 I can proudly
say I am a Club Fan. Barcelona proved that they were better than any other team any given
day. The dream team, that, Real Madrid once hoped to be.
Yesterdays match may have been an eye opener for all those who support a player or team due
to its public image rather than actual game play. It all comes down to the goals. The
formidable team with Messi, Henry and E’too on attack, Toure, Pique,Silvinho and Puyol
holding defense the Goal keeper Valdez might as well have gone and sat in the stands to
enjoy the game.
Et’oo couldn’t have been in better form yet again taking his team to victory
on 10th minute and Messi sealing ManU’s fate with his header on 70’.It would be no
exaggeration to say that was a one sided game. Barcelona orchestrated the game and had ManU
dancing to its tune.
Football is truly a game of character. Half the match is played psychologically, this is
something the amazing manager Pep Guardiola learnt and shows in every match Barcelona plays.
Despite Sir Ferguson’s old book tactics to make the world think they had a “surprise plan”.
Cristiano’s antics proved his lack of character for the game for those who wanted to rank
him with the likes of Maradona, Zidane, Henry etc.
One could definitely see those qualities
in Messi despite being compared to C.Ronaldo on several strengths. His passion for the game
comes through with every ball possession. No amount of tackling or fouls could stop this
player. Reminds me of Maradona.
Puyol proved himself worthy of the captaincy every bit. He was all over the field. Keeping
his cool while dealing with all of C.Ronaldo’s antics. Nothing, absolutely nothing went
wrong. The match was everything one would expect of Barca.
What remains now to be seen is, what more this team is capable of. Here’s to
many more years of Barcelona as Champs..Cheers!
soccernova : The Brazilian way now in India
29.05.2009 : Age limit 11 to 17 years.
Bengal Captain Habibur will join later with the team
28.05.2009 :29-times Santosh Trophy Winner Bengal got direct entry to the quarterfinal league of this year's 63rd
editions of AIFF Santosh Trophy Football Tournament as last year's semifinalists.
They are in Group A with defending champions Punjab and two other qualifiers from the cluster stage that
began on june 2nd at Channi.Incidentally, Bengal won their last Santosh Trophy in Chennai in 1999.
Today at Mohun Bagan club tent IFA Secretary Mr. Utpal Ganguly announced the 20 men Bengal squad for
Santosh Trophy.Last few days Bengal Team were paracticing at Mohun Bagan Ground.Mr. Ganguly hoped that
Bengal team will return home with Trophy.
Skipper of the Squad Habibur Rahaman Mondol, who is an experienced side back of Mohun Bagan First eleven in
last two years and also played last three Santosh Trophy Tournaments for Bengal said that he is delighted
to be the leader of the Bengal Team. The combination of youth and experience in the side he thinks his team
may be the favourites to lift the Santosh Trophy this year.
Bengal Team will leave for Tamilnadu on 30th May.Bengal Captain Habibur
Rahaman will join the team on 1st June because he will be engaged with his
father's post funeral works at his residence on 31st may.
FIXTURE of BENGAL GROUP : VENUE - CHENNAI
The preliminary league matches involving 26 teams will conclude tomorrow.
The pre-quarterfinals are scheduled for May 31 with the winners qualifying for
the quarter-final league (June 2-7) where they will join last year’s semi-finalists
Punjab, Services, Bengal and Karnataka.
02.06.09 :: Punjab Vs Winner PQF 3 - Group A
02.06.09 :: Bengal Vs Winner PQF 4 - Group A
03.06.09 :: Services Vs Winner PQF 1- Group B
03.06.09 :: Karnataka Vs Winner PQF 2 - Group B
04.06.09 :: Winner PQF 3 Vs Bengal- Group A
04.06.09 :: Winner PQF 4 Vs Punjab - Group A
05.06.09 :: Winner PQF 1 Vs Karnataka - Group B
05.06.09 :: Winner PQF 2 Vs Services- Group B
06.06.09 :: Winner PQF 3 Vs Winner PQF 4 - Group A
06.06.09 :: Punjab Vs Bengal- Group A
07.06.09 :: Winner PQF 1 Vs Winner PQF 2- Group B
07.06.09 :: Karnataka Vs Services- Group B
Bengal Team
GK: Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (Mahindra United),Abhra Mondal (KF East
Bengal) DF:Habibur Rahman (Mohun Bagan) ,Biswajit Saha (Camellia George
Telegraph), Rajib Ghosh (Mohammedan SC),Arnab Mondal (Chirag United),Safor Sardar
(Camellia George Telegraph),Sheikh Azim (Mohammedan SC) ,Anupam Sarkar
(KF East Bengal), Denson Devdas (Chirag United)
Sahara Supremo to meet Man Utd officials on June 1st week
29.05.2009 : If all goes well, the chief sponsor of the Indian cricket team could also be sponsoring the world's
richest soccer club. Sahara India, the Subrata Roy led multi-business conglomerate with a turnover of more
than Rs 90,000 crores is in advance talks to replace American International Group (AIG) as the premier
jersey sponsor of the English champions.
A Sahara official confirmed that his chief will be in London on June 5 to talk to club officials about a
possible deal. "The chairman is going to London on June 5 to finalise the deal. We think that if we can
sponsor such a huge club it will give an opportunity for Indian footballers to play as well," he said.
AIG's four-year $56.5 million agreement with the club is the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in English
football. It ends in May 2010 and the American company has already said it will not renew it as it recovers
from the global financial crisis.
The amount of the deal with Sahara may go up to as much as $100 million for five years, near double of
their existing deal with AIG. The Sahara deal might well be beneficial to United, who can add on to their
existing fan base across Asia. The source said that might just clinch the deal for Sahara. "Apart from the
Asian market, they can expand their fan base in India which is a huge market for them."
But there are other issues as well. It is believed that while United can cash in on the Asian market with a
Sahara logo on the T-shirts, Old Trafford officials fear of losing out on a more global audience.
The other hassle for them is the revenue sharing. "This will be one of the major points of discussion when
the two sides meet," the source said.
Another Indian company, infrastructure based group GMR was also linked to a sponsorship of English club
Liverpool. British newspaper 'News of the World' had reported towards the end of April that GMR owner
Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao may take over the club for £450 million (around Rs 3,300 crore). However, GMR
subsequently denied the move.
Two other Indian groups, the Tatas and telecom major Bharti Airtel are also in the loop for the Manchester
United sponsorship deal. However, Airtel, who recently signed a multi-million-dollar deal with the English
champions for mobile phone content, said they would not bid for the T-shirt sponsorship.
Courtesy:www.dnaindia.com
Champions League Final worth €310m, according to sportsbusiness.com
28.05.2009 : Tonight’s Champions League Final is worth upwards of €310 million to the European economy, according to a
study commissioned by MasterCard.
The MasterCard 'Heart of Sports Commerce report', developed by leading sport
business mind Professor Simon Chadwick, found that Barcelona and Manchester
United stand to profit from positive economic impacts such as increased squad
value, prize money, sponsorship deals, television rights and growth in season
ticket sales.
It is estimated that this season’s winning team will receive a windfall of more than
€110 million and the losing side at least €65 million.
“What promises to be an epic contest between two of the world's greatest teams
is also a major spur for the economy. The UEFA Champions League Final proves
that sport’s mega-events can overcome the downturn, thanks to their huge
emotional appeal,” said Professor Chadwick.
“We can expect modest increases in ‘established’ forms of economic and
commercial activity around the 2009 Final, which could have been more significant
had the economic climate been different, but what comes into play is a ‘recession
premium’ worth around £25 million to the overall total from more people engaging
as a result of the downturn.”
The study also estimates that Rome stands to earn more than €45 million from
hosting the 2009 Final. This economic boost will result from a short term positive
commerce flow through fan spending in bars, clubs,shops, hotels, city attractions,
bookmakers and inside the Stadio Olimpico, along with sponsors and organisations
spending on marketing in the city.
Courtesy:www.sportsbusiness.com
Barcelona - the Champion of Europe
28.05.2009 : :Manchester United's hopes were shattered in Rome tonight
when they were beaten 2-0 by Spanish Giant FC Barcelona in the Champions
League final at Rome,Italia.
The two best teams in Europe, Manchester United and Barcelona battled for the
title of UEFA Champions League, the title of the very best team in the world.
Manchester United had a bright start and Cristiano Ronaldo caused panic in the
Barcelona penalty area with a stinging free-kick, the Catalans took control
through to half-time. But Barcelona's Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o prodded home a
10th minute opener to give Barcelona a half-time lead against Manchester United.
Eto'o wasted no time opening their account when he stepped inside Nemanja Vidic,
then held off Michael Carrick to score and as the Red Devils struggled to contain
their opponents' slick passing, it could easily have been more.
In the 2nd half Barcelona scored an another.In 70th minute when a perfect cross
from Xavi was transformed in an incredible goal by Messi with an amazing header.
Minutes later, Red star Christiano Ronaldo was slapped with a yellow card after a
running sideline tussle.
One Manchester United fan was hospitalised after suffering a stab wound and 15
people, including supporters from both teams, were arrested by Italian police in
separate incidents ahead of the match.
On-pitch after the match Manchester manager Sir Alex Ferguson conceded defeat.
He told Sky Sports:"In fairness, we were beaten by the better team."
FC Barcelona : Valdes; Puyol, Toure, Pique, Sylvinho; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
(92' Pedro Rodriguez); Messi, Eto’o, Henry (71' Keita).
Coach: Guardiola.
Manchester United : Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Anderson
(46' Tevez), Carrick, Giggs (75' Scholes); Park (66' Berbatov), Ronaldo, Rooney
Coach: Sir ALex Ferguson.
PIC Courtesy: www.uefa.com
Dempo lost to Al Kwauit 1 - 3
26.05.2009 : :Goan Giant And three times Indian National Football
League winner Dempo lost to Al Kuwait S.C of Kuwait by 1 - 3 margin in the AFC
Cup pre-quarter Final knockout match at Keifan Stadium at Kuwait City.
The Al Kuwait team after hitting a second half hat-trick secured their spot on top
of Group D. The Syrian international of Al Kuwait scored twice from the penalty
and a second-half header to send his side into the last eight in the AFC Cup 2009.
Dempo defenders John Dias and Valeriano Reballo dragged down the Kuwaiti
strikers twice which awarded the opposition two penalties, while the other goal
was scored off a corner kick in the dying minutes. Dempo's Nigerian striker Ranti
Martins, who wasted a good chance to equalise for his side just before the hour
mark, was shown the way out of ground after a second booking in the last
moments of the match for arguing with the referee.
Al Kuwait started well in the second half and should have increased their lead
in 50th minutes when Al Hussien found himself free with only Dempo keeper
Abhijit Mondal to beat, but failed to score.
Dempo had a great chance to level the scores in 55th minutes when
Ranti Martins went past two defenders of Kuwait side and punched
a right footer from long range which was well saved by Kuwait Goal
keeper Khaled Al Fadhli.
The Kuwaitis drew the first blood in the 22nd minute of the first half. They
maintained this momentum till the 58th minute of the second half when they
scored another goal off a corner, thereby striking the last nail on the Dempo
coffin. However, Brazilian Beto scored a goal for Dempo in the 68th minute which
could only help them reduce the defeat margin.
Other Matches of the day
26.05.2009 :: Busaiteen 1 - 2 Al-Karamah
26.05.2009 :: Al-Zawraa 1 - 3 Arbil
26.05.2009 :: Al-Arabi 2 - 1 Safa
26.05.2009 :: Al-Majd 0 - 0,1 - 3 Neftchi Farg'ona
Help India participate at the 7th Homeless World Cup
at Milan in Sept 2009
26.05.2009 : :India will be represented by Slumsoccer at this year’s
Homeless World Cup in Milan from 6 to 13 September 2009 in which 48 nations
from all over the world will take part.
The biggest problem facing us this year is the funding of the tickets of the 8
underprivileged players from the slums of India who are selected to represent their
country in this life altering event. All accomodation, food etc is catered for once
they are in Milan.
We are looking for football lovers who would be willing to support these players by
assisting the funding of the travel costs. The selection process is under way,
with some of last years team coaching and supporting this years trials. The effect
on these people is spectacular with the majority of the players returning to their
home as leaders and role models to inspire others using football as a tool for social
change.
Any support would be greatly appreciated.
Please Contact
Organisation: Krida Vikas Sanstha Nagpur
Address: St. Ursula Premises, Red Cross Road - Civil Lines, Nagpur, India
Ph: +91 989 04 06426
Fx: +91 712 25 56865
Contact: Prof Vijay S. Barse , Secretary
Em: vijaybarse@hotmail.com or abhijeetbarse@slumsoccer.org
www.slumsoccer.org
LETTER FROM MOHUN BAGAN TO AFC
26.05.2009 : :The news article under the title “Bhutia blues for storied
Bagan” which published on the AFC Official Website, Mohun Bagan General
Secretary Mr. Anjan Mitra today send a letter to AFC after clarifying the matter.
THE MATTER OF THE SAID LETTER IS GIVEN BELOW
LETTER FROM MOHUN BAGAN TO AFC
Kolkata , 26-May, 2009 :
Mr. Alex Soosay,
Acting General Secretary,
Asian Football Confederation,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Dear Sir,
We have just come across a new article on your Official Website under the title “Bhutia blues for storied Bagan” and though the article mentions at the end states that “the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of AFC” but the fact that the article is on the Official Website of AFC has upset many of our members and millions of supporters spread all over the world.
I would like to clarify under what circumstances the Club was forced to show cause our captain Bhaichung Bhutia; which was no less painful for us than it was for the player.
Bhaichung missed vital practice sessions of our Team during the ONGC I-League. He joined the Team for the last ONGC I-League match at New Delhi without attending the venue practice before this match.
He played the Super Cup match at Gurgaon (match to ascertain the Champion Club of India) without attending the venue practice and arrived at 1:30 am in the morning of the match day.
He refused to play the AFC Cup away match against Kuwait SC citing injury but later we found out that he had gone to Mumbai to participate in a dance reality show and showed no signs of injury when the program was telecast later on TV.
He did not attend practice sessions of the Team at Amman, Jordan for the away match earlier this month against Al Wehdat in the AFC Cup and reached Amman at 1 am in the morning on the day of the match. Consequently his performance was not upto the mark.
A charity match for Football Development was organized outstation by our Club. Bhaichung did not turn up at the Airport and his Boarding Card had to be cancelled at the very last minute. He did not participate in this match and the spectators were angry. Neither was there any reason for his absence nor did he inform any Official of the Club.
Bhaichung was more focused on the dance reality show and Football had become his secondary interest. Inspite of his absence and misconduct he has received all his payments due to him for the 2008-2009 football season.
Bhaichung was made Captain of our Team and so he had a vital role to motivate his team mates and behave like a leader and to inspire the youngsters. We leave it to your good judgment as a Senior Football Administrator to ascertain whether the manner in which Bhaichung behaved is exemplary of a leader? The other Team Members were slowly being affected by this indiscipline behavior of their Captain and it would have been unfair to let someone get away with gross misconduct only on the ground that he is an “Icon in Indian Football.” Were Football Greats like Maradona and Zidane not booked by Referees for their fouls committed or should Referees chose to look away just because of their popularity and contribution for the game? In fact an Icon is meant to be more professional on and off the field.
Furthermore, the article mentions that our Club had a “Poor Start” but we wish to clarify that the Club started the 2008-2009 season with a bang winning the Premier Division of the Calcutta Football League involving four of the ONGC I- League teams and the Federation Cup. The season was rounded off with a thumping win over Churchill Brothers (National League Champions) in the Super Cup match thereby becoming Champion of Champions for the 2008-2009 season. Performance-wise it has been a very memorable season for our Club since we have won three out of the four major tournaments in which we participated thereby becoming the most successful Club of India this season.
We request you to please post our views in this regard on the AFC Official Website and oblige.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Anjan Kumar Mitra : Hony. General Secretary
Mohun Bagan A.C.
Courtesy:www.mohunbaganac.com
All Stars football match in Rome today before Final
26.05.2009 : :
Former World Cup winning footballers Marcel Desailly took part in an exhibition
football match today in Rome, the day before the UEFA Champions League Final,
to mark 100 days until the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup. The All Stars team,
captained by Desailly was defeated by the Homeless World Cup Team Italy (5-4)
in the five-a-side match.
The match was staged on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Final to raise
awareness of The Homeless World Cup and to promote the Vodafone Foundation’s
support of the competition. Vodafone is also a UEFA Champions League Official
Partner. Vodafone Foundation and Homeless World Cup supporter, Marcel Desailly
marked the 100 day countdown to the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup, where
Italy, two times Homeless World Cup champions (Gothenburg 2004 and Edinburgh
2003), will be aiming to regain their championship glory in front of their home
crowd.
From 6-13 September 2009 the City of Milan will host 500 players at the 7th
Homeless World Cup. 48 nations will compete, representing all five continents of
the globe, from Argentina to Brazil, England to Germany, Australia to Cambodia,
Hong Kong to India and Ghana to Malawi.
Mel Young, Co-Founder and President, Homeless World Cup, said: “The Milan 2009
Homeless World Cup has the potential to be the greatest Homeless World Cup
ever. The attention of the world will now turn to Milan as the public and private
sectors work together to demonstrates the true, awesome power of football to
change lives. We are sure that the City and people of Milan will provide a warm
welcome to 48 nations and show that together, united, we can make a real
difference.”
The Homeless World Cup uses football to energise people who are homeless to
change their own lives. The Vodafone Foundation is supporting the Homeless
World Cup Foundation with a £500,000 grant, donated over a two year period.
This core start-up funding from The Vodafone Foundation is developing
infrastructure and grassroots football projects in over 75 nations. The projects
culminate with the world-class international football tournament - the Homeless
World Cup – which aims to give over one million people who are homeless, access
to the benefits of football.
There are one billion homeless people in the world. Over 70% of players at the
Homeless World cup experience a significant life change; coming off drugs and
alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education, training, repairing relationships,
becoming coaches or players with semi-pro teams and social entrepreneurs.
Since 2003 the Homeless World Cup has engaged over 100,000 players and has
triggered football programmes in over 70 nations.
Andrew Dunnett, Director, The Vodafone Foundation, said: “The Vodafone
Foundation is committed to funding projects that achieve high-level impact, with
proven success, and the Homeless World Cup Foundation is already a force for
change with phenomenal potential. It has been fantastic to have this event here
today on the eve of one of the worlds highest profile football championships and
to be able to talk about the Homeless World Cup and to showcase some of the
fantastic talent that take part with the likes of the Italian Team here today.”
Team India Captain Baichung Bhutia wins Jhalak Dikhhla ja - 3
25.05.2009 : :Bollywood choreographer Sonia has been successful in crafting a prolific dancer out of ace footballer and Indian captain
Baichung Bhutia as they lifted the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season 3 trophy. The footballer turned dancer who initially had to work
hard to get his emotions right on stage ended up defeating the crowd favorite dancer duo Gauhar Khan and Karan Singh
Grover, in the finale of Sony Television's most popular dance reality show. He has incidentaly become the first Male Winner of
Jhalak Dikhla Jaa!!
The Grand Finale will be telecasted next Sunday night as it had to be delayed because of IPL Final. The audience's SMS vote
overturned the judges' markings which had favored Gauhar. They selected the second best Baichung as their winner and kept
Karan Singh as the third finalist. There was no face off round between the top two and the audience vote selected Baichung",
confirms our source from the sets. However, the channel and the jury gave contestants Savio and Hard Kaur, the Best
Dancers' trophy, a replica of the winning trophy, after telling them that this was not out of sympathy, but because they
deserved it.
According to every one present there on the dance floor, Baichung deserved to win as he had showed remarkable growth and
had reached this stage from being a complete non-dancer.
The UEFA Champions League Final 2009 – A Curtain Raiser
26.05.2009 : RANA BOSE :The 2009 UEFA Champions League Final will witness a clash of two very successful football Clubs of Europe. Both the Clubs
have won their respective national league titles this year – Manchester United the Barclays Premier League with a match to
spare and Barcelona, the Catalan Club ending up much ahead of their arch rival Real Madrid in the La Liga. Come 27th May,
all eyes will be in Rome keenly watching the battle for European supremacy.
Manchester United made short work of Arsene Wenger’s side Arsenal who were trounced badly in the Emirate Stadium. Sir
Alex Ferguson has his eyes set on Rome expecting to obtain back-to-back victories. He would want to sign off his football
career at the age of 67 on a winning note. He wants his side to produce the greatest performance in the UEFA Final and even
surpass the feat of Real Madrid’s mauling of Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 final.
Barcelona, have in them the firepower to conquer all odds.. The last minute strike by Andres Iniesta that dumped Chelsea out
of the final goes to prove that both sides will leave no quarters for the opponent. Eto’o, Henri, Messi, Xavi and Toure are a
handful for many a side.
Manchester United also have in their players the urge to deliver, The dependable Van der Sar is in goal. Ferdinand, Evra, Vidic
and O’Shea the no nonsense defenders are there to bolster the defense, these four do not give away the ball cheaply. The
midfield comprising of Rooney, Park, Giggs and Fletcher are very speedy, constantly interchanging their position and very
often than not dominate play inside the zone. Berbatov and Ronaldo upfront are quite a handful for the opposing defenders.
Both sides with immensely talented and gifted players should provide us with a feast for the eyes with free flowing play.
However, football pundits believe that both Sir Alex Ferguson and Pepe Guardiola, the two managers of Man U and Barca
respectively will not walk on that line and will tread cautiously right from the start. Barca will be missing out the hard tackling
Abidal who sits out for this match after being sent off in the semifinal match against Chelsea.
Both sides need to keep the opponent’s dangermen quiet. It will be a dream final with two massive Clubs, playing football in
the right spirit and with so many talented individuals. The edge is with Manchester United who have risen up when it
mattered.
To borrow an oft-repeated quote of Sir Geoffrey Boycott, the renowned English
cricketer, “My muney (money) is with Man U”.
BARCELONA Against MANCHESTER UNITED :: Best of the Bests
Manchester United 3 - 0 Barcelona :: UEFA Cup Winners' Cup third round, second leg, 21/3/84
One of OT's great European nights as the Reds, led by the irrepressible Bryan Robson, thrillingly overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit.
Manchester United 2 - 1 Barcelona :: Cup Winners' Cup final, 15/5/91
Mark Hughes hit a double against his former side to hand Sir Alex Ferguson his first European trophy and send 30,000 Reds delirious in rainy Rotterdam.
Manchester United 2 - 2 Barcelona :: Champions League phase one, match three, 19/10/94
Lee Sharpe's cheeky back-heel 10 minutes from time earned a well-deserved draw against Romario and co and kept United top of Group A.
Manchester United 3 - 3 Barcelona :: Champions League phase one, match one, 16/9/98
The Reds raced into a two-goal lead in the opening European gambit of the Treble, but were pegged back in a game which had everything.
Manchester United 3 - 3 Barcelona :: Champions League phase one, match five, 25/11/98
"Wonderful entertainment" was how Sir Alex described this Nou Camp classic, in which Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were at their telepathic best.
Manchester United 1 - 0 Barcelona :: Champions League semi-final, second leg, 29/4/08
Fired by another electric atmosphere, United reached Moscow thanks to a vintage strike from Paul Scholes and stout defending against Barça's much-vaunted attack.
Kalyani Municipality to help renovate Lajong F.C's home Ground
23.05.2009 :DR. Santanu Jha,Chairman of Kalyani Municipality,Nadia,
Bengal who is a well known professor of the Department of Agricultural
Entomology of BCKV ( BIDHAN CHANDRA KRISHI VISWAVIDYALAYA) the State
Agricultural University of West Bengal was invited by the Sports Department of
Meghalaya as well as Meghalaya Sports Association last week to visit the
Football Ground at the JN Sports Complex,Shillong.
His visit was crucial in view of the I-League which is slated to be held in next
October in Shillong after the local Football Team Shillong Lajong F.C made its debut in the I-League First
Divn.this year by qualifying from amongst some of the more popular and famous Club teams like Sesa Goa,
ONGC.Lajong will play their home matches here against all the First Divn. I-League teams of India.To
improve the Ground condition of JN Sports Complex, Dr. Jha went there to offer his expertise to the
officials of MSA and Meghalaya State Sposts Deptts.The stadium is two and a half hours away from the
airport.
Dr.Jha is famous as a Sports Turf Specialist.Under his guidance "Kalyani Municipality Stadium" is an
instance in India.It's all time green field is attracting all sports personnel of Bengal as well as
India.Major football Clubs of Bengal,All age group Indian National Football Teams are very eager to play on
the GREEN pitch of Kalyani Stadium.
Dr. Jha is always ready to share his experience "How to make a Nice Sports Field" with others, without any
consultancy charges."I am always ready to give necessary suggestion to prepare a good Sports Field" he
says.
After visiting the JN Sports Complex at Shillong, Dr. Jha expressed that the field can still be improved if
the works begin not later that the start of downpour of the monsoon.Among the many recommendation to the
high officials of Meghalaya Sports Department he mentioned that the drainage system of the said field
must be improved to get rid of the extra water that accumulates during rainfall.
He advised that the soil lair of the ground and the grass needed to be replaced first.He also suggested
the planting of a locally available grass which spreads like a carpet in the field.Before roping grass more
than three or four inches of the top soil has to be replaced by local good quality soil. It would not be
taken more that three months to make the field fully ready for I-League matches if the necessary
requirements were supplied smoothly by the authority.
Dr. Jha is always ready to extend his support with his valuable suggestions for the Development of Sports.
Meghalaya Sports Association felicitated Dr. Jha who prescribed his recommendation to the Meghalaya Govt.
Sports Department.Lajong F.C's young General Secretary Ming Larsing said," We hope the success of Lajong
will spur the state government into improving facilities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. We
also hope the governments in the Northeast and corporate houses will assist us in future.
Hence,The Shillong Lajong F.C's entry to the main stream of ONGC I-League this year, has prompted State
Govt Sports Department and MSA to speed up the related works suggested by Dr. Jha for the improvement of
the Ground condition of 30000 + capasity JN Sports Complex which is situated in the heart of the "Shillong"
which is called "Scottland of the East".
LAMPARD has been selected Chelsea PLAYER OF THE YEAR
22.05.2009 :Frank Lampard has become the first to be named Chelsea Player of the Year for a third time.
The 2004 and 2005 winner was again voted the leading performer over the season by the fans. The trophy was
handed over by Guus Hiddink to a vice-captain who declared himself 'delighted'.
'It feels great because of the amount of top quality players who have won this award,' Lampard told
Chelseafc.com.'When I came here I never expected to win it three times at all, I just wanted to establish
myself, but getting this award and the recognition from your own fans is a huge thing in football. I am
absolutely delighted.'
Michael Essien's thunderous left-foot volley at home to Barcelona was voted Chelsea Goal of the Season by
the supporters.'It is always good to win something,' Essien told Chelseafc.com. 'We put effort in to win
trophies and win personal trophies, so it is great.'I meant to do it because when I saw the ball coming
that was the only option that came to my mind, I tried to take it and I had a bit of luck.'It is difficult
to score those kinds of goals and you need a bit of luck.'
Ashley Cole won the Samsung Players' Player of the Year.The Young Player of the Year award went to Michael
Mancienne who turned 21 this season and returned from loan at Wolves to make his Chelsea first team debut
was the winner.
A Special Commitment award went to John Terry for his 10 years of first team service.
CHELSEA PLAYER OF THE YEAR FROM STARTING
1967 : Peter Bonetti
1968 : Charlie Cooke
1969 : David Webb
1970 : pJohn Hollins
1971 : John Hollins
1972 : David Webb
1973 : Peter Osgood
1974 : Gary Locke
1975 : Charlie Cooke
1976 : Ray Wilkins
1977 : Ray Wilkins
1978 : Micky Droy
1979 : Tommy Langley
1980 : Clive Walker
1981 : Petar Borota
1982 : Mike Fillery
1983 : Joey Jones
1984 : Pat Nevin
1985 : David Speedie
1986 : Eddie Niedzwiecki
1987 : Pat Nevin
1988 : Tony Dorigo
1989 : Graham Roberts
1990 : Ken Monkou
1991 : Andy Townsend
1992 : Paul Elliott
1993 : Frank Sinclair
1994 : Steve Clarke
1995 : Erland Johnsen
1996 : Ruud Gullit
1997 : Mark Hughes
1998 : Dennis Wise
1999 : Gianfranco Zola
2000 : Dennis Wise
2001 : John Terry
2002 : Carlo Cudicini
2003 : Gianfranco Zola
2004 : Frank Lampard
2005 : Frank Lampard
2006 : John Terry
2007 : ichael Essien
2008 : Joe Cole
2009 : Frank Lampard
CHELSEA YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1983 : Keith Dublin
1984 : Robert Isaac
1985 : Gareth Hall
1986 : Micky Bodley
1987 : Jason Cundy
1988 : Eddie Cunnington
1989 : No award
1990 : No award
1991 : Andy Myers
1992 : Zeke Rowe
1993 : Neil Shipperley
1994 : Mark Nicholls
1995 : Chris McCann
1996 : Jody Morris
1997 : Nick Crittenden
1998 : John Terry
1999 : Sam Dalla Bona
2000 : Rhys Evans
2001 : Leon Knight
2002 : Carlton Cole
2003 : Robert Huth
2004 : Robert Huth
2005 : Robert Huth
2006 : Lassana Diarra
2007 : John Mikel Obi
2008 : The U18s Youth team
2009 : Michael Mancienne
CHELSEA PLAYER'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Samsung and voted by the first team squad, coaching and medical staff
2006 : Claude Makelele
2007 : Didier Drogba
2008 : Ricardo Carvalho
2009 : Ashley Cole
CHELSEA GOAL OF THE SEASON
2007 : Michael Essien v Arsenal (home)
2008 : Juliano Belletti v Tottenham (home)
2009 : Michael Essien v Barcelona (home)
Courtesy:www.chelseafc.com
Dunga drops Ronaldinho from Brazil squad
22.05.2009 :Former Brazil National Team Captain and now the Chief Coach of Brazil National
Team, Dunga announced his 23 players list for the next two World Cup qualifiers
and forthcoming Confederation Cup.
Dunga's Boys will against play Uruguay on June 6 in Montevideo and Paraguay on 10 June in Recife. They
then fly to South Africa to compete in the Confederations Cup which will start for Brazil on 15 June with a
match against Egypt.
Dunga has left out Ronaldinho, following a very disappointing this year with AC Milan. Ronaldinho, who
starred on Brazil's 2002 and 2006 World Cup teams, has been confined to a secondary role at AC Milan. Kaka
and Alexandro Pato the two A.C.Milan teammates of Ronaldinho has been include in the Squad for the next 2
world cup qualifying match as well as coming confederation Cup held at South Africa.
Brazil 23 Squad :
Goalies : Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham), Victor (Gremio).
Defenders : Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Kleber (Internacional), Andre Santos
(Corinthians), Alex (Chelsea), Juan (Roma), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Luisao (Benfica).
Midfielders: Anderson (Manchester United), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg),
Ramires (Cruzeiro), Elano (Manchester City), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kaka (AC
Milan).
John Terry, Frank Lampard to attend "India Oscar" in Macao
22.05.2009 :Chelsea And England National Team football stars John Terry
and Frank Lampard will attend to the 10th anniversary of International
India Film Academy (IIFA) events, which will take place in Macao Resort Hotel on
11 June 2009.
The Idea IIFA Awards will be given to the best in the Indian Cinema at a star-
studded extravaganza on 13 June. the Macao Daily Times reported on Thursday.
Other than the two England football stars, celebrities and renowned movie stars from India like brand
Ambassador of IIFA Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan along with
Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutt,Prabhu
Deba,Salman Khan,Kareena Kapoor and producer-director Subhash Ghai,Artists and Producer of Oscar Winner
film"Slumdog Millionaire" and many more will make the Videocon Iifa Weekend 2009 special.
The IIFA events which also feature an Indian film festival and business forum that was expected to attract
more than 500 Indian government officials, company executives and trade representatives, who will explore
cooperation opportunities with other participants, according to the daily.
India beat Pakistan 5 - 0 in AFC U-13 Festival at Tehran
Aryamann Sethi Scored 6 Goals
21.05.2009 : India U-13 Boys beat Pakistan 5 - 0 in the AFC U-13 Football
Festival in Tehran. Aryamann Sethi socred Hattrick in the match and scored 6 goals
so far. He is a player from AIFF U-13 Football Festival 2009 winner Maharashtra
and son of eminent Film Actress Archna Puran Singh Sethi. The India team has
earned six green cards upto date.
Now India Teams Situation in the Festival
20.05.2009 : India 5 - 0 Pakistan
20.05.2009 : India 1 - 0 Afghanistan
20.05.2009 : India 2 - 1 Maldives
20.05.2009 : India 1 - 1 Iran
19.05.2009 : India 3 - 0 Sri Lanka
19.05.2009 : India 0 - 1 Iran
The AFC U13 Festival of football(South Region) will be the
first platform for many coaches, referees to show their commitment and
dedication internationally in order to get other step of ladder.
Iranian capital of Tehran saw the commencement of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13
Football Festival of Football, Sunday 10 May, for the second consecutive year.
The Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) has already approved Tehran's Shahid Bahonar Stadium
for the event slated to conclude on 23 May 2009 for the event which will be held from 18-22
May 2009. with Size 5 ball will move around field having dimension 90 M x 60 M. Other eight
participants will be Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and
host Iran. The players born on or after 1 January 1996 will be eligible to appear in the
event. It is one of five events under AFC Umbrella for Pakistan this year.
Matches in format I will be played on May 19 and continue till May 20.
Matches of format II will be played on May 22 to 23.
Skill Test will be held on May 20 and 21.
Bhutia seeks release Order in a letter addressed to Club Secretary
21.05.2009 :: Team India as well as Mohun Bagan Captain Baichung Bhutia
today sent a letter to Anjan Mitra, Hony' General Secretary of Mohun Bagan Club.
In that letter he seeks release order from the Club.
Baichung Bhutia has already spoken out his mind to the press on 19th May at Howrah
Stadium,one day before the AFC match against Al Karamah. He had said that,he
no longer has the motivation to play for Mohun Bagan after what was happend.
Most of the Club Coaches, Eminent Football personalities of India alongwith Team
India Coach Bob Houghton have given moral support to Baichung over the issue.
Now the ball is in the court of Mohun Bagan. Only time will tell how Mohun Bagan tackle
this issue.
Summer Soccer camp for School Girls at Kolkata
20.05.2009 :Subhransu Roy : Kolkata: It’s the party-sorry soccer time for these school girls who are participating in a
summer camp organised by Bengal women Footballers welfare Association at Rabindra Sarobor Stadium near play
ground.
The camp is kicked off today in presence of many well known former national and international women
footballers This is Association’s consecutive second summer camp for school girls and this time 32 school
girls are participating in the camp. Girls are given basic training of football under supervision of chief
coach Pratima Biswas.
Sathi Gupta and Soma Roy are two associate coaches who are helping Pratima in her talent hunt programmee
.According to Kuntakala Ghosh Dostidar, former ace women footballer of India, and one of the main organiser
of the camp.
The camp is meant with the object to spread the popularity of the game among school girls and to bring
back the past glory of Bengal’s women’s football. The camp will continue up to 14 June.
Coca Cola will launch talent hunt in 50 Indian Cities
20.05.2009 :Soft Drinks King Coca-Cola is going to start a grassroot level football talent hunt
in India within a few months which will cover fifty cities in the Country alongwith the assistance of AIFF.
. The joint venture of Coca Cola and AIFF will very much restricted for U-16 and
U-18 Boys.
Last year, 16 promising footballers were picked from a pool of
3,000 Boys from 184 schools in the eight cities in India attend a 7 days Coca-
Cola Football camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil along with youngsters from 20 other
countries.
But this Year 16 Boys will pick up in each U-16 and U-18 Group to
train in Brazil for a longer period.The Idea behind the programme is to prepare the
Boys for Future National Football Team of India.
Mohun Bagan lost their last match also in AFC Cup 2009
19.05.2009 :Syrian giants Al-Karamah qualify for last sixteen in the AFC
Cup from Group D. Today they beat Mohun Bagan by a margin of 4 - 0 at '
Howrah Municipal Stadium,Kolkata. With this win Al Karama has got 12 points from
6 matches and stood 2nd position in the League Table and Al Kuwait who beat
Al wehdat today 1 - 0 in an another AFC match also enters in the Qr. Final being
a Group Champion .They earned 13 points from 6 matches. Mohun Bagan was
unable to open their account because they have lost all 6 matches.
Having conceded 15 goals so far, Mohun Bagan never looked competent enough to
stave off Al Karamah. Striker Hani-al-Tair struck twice in the 18th and 76th minute
to inspire the Syrian giants to go for more goals to ensure a berth in the
prestigious tournament.
The visitors were leading 2-0 in half time.In the second half, Mohun Bagan looked
purposeful for a while but a slew of misdirected passes meant they never got to
finish a good move.The two other scorers were Allah Shabi and Md Al-Wammi as
the Syrian side had 1-0 win in home match against India's rivals.
Without captain Baichung Bhutia, midfielder Marcos Pereira and experienced
goalkeepr Sangram Mukherjee, Mohun Bagan looked helpless lot to the Syrian
Giant Team . Al-Karamah coach Mohammed Kwid said he was
happy with his boys performance .
AL Karamah : Mosab,Shahen,Hassan,Alhamwi,Fahd,Belal,Anas,Alaa,Tamer,
Richard,Halal
Dempo S.C enters in the Pre Qr. Finals of AFC Cup 2009
19.05.2009 :Nigerian Striker Ranty Martins brace guide Goan team Dempo S.C
to enter in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup when they beat Al Faisaly of Jordan
3 - 1 today at Nehru Stadium, Goa . In away match Dempo also won 4 - 3 margin
against Al Faisaly.
Dempo who finished their league engagements as second with 10 points became
second team to enter the quarter-finals from the Group-E. Al Maged who was
leading the table with 10 points were the first team to qualify for the knock-out
stage earlier and now they are remaining top of the table with 13 points when
beat Al Muharraq 3 - 2 today in an other encounter.
Dempo's coach Armando Colaco was happy with his team's performance and told that
"We now play our quarter-finals match on May 26 and I do not know how they will
cope us who are tired after the end of the season," .
Dempo who needed a must win to enter the knock-out stage secured an early
lead in the 2nd minutes of the match in first half when Clifford Miranda gave a
square pass to unmarked Ranty Martins who did not fail to find the net. But in
35th minutes Moayad Abukeshek of Al Faisaly equalized by scoring the only goal for his
team. The first half result was 1 - 1.
In the 2nd half Dempo increased their margin through Ranty Martins againt via
penalty in the 53rd minutes. Martins wriggled his way past a clutch of defenders
before being brought down by captain Hatem Aqel in the penalty box.The Nigerian
took the resultant penalty himself and scored to make it 2-1. In 65th minutes
Brazilian Beto made sure the victory of Dempo by playing a nice one-two with
Ranty Martins before cutting past the goalkeeper to make it 3 - 1 .
The early goal boosted Dempo's spirit and created more scoring opportunities but
Ranty and Beto failed to capitalise on those otherwise 2 times AFC Cup winner
might lost the match with more goals.
Team
M
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pnt
AL MAGED (SYR)
6
4
1
1
12
9
+3
13
DEMPO SC (IND)
6
3
1
2
10
8
+2
10
MUHARRAQ (BHR)
6
1
3
2
7
8
-1
6
AL FAISALY (JOR)
6
1
1
4
11
15
-4
4
Captain Baichung Wants to quit Mohun Bagan
18.05.2009 :Before facing last AFC Match against Syrian team Al Karamah
tomorrow at Howrah Municipal Stadium, Mohun Bagan as well as Team
India Captain Baichung Bhutia has expressed his unwillingness to continue
with Mohun Bagan .Today Baichung told in front of Press that, he would ask the
club authority to release him, thereby putting an end to the show cause
controversy.
Mohun Bagan on Thursday served a show cause letter to Baichung Bhutia asking
him to explain reasons behind missing a number of training sessions and an
exhibition match in Jalpaiguri on 12th May without prior notice.
In that show cause letter stated that Bhutias' performance was not up to the
desired standard during the later stages of I-League and Super Cup.
For the reason Mohun Bagan could not win the I- League title.
The later also stated that Baichungs' performance in the AFC Cup 2009
is also poor and he was absent in the practice session at Amman
(Jordan) for the away match earlier this month and reached there less than 24
hours before the kick-off due to his secondary interest than football.
As a registered player and senior professional footballer it is unexpected from
him.
But in connection with a television reality show "Jhalak Dikha Ja" in Mumbai,
Bhutia did not respond to the notice though the 48-hour deadline is over
Baichung who reached Kolkata on Sunday night after taking part in that reality
show, said the show cause letter was a publicity gimmick.Captain of Mohun Bagan Bhutia
said "they are telling me to rethink but at the moment I have only one stand".
I don't have any motivation left in me to play for Mohun Bagan.
Bagan will meet Al Karamah while Dempo against Al Faisaly
18.05.2009 : Indian side Dempo will face a must win situation tomorrow when they take on bottom-placed Al Faisaly of
Jordon in their last match of group E of the AFC Cup goa.
In Group E, Al Majd has already find a berth in the knock out stage when they beat Dempo in their last
match at home on 5th may.Now as a second team Dempo need a victory tomorrow against Al Faisaly to qualify.
Al Faisaly who have 4 points also has an outside chance to make it the quarter-finals stage provided they
beat Dempo by two zero margin and see Al Muharraq lose to Al Majed tomorrow.
Dempo started their AFC cup campaign by winning against Al Faisaly and Al Majd, but drew against Al
Muharraq in the away match and lost their next two matches against Al Muharraq and Al Majid which has put
them in tight corner with 7 points.
Dempo will enjoy an advantage over Al Faisaly for playing at home and looking forward to their strikers
Ranty Martins and Beto for success tomorrow.
Team
M
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pnt
AL MAGED (SYR)
5
3
1
1
9
7
+2
10
DEMPO SC (IND)
5
2
1
2
7
7
0
7
MUHARRAQ (BHR)
5
1
3
1
5
5
0
6
AL FAISALY (JOR)
5
1
1
3
10
12
-2
4
On the ther match Mohun Bagan, who have already crashed out of the AFC Cup without a point will face Al
Karamah tomorrow in a Group D in AFC Cup at Howrah Municipal Stadium .
With nine points from five matches, Al Karamah are third in Group D. Kuwait SC and Al Wehdat, who are on 10
points each, are in joint lead and will clash in another match tomorrow. Al Karamah's future rests solely
on tomorrow's crucial match against Mohun Bagan .
With a home advantage, Karim Bencherifa will look to end the season to spoil Al Karamah's chances of making
to the next round. Mohun Bagan lost to Al Karamah by a solitary goal in their away match earlier.
Team
M
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pnt
AL KUWAIT (KUW)
5
3
1
1
11
4
+7
10
AL WEHDAT (JOR)
5
3
1
1
12
6
+6
10
AL KARAMAH (SYR)
5
3
0
2
8
7
+1
9
MOHUN BAGAN (IND)
5
0
0
5
1
15
-14
0
Super Star Luis Figo announce his retirement
17.05.2009 :Inter Milan winger Luis Figo announced shortly after winning the Serie A crown that he will
retire at the end of the season.
I Nerazzurri claimed their fourth successive Scudetto last night without kicking a ball,
courtesy of AC Milan's 2-1 defeat by Udinese.
"I finish in the best possible way," Figo told Portuguese sports newspaper Abola. "I will no
longer play at a high level."
I finish in the best possible way. I am delighted. It's always difficult to win a league
title in Italy.
Luis Figo on retirning after winning a fourth Serie A title with Inter Milan
Inter, who take on Siena this afternoon, are seven points clear of AC Milan with three games
remaining.
Figo, 36, won four La Liga titles during spells with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 who won 127 caps for Portugal, he joined Inter in
the summer of 2005 and yesterday's success marked his fourth in succession at the club.
"This is a first for me," he said."I've never won a title without playing. "I am delighted.
"It's always difficult to win a league title in Italy. But with respect to the previous
Scudetti, this one feels different because it has been slightly more difficult."
3. FIFA World Player of the Year : (runner-up) 2000
4. FIFA World Cup All-Star Team : 2006
5. UEFA Team of the Year: 2003
6. Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
7. Portuguese Golden Ball: 1994
2 Iranian Players invited to play for World All Star Team
17.05.2009 :Iran's soccer stars Ali Karimi and Javad Nekounam are the only Asian players that
have been invited to play for the world 'All Stars' against the South American squad.
The friendly match is scheduled to be held in Los Angeles on 5th July.
The list of the South American squad :
Argentina : Messi, Martin Palermo, R.Ayala, Daniel Montenegro, Abondanzieri, Andres D'Alessandro, P. Aimar
Chilie :Alexis Sanchez, Fabian Orellana and Gary Medel
Columbia :Juan Arango Venezuela : Radamel Falcao
Uruguay :Luis Suarez and Diego Lugano
Brazil :Roberto Carlos
coach : Zico (Brazil).
The list of the world 'All Stars' :
Sweden : Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Rumania : Cristian Chivu
Portugal : Luis Figo, Simao, Coutto
Italy :Andrea Gasbarroni, Angelo Palombo, G. Zambrota, Alessandro Costacurta,
Fabio Grosso, Stefano Fiore
Holland :Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davis, Michael Reizeguer
Spain :Carles Puyol, Ivan Pena, Manolo Jimenez, Luis Garcia, F. Morientes,
Ivan Helguera, Antonio Reyes
Iran :Ali Karimi and Javad Nekounam
coach : Bernd Schuster (Germany).
Ali Karimi and Javad Nekounam are the only Asian players that have been invited to play for
the world 'All Stars'.
Team India for AFC U-13 Football Festival at Tehran
15.05.2009 : The AFC U13 Festival of football(South Region) will be the first platform for many coaches,
referees to show their commitment and dedication internationally in order to get other step
of ladder.
Iranian capital of Tehran saw the commencement of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13
Football Festival of Football, Sunday 10 May, for the second consecutive year.
The Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) has already approved Tehran's Shahid Bahonar Stadium
for the event slated to conclude on 23 May 2009 for the event which will be held from 18-22
May 2009. with Size 5 ball will move around field having dimension 90 M x 60 M. Other eight
participants will be Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and
host Iran. The players born on or after 1 January 1996 will be eligible to appear in the
event. It is one of five events under AFC Umbrella for Pakistan this year.
Matches in format I will be played on May 19 and continue till May 20.
Matches of format II will be played on May 22 to 23.
14.05.2009 : A man has been given a life sentence for the murder of a football fan mown down following a Premier League derby match in "a dreadful act of revenge".
Lee Mockble, 21, of Hall Green, Birmingham, was convicted of murdering 26-year-old Christopher Priest on April 20 last year, shortly after Aston Villa's 5-1 win over Birmingham City.
Mr Priest, a Villa fan from Sutton Coldfield, died almost instantly after he was hit by Mr Mockble's Volkswagen Golf.
Judge John Warner, sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, told Mockble he would serve a minimum term of 12 years in jail.
During the trial, the court heard that Mockble drove deliberately into Mr Priest without swerving or braking. He was acting out of revenge for an attack in which one of Mr Priest's friends had launched a pint glass at Mockble's car, the court was told.
There were angry scenes outside the courtroom, with the families of Mockble and Mr Priest hurling abuse and threats at one another. Mr Priest's mother Barbara, who sobbed quietly as her son's killer was sentenced, shouted "justice has been done" as she was ushered out of the court by police family liaison officers.
Mockble's friends and family responded with a raft of insults, threatening to "smash her face in".
The victim's father, Lee Priest, said: "No remorse has been shown by the Mockble family and no regret has been expressed by them. Lee Mockble is the product of his upbringing and the killer of my son shows no respect for others and reflects the family values around him.
"The family should look at themselves and reflect on their actions of the last few weeks. At the end of the day they will get their son back to them in the future, which is something that is forever denied to us."
12.05.2009 : From Kerala to Kolkata, Mumbai to Mohali and Goa to Guwahati, India has some of the most fervent fans of Barclays
Premier League football in the world. The Barclays Premier League is the most popular domestic football tournament
anywhere in the world, with over 4.77 billion people watching it in over 200 countries. It also has many of the top
players including World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fans are required to explain in no more than 100 words why they are the Barclays Fan of India and can include
slogans, videos or photographs to support their entry. Entries can be submitted by post, by drop box in selected
Malls and Cafe Coffee locations, e-mail, or uploaded online by visiting
www.barclaysfanofindia.com
All entrants in the Barclays Fans of India competition have the opportunity to win:
•A trip for two to watch their favourite Barclays Premier League team play ‘live’ in England during the 2009/10
season. This will include flights, 4 star hotel accommodation, tickets and transfers.
•10 runners up will also receive a Barclays Premier League team shirt of their choice
Manchester United’s legendary midfielder Bryan Robson, a judge and ambassador for the Fan of India Contest, said: "I
know that representatives from Manchester United have visited India several times in the not too distant past and are
always amazed at the level of interest there is in the Barclays Premier League.
It really is a hotbed of football. I think the speed and intensity of the league appeals to the Indian population,
and I am looking forward to seeing how this is reflected in the entries for the Barclays Fan of India competition."
Liverpool’s Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina said: “Barclays Premier League supporters are the best in the world and
will go to great lengths to follow their favourite team. Liverpool have a huge following on the sub-continent so I'm
hoping the Barclays Fan of India will be a Reds supporter and get the chance to come over to England and see me in
action!"
The competition will run from May 12, 2009 through to June 2, 2009 with the winner of Barclays Fan of India announced
in mid June, 2009.
Source:www.free-press-release.com
HIV test must for IFA SAHARA CFL Premier Teams
11.05.2009 :The Indian football Association organised Sahara CFL 2009 Premier League Players Transfer will start from 15th June.
After a Meeting with the High Officials of Related Teams, IFA has decided that :-
1.HIV test of the footbllers must be done.In this regards IFA will help to spot some
Medical centers where, players
can test HIV in a resonable amount.
2.Every Footballer of Premier League Teams must have to show the Doctor Certificate to IFA before signing.
3.Every Premier League Teams must sign Five U-19 Footballers in their team list.
4.I-League teams can sign 50 footballers where others will sign 40 footballers including five U - 19 players.
5.In regards of Office Football team,IFA will try to make them more professional.
Didiar Drogba may face 6-months UEFA ban
11.05.2009 :
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was last night warned by UEFA that he faces a SIX-month Champions League ban for
abusing the referee after the Barcelona game.
Drogba will be charged along with team-mates Jose Bosingwa and Michael Ballack after Norwegian referee Tom Henning
Ovrebo was aggressively barracked after denying four Chelsea penalty appeals.
Charges will be levelled this week, but the club may have to wait for up to another month before hearing their fate.
The Blues can expect a charge of failing to control their players as well as individual charges against Drogba for
pursuing Ovrebo.
Uefa view the incident so seriously they liken it to the incidednt following a Champions League game between Inter
Milan and Valencia in 2007.
Inter's Nicolas Burdisso was punched by Valencia's David Navarro, who was later banned for seven months.
Bosingwa is in the dock over allegations he called Ovrebo a "thief" and a "cheat" while Ballack's behaviour is also
under scrutiny.
Uefa official Rob Faulkner said: "The aggression shown against Tom Henning
Ovrebo was completely unacceptable.''
Courtesy:www.uefa.com
Mohun Bagan win Jalpaiguri Friendly Match
11.05.2009 :
Mohunbagan 4 - 0 Jalpaigury XI Scorer : Isfaq Ahmed 2, Anandvasan, Tulunga
Mohun Bagan today beat Jalpaiguri XI 4 - 0 in an exhibition match held in Town
club ground in Jalpaiguri. In the half time (35 minutes each half) the score was
Goalless.
In the 2nd half Mohun Bagan scored 3 goals .In 37th minute, Anandvasan scored
first for Mohun Bagan from a beautiful corner Brazilian midfielder Marcos
(1 - 0). In 40th minute, Ishfaq scored his Ahmed increased the lead via his
powerful right footer (2 - 0). After 2 minutes, Tulunga dribbled past goalkeeper
to make the scoreline (3 - 0 ) in favor of Bagan. In 65th Minute Ishfaq Ahmed
scored again for Meriners through his left footed shot.
India U -14 Girls wins AFC Football Festival 2009
11.05.2009 :Maharashtra State player and PIFA student Natasha Merchant was the
proud member of the Indian team that won the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
under-14 Girls' Football Festival held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from April 30 to May 5,
2009. Natasha was the only girl selected from Maharashtra.
The team won 21 Green Cards, the maximum by any team. Indians faced
tough challenge from Jordan and IR Iran but they were left behind in
the numbers of Green Cards.
India’s Results
beat Bhutan 9-0.
beat IR Iran 3-1.
beat Bhutan 15-0.
beat Sri Lanka 8-0
lost to Jordan 0-1.
held goalless by IR Iran.
defeated Jordan 8-3.
beat Sri Lanka 6-0
PIFA boys to play For India U-13
11.05.2009:Three boys associated with Premier India Football Academy (PIFA) have
made it to the final 22 of the AIFF India U13 team. Hussain Vahanvaty
is a PIFA student whereas Aryamann Sethi and Calvin Lobo are PIFA
campers. All the three boys have featured for the Maharashtra U-13
team and will now represent India in the AFC U 13 Festival to held
in IR Iran from 17th to 23rd May 2009.
PIFA camps in Mumbai kick off
11.05.2009:Premier India Football Academy (PIFA) kicked off their annual
summer football camps simultaneously at the Bombay Scout & Guide ground in Juhu and at Priya Darshani Park (PDP) at Nepeansea Road. Hundred
children have registered for this 5 day intensive camp to be held from 11-15 May
2009.
The training session are being conducted by qualified UEFA & AFC
coaches. Talented children from the camp will be invited to join the
various PIFA teams.
PIFA Champions Tour 2009 to Manchester/Liverpool.
9.05.2009 :Premier India Football Academy (PIFA) conducted their 18th camp to Europe in 6
years. Forty eight children between 8-16 years from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore,
Hyderabad & Chennai signed up for this exciting 10 day soccer camp.
The children trained for 5 hours daily, they visited Manchester United’s Old Trafford
Stadium & Mueseum and Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium & Mueseum.
The campers played four friendly matches against local English clubs.
The children got to meet England and ex Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and his girl
friend Abbey Clancy at the Inspire Academy. The other highlight of the tour was
watching a live EPL match between Manchester City and Blackburn at the City of
Manchester Stadium.
The skills contest was won by PIFA student Aahant Singh.
Manchester United has signed a sponsorship deal with AIRTEL
8.05.2009 :Bharti Airtel, Asia's leading integrated telecom services
provider, today announced a five-year partnership with Manchester United.
This partnership will enable Airtel customers across India, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles will get exclusive access to
rich and exclusive United content on their mobile phones.
In addition, Airtel users will get opportunities to participate in training sessions with Manchester United Soccer
Schools coaches, to attend matches at Old Trafford and travel into Europe with United to UEFA Champions League games.
The announcement was made at Old Trafford by Sanjay Kapoor, Deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel in the presence of United's
David Gill (CEO), Richard Arnold (Director of Commercial), Sir Alex Ferguson and players Darren Fletcher, Wayne
Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
“We are very excited to partner with Manchester United, a powerful global brand with huge following across the world
and in India,” said Sanjay Kapoor, Deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel.
“Football is definitely seeing a growing interest amongst the young population in India. Therefore, we are making a
pioneering effort to bring to them rich football content on their mobiles, a fantastic opportunity to be part of the
world’s leading football club through participation in Soccer Schools, and also an opportunity to watch matches
across Europe.”
David Gill said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the partnership with Bharti Airtel, India’s largest
telecommunications company and one of Asia’s emerging global brands. This partnership demonstrates the enduring
strength of the Club internationally.
Courtesy: www.manutd.com
Hammam To Continue With Demand For Diplomatic Status.
8.05.2009 :Despite winning FIFA's executive comittee
seat for West Asia and making a U-turn about relocatin AFC House in Bukit Jalil
here to another country, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed
Hammam said that he would keep on pushing the Malaysian government to give
due recognition to the confederation.
Hammam, who has been AFC's president since 2002, said the matter was one of
his agenda before the confederation held its next election on 2011.
"Among the things that I will do is to maintain my earlier demand - for better
recognition from Malaysia," he told reporters here Friday.
Mohamed Hammam won the FIFA's executive comittee seat with a slim majority,
garnering 23 votes whereas his challenger Sheikh Salman Ebrahim Al Khalifa of
Bahrain obtained 21 votes, in the election. Two votes were spolit.
The Qatari had earlier proposed to the delegates of the 23rd AFC Congress to
remove agenda number 13 in the meeting. Agenda number 13 was the motion to
relocate the AFC headquarters, famously known as AFC House, to another country.
Hammam in June last year had asked the Malaysian government to give due
recognition for the confederation if Malaysia wanted AFC House to remain in Bukit
Jalil.
Among Hammam's demand are - diplomatic status for the AFC president, income
tax exemption for its foreign staff, a new office and interest-free loans.
But the demand was rejected by the then Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Ismail
Sabri Yaakob who stressed that Malaysia had acknowledged the AFC through the
setting up of the AFC House building in Bukit Jalil.
Highway to Rome : Barcelona will face Manchester .
07.05.2009 :: RANA BOSE :Chelsea’s hopes of back-to-back appearance in the UEFA Champions League Final came a cropper with an injury time
strike by Barcelona’s Andres Inesta. Barcelona FC thus prevented it from being an all Premier League Final in Rome.
The match started off with Barcelona having more of the possession but Chelsea having the ball at places where it
mattered. Chelsea took the lead at the 9th minute when Michael Essien’s pile driver from top-of-the-box hit the
bottom of the crossbar and crashed into the net. It started off with Frank Lampard's pass being half-cleared and even
though there seemed little danger, Essien met the loose ball with a thunderous left-foot volley that left goalkeeper
Valdes stranded as it ripped high past him and into the net off the bar.
Chelsea were distinctly unlucky as the Norwegian referee Tom Ovrebo messed up with his decision making and deprived
Chelsea of penalties in two separate incidents. First, Alves hauled down Malouda well inside the box but the referee
chose to award a free kick from just outside. Drogba was the next to be at the receiving end of a bad decision when
he was tugged back by Abidal again inside the box, but Ovrebo chose to ignore.
Barcelona's response was predictably measured as they refused to stray from their trademark passing approach but it
failed to reap any rewards as Chelsea keeper Cech remained well protected by his defenders. Indeed, it was Chelsea
who had the better chances despite having less of the possession, with Valdes just beating Drogba to Lampard's long
ball before diverting away the striker's angled free-kick with his knees.
Chelsea made the first of a series of penalty appeals when Malouda appeared to be hauled down by Alves inside the
box, only for the referee to signal a free-kick just outside the area. Drogba was the next to appeal when he astugged
back by Abidal but Ovrebo ignored his claims - much to the obvious disgust of Chelsea's high-maintenance striker.
The home side, predictably, came under pressure in the opening exchanges after the break but they broke away to great
effect, only to see Drogba waste a perfect chance to double their lead. Anelka set him up 12 yards out but after
cutting inside Pique, Drogba shot against the legs of Valdes, with Malouda striking the rebound into the ide-netting.
Drogba was again left appealing in vain for a penalty after colliding with Yaya Toure but Barcelona's giant midfield
man looked to have just got a touch on the ball.
Referee Ovrebo was on the receiving end of Barcelona's anger after 65 minutes when he sent off defender Abidal for
what only appeared to be an unwitting tangle of legs with Anelka. And Ovrebo was in action again 10 minutes from time
when Pique handled under pressure from Anelka but once again the referee was in no mood to point to the spot.
As the game entered the final minutes of stoppage time, the one moment of magic Chelsea feared from this gifted
Barcelona side arrived to steal their dreams of a second successive final away from them at the last gasp.
Essien sliced his clearance and the ball came to Iniesta, who sent a rising 20-yard drive past Cech into the top
corner to spark chaotic scenes on the touchline.
More drama was to follow when Chelsea's players appealed one last time for a penalty when Michael Ballack's volley
appeared to strike Samuel Eto'o's arm - and the German midfielder chased the referee back up the pitch to express his
fury when the spot-kick never came.
And when the final whistle blew, Drogba marched on to direct his tirade at referee Ovrebo - it was an act that only
increased the sense of anger and injustice on the air on a night of bitter disappointment for Chelsea.
FINAL : ROME-Italy : 27th May : Manchester United (ENG) Vs Barcelona(ESP)
06.05.2009 :: :Kolkata Giant King Fisher East Bengal Club announced their probable Players list for the
coming season in a press meet today at the Club tent .In this occasion Hony.
General Secretary Mr. Kalyan Majumdar along with Coach Mr. Subhas Bhowmick
and Vice-President Mr. Nani Das were present. Here is the probable team List
Forwards: S.Subhas Singh (Air India), Yusif Yakubu, Edmilson Pardal
MDFA is going to start Women Football League.
06.05.2009 :: :The Mumbai District Football Association proposes to start
its women’s football league from May 20, 2009 onwards at its ground in Parel.
Those teams that are desirous of taking part may kindly confirm their entries by
May 12. For further details, contact the MDFA office, telephone 24124900.
MDFA ASKS ITS CLUBS TO IGNORE WIFA..
The Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) has asked its affiliated clubs not
to deal with the Western India Football Association (WIFA) directly and to have
no truck with the proposed ‘Maharashtra league’ after learning that the state body
had called its elite division clubs for a meeting (which has now been postponed to
April 5, 2009) to discuss the proposed state league.
At a meeting of the MDFA’s Elite Division clubs and the MDFA executive committee
at the association’s headquarters at Parel, Mumbai, on Friday, March 27, 2009,
MDFA president Commander Kehar Singh, VSM , IN (retd) exhorted the clubs to
ignore all communications from the WIFA which seek to bypass the MDFA.
The MDFA has already written to its clubs to ignore all letters from the WIFA and
to report any such activities to it. The MDFA has also written to the WIFA asking
it not write directly to its clubs by bypassing the MDFA.
“You are affiliated to the MDFA, which is in turn affiliated to the WIFA and hence
the state body has no locus standi to deal with you directly,” Commander Singh
told the club representatives at the meeting.
Commander Singh pointed out that the proposed state league is nothing but a
ruse to disrupt the activities of the MDFA. He further added that it would be a
farce as, baring one or two teams, the clubs from the other districts will prove no
match against the MDFA’s top outfits, three of which are competing in the
I-League.
The MDFA president also suggested that if the WIFA is keen on promoting football
it should do so in the districts, almost all of which have no clubs or football
activity worth the name, and not in Mumbai where the MDFA has 264 registered
clubs playing in eight division leagues besides several other tournaments.
Representatives of almost all the MDFA’s 17 Elite Division clubs like Mahindra
United, Mumbai FC, RCF, Central Railway, Akbar Travels, Kenkre Academy etc.,
attended the meeting. All of them present unanimously agreed to stand by the
MDFA in all respects and have no direct dealings with the WIFA.
For further details, you may please contact:
Mr Souter Vaz, General Secretary, Cell 9869021649
Commander Kehar Singh, VSM , IN (Retd), Cell 9322212144
2nd Leg - Chelsea Vs Barcelona - WAR OF THE WORLDS. ...
06.05.2009 :: SAURAV SUREKA :In what is arguably the most anticipated match of the year, the Spanish league leaders from Catalonia make a trip to the English capital with nothing but goals on their mind. However they know that they would have their task cut out against a side which earned the distinction of being the only team this season to escape unscathed at Camp Nou. As always the off field accusations have once again overshadowed the on field drama in this battle of the two most different footballing clubs on the planet. The relationship between the two teams can be best described as an enmity and not a rivalry. Anyone who had doubts in their minds that this year’s matchup between these two teams would be a little more friendly and respectful due to Mourinho’s absence and the relatively calmer Hiddink’s presence must have been shell shocked by now. No sooner did the 1st leg end than the Barca players came all out to tell the media as to how Chelsea are anti-footballing team. While the purists sympathized with the Catalans, there were others who marveled at Hiddink’s tactical ability and Chelsea’s resilience. Now as the eyes of the whole world move towards Stamford Bridge, the Blues know that they cannot afford to sit back like they did in the 1st leg in front of their own fans. Barca on the other hand would be looking to justify their tags as favorites and nothing less than a hammering would satisfy the needs of their fans.
Guus Hiddink goes into the game with a selection headaches roaming around his head, albeit of a good kind. Ashley Cole is back from suspension and is expected to mark Leo Messi, taking over from Jose Bosingwa who in turn is expected to fight for his place against the Serbian Branislav Ivanovic for the right back slot. However Portuguese duo Ricardo Carvalho and Deco are expected to miss the game due to injuries along with winged wonder Joe Cole who is a long term casualty. Hiddink would also be happy with the fact that all of his players escaped unharmed from the weekend derby with Fulham. In what has become a cliché in the Blue part of London, Didier Drogba will once again be expected to be their main man, as the Ivorian has proved time and again that he is arguably the world’s best big game player.
Pep Guardiola, who had gone into the 1st leg with absolutely know selection issues now has a couple of them at hand. While Mexican Rafael Marquez limped off with a season ending injury, club icon Carles Puyol earned a yellow card which effectively rules him out of this game thus handing Pep a centre back headache to deal with. An injury at the weekend to Thierry Henry has also increased the pressure on the trio of Messi, Eto’o and Iniesta to deliver as the Frenchman was gradually getting back to his best in a Barca jersey. Leo Messi, fondly known as El Mesias will start the game as the best known match winner in the world after he put in another sensational performance against arch rivals Real Madrid at the weekend.
As if a place in the Champions League Final wasn’t a big enough incentive for these two side, the fact that Manchester United are waiting at the other end would only add to the feistiness of the game. After these two were the sides whom Manchester United overcame at the end of last season to be crowned European Champions. Both sets of players would relishing a shot at winning the biggest prize of them all as well as earning revenge against the Red Devils in one go. Once again goals are expected in this game as both forward lines can cause untold destruction on any given day. This is also a game where a few cards are expected out of the referee’s pockets and it would be no surprise if any of these two sides end up handicapped at the end of the night. All in all, its not a football game that awaits the world at the world at Stamford Bridge, it’s a WAR. . .
Chelsea (probable, 4-3-3) : Peter Cech, Boswinga, John Terry, Alex, A.
Cole, Frank Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Barcelona (probable, 4-3-3) : Valdes; Alves, Marquez, Pique, Abidal,
Xavi, Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Eto'o, Henry.
Referee: T Henning (Norway).
Manchester reach in the Final of Champions League ...
06.05.2009 :: RANA BOSE :
Arsenal’s dream of winning the UEFA Champions League 2009 ended as they were humiliated at
home by Manchester United. A dream that Arsène Wenger and his boys and countless supporters
had been nurturing and nourishing for the past nine months disappeared within the first 11
minutes of Tuesday’s Semi-Final second leg at Emirates Stadium.
Already trailing 1-0 from the Old Trafford game, Arsène Wenger’s side needed almost a
perfect performance to see off the holders and Premier League champions. However, a
disasterous Kieran Gibbs’ slip allowed Ji-Sung Park to fire home a crucial first goal after
just eight minutes from start. Shortly afterwards, Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range free-kick
beat Manuel Almunia at the near post.
They were the mortal wounds in this particular battle. Ronaldo’s breakaway goal on the hour
simply twisted the knife a little further. Arsenal saved some face with 14 minutes left when
Robin van Persie crashed home a penalty after Darren Fletcher hacked down Cesc Fabregas in
the danger area. Consequently, the Manchester United midfielder received a red card and
misses the all important Final.
But, in reality, it was scant consolation. Wenger’s side had been well-beaten on the night
and in the tie overall. The history books will record this as Arsenal’s second-best
Champions League campaign but, on the whistle, it did not feel like it. In fact, this was a
bitter, bitter pill to swallow.
Wenger had to make two changes from the first leg. Mikael Silvestre had not recovered from
the groin injury picked up at Old Trafford so Johan Djourou slotted in alongside Kolo Toure.
Further forward, Van Persie returned from his own groin problem. The Dutchman began on the
left-hand side of a five-man midfield with Theo Walcott on the opposite flank and Samir
Nasri, Alex Song and Fabregas sandwiched inbetween. Once again, Emmanuel Adebayor was the
solitary frontman.
Rio Ferdinand’s rib problem had cleared up sufficiently for him to retain his role as centre
back so Manchester United’s only change saw Park replace Carlos Tevez. On paper, it looked a
defensive move by Sir Alex Ferguson but, in fact, it would work out differently. Nights like
this need stout hearts, tough tenacity and superlative skills - plus a fair share of luck of
course.
Arsenal nearly got theirs four minutes from start but fortune would prove to be fickle
shortly afterwards. Fabregas let fly optimistically from 25 yards. The ball was going well
wide of Edwin van der Sar’s right-hand post before deflecting off Nemanja Vidic and then
Ferdinand saw it trickle wide his left-hand upright with the keeper totally beaten. The home
side were bright, alive and inquisitive of their opposition – everything you would want in
the circumstances. So Manchester United’s goal – and the manner with which it arrived – was
a crushing blow. In the eighth minute Anderson sent Ronaldo through on the left of the
Arsenal area. The Portuguese crossed low to the far post but straight at Gibbs.
Unfortunately the full back lost his footing as he was about to collect and he was left
floundering as Park fired the ball home. It was a cruel blow to Arsenal but worse was to
come. Before the home side had managed to clear their heads, Manchester United got a second.
Van Persie was adjudged to have fouled Ronaldo 30 yards out and the Manchester United
attacker picked himself up to beat Manuel Almunia at his near post with a swerving, dipping
free-kick.
A decent start had transformed itself into a nightmare. Arsenal now needed to score four
times in order to go through. In fairness they tried to lift themselves but, as in the first
leg, the visitors were more incisive. Rooney’s curling effort had to be tipped around the
post by Almunia at full stretch. From the subsequent corner, Ronaldo headed just wide.
Fabregas and Adebayor also nodded over the bar as Arsenal started to muster something going
forward. But now the onus was entirely on the home side. Manchester United knew they would
have to commit players forward at some stage. They seemed happy to pick Arsenal apart in the
process.
Ronaldo kept the home defence busy with a couple of free-kicks and a snap-shot on the
whistle but, at the break, there seemed little way back for Arsenal. Wenger made a change at
the start of the second half. Gibbs came off and, as he had at Portsmouth on Saturday,
Emmanuel Eboue filled in as a left back. But Emirates Stadium was muted. They needed a spark
from their side – or better still a goal. In fact it was the visitors who came closest in
the early stages when Ronaldo cut inside Djourou and forced Almunia into a superb low save
at his near post.
Arsenal were now pushing forward and, almost inevitably, Manchester United profited. Rooney
led a lightning break before feeding Ronaldo, who gleefully slid home a third. Although, Van
Persie stung the hands of Van der Sar, a raft of substitutions by Ferguson suggested he felt
entirely comfortable. Bendtner did rifle an effort into the sidenetting with 19 minutes left
but Park responded with a low drive to the near post that Almunia had to block with urgency.
With 14 minutes left, Arsenal rescued something from the game. Fletcher was adjudged to have
fouled Fabregas as he went through on goal. Once referee Robert Rossetti pointed to the
penalty spot a red card for the Scotsman was inevitable.
Van Persie thumped the penalty high into the net. It was the Dutchman’s last contribution to
the game. He got a bash on the nose in Arsenal’s next attack and was replaced by Carlos
Vela. With 10 men, Manchester United never came out of their shell. They simply tried to
keep their shape. As a result Fabregas fired wide and then nearly converted Bendtner’s flick
at the far post.
The referee flashed yellow cards at Nasri, Adbayor and Eboue of Arsenal and the red card at
Fletcher of Man United.
Unfortunately, this was clearly not Arsenal’s day. They must now regroup and look for the
next season ahead.
TEAMS:
Manchester United : Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Evra (Rafael 65’), Vidic, O’Shea, Carrick, Park,
Fletcher, Anderson (Giggs 63’), Rooney (Berbetov 66’), Ronaldo
Arsenal : Almunia, Djourou, Toure’, Sagna, Gibbs (Eboue’ 45’), Fabregas, Nasri, Song, van
Persie (Vela 80’), Walcott (Bendtner 63’), Adebayor
Mohun Bagan lost to Al Widhat while Dempo to Al majd
05.05.2009 : Jordan League champions Al Wehdat recorded a dominant 5-0 win over India’s Mohun Bagan in a Group D match of the AFC
Cup at King Abdullah International stadium on Tuesday.
Al Wehdat opened the scoring when defender Manju put the ball into his own net in the 26th minute shortly before the
hosts added a second through Issa Al Sapah.
Al Sapah scored a third for his side five minutes before the break and the rout continued as Hasan Abdel-Fattah
converted a penalty six minutes after the hour mark before Rafat Ali rounded off the scoring with five minutes
remaining.
Al Wehdat showed their attacking intentions right from the start of and should have opened the scoring after just two
minutes when Amer Abuhwati played a smart pass to Amer Deeb, who fired just wide.
It was no surprise that they did go ahead after 26 minutes when Deeb crossed from the right and Manju compounded to
put the ball into his own net.
The home side doubled their advantage two minutes later when Abuhwati launched a quick attack before passing to Al
Sapah, who broke into the area and scored with a powerful close-range shot.
Al Sapah then scored his second goal of the game and the third for Al Wehdat five minutes before the break when he
took advantage of a defensive mistake before smashing the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Al Wehdat continued the second half in much the same vein as they had finished the first and should have scored their
fourth goal six minutes after the break when Al Sapah fired over the crossbar.
But their fourth duly arrived after 66 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Rafat Ali was fouled inside the
area and Abdel-Fattah successfully converted the penalty.
The convincing advantage caused Al Wehdat to take their foot off the pedal but they still managed to add a fifth five
minutes before the end when Ali volleyed home.
on the other match in Group 'E' Syria’s Al Maged qualified for the knockout stage
of the AFC Cup with a 2-1 win over Indian Last I-League champions Goa Giant
Dempo .
Abdulhadi Al Hariri opened the scoring for the Syrian side in the 40th minute and
Kenan Al Nama made it 2-0 after the break before Beto pulled a goal back for
Dempo.Dempo pulled a goal back on 67 minutes when Beto met a cross from the
right with a powerful header that flew past Samer Saaid.Al Maged nearly regained
their two-goal cushion in the 79th minutes as an Ali Diab header slammed against
the crossbar.
:AIFF has been released 27 India Campers ...
05.05.2009 :AIFF on Tuesday released the list of 27 players that would attend the camp at
Delhi from June 22nd. The camp will go on till 7th July.
Following are the players for the senior camp(As per Current Club) .As per www.the-aiff.com.
04.05.2009 :Goan outfit Dempo S.C who lost their last AFC match
against Al Muharraq would be looking to win when they will play against Syrian side
Al Maged in their AFC Cup Group E match at the Al Abbasiyyin Stadium in
Damascus tomorrow.The two sides are both on 7 points at the top of the League
Table. Al Majd will confirm their entry to the next round if they win by 2 - 0
against Dempo tomorrwo.
In the first leg Dempo won the match against A-majd 1 - 0 at home.In a press
meet Dempo Coach Armando Colaco told "We have defeated Al Majed at home
and are confident that we can get a positive result. I believe we can win the
game and qualify to the next stage".
Al Majd Coach Mahlmi told "Dempo game is crucial for us because playing against Muharraq in
the last round will be very hard.Winning the game with more than two goals will
help us to secure our qualification with one match to play.“Dempo is a good side
and their win against Al Faisaly in Amman sends us the message that they are a
strong team and we must respect them. They are tough to beat whether at
home or away.
GROUP E - TABLE
Team
M
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pnt
DEMPO SC (IND)
4
2
1
1
6
5
+1
7
AL MAGED (SYR)
4
2
1
1
7
6
+1
7
MUHARRAQ (BHR)
4
1
3
0
3
2
+1
6
AL FAISALY (JOR)
4
0
1
3
7
10
-3
1
Mohun Bagan to face Al wehdat of Jordon tomorrow ...
04.05.2009 :Arrived yesterday, the delegation of the Indian team Mohan Bargan ready to meet the units in the eighth and a half
hours on Tuesday, the next part of the fifth round of the qualifying round of the AFC Cup, and joined the mission,
which reached 17 today with a professional player and one of Brasilian Player and the technical staff and
administrative and medical this and join the team's captain, Baichung Bhutia on Monday due to special circumstances.
This was canceled and the Indian team training session, which was scheduled this evening in view of the state of
fatigue experienced by the mission after a long journey lasted nearly 24 hours, but coach Karim bin an honest share
of light training in the garden of the hotel in order to rest the muscles and remove the effects of fatigue due to
travel.
It is expected that the Indian mission on the morning of tomorrow, a tourist visit to the Dead Sea, where the members
of the Mission of the great desire to visit the area upon arrival to Amman.
And Maldives have been the work of the match observer on the field tour of the stadium where the match is expected to
inform the observer of the game officials from both sides on the date of the technical meeting on Monday at the
residence of Mark's Indian delegation.
Even the scorching day could not stop the football enthusiasts from coming to
Ambedkar stadium and learning some Spanish Football techniques .
The third and
the last day of the YKK Just for Kicks program saw a tremendous response and an
even bigger crowd today. The first batch started at 7:30 am and participating in
it were 50 kids from All India Football Association, 28 kids from Birla Vidya Niketan
and 30 from NGO – Udayan care.
The coaches faced a challenging workshop with
108 kids on the field but were equally thrilled with the kids. The second batch saw
90 more kids coming from Pathways school and YKK’s factory football team.
It started at 9:30 am and the Just for Kicks clinic went on till 12 noon. Each
student got YKK football kits personally from these coaches and YKK officials.
The Barcelona coaches feel that these kids have a great potential and Indian
football has a great future. Today was the end of a successful YKK Just for
Kicks event.
YKK - Just For Kicks-Day -2. ...
02.05.2009 :
The YKK, along with FC Barcelona coaches, continued its effort today to raise the standards of Indian Football
through a children football workshop, called YKK-Just for Kicks, held at the Ambedkar stadium.
With weather gods by our side, the day saw a huge number of kids, between the age group 10-14, coming to be a part of
the YKK-Just for Kicks workshop. The first batch started at 7:30 in the morning and 57 children from the DPS R.K.
Puram School and 8 children from NGO - Udayan Care participated in the same. The second batch started at 10 am and
52 kids from Sri Ram Public school and 12 from Sanskriti School participated in it.
The day saw Barcelona coaches giving undivided attention and non stop coaching to kids who were thrilled and very
excited to be a part of this rare workshop. Each kid got YKK Football jerseys which for sure each one of them is
going to treasure for ever. The participation certificate was given to each kid personally by coaches.
With one more day to go for the kids workshop, the YKK team and Barcelona coaches are very excited to impart and
share as much as they can with these talented kids.
AFC Cup dream keeps Odafe at Churchill....
02.05.2009 :For star forward Odafe Onyeka Okolie the dream of playing for the I-League champions Churchill Brothers in the Asian
Football Confederation (AFC) Cup is tempting enough to reject blank-cheque offers from the two top Kolkata clubs.
Not that Churchill's eight-figure annual package is any less attractive for the Nigerian to think of a shift, it is
just that he wanted to go back to Kolkata and erase his none-too-happy memories of the eastern metropolis six years
ago when he was a raw youngster.
In the end, it was the AFC Cup that kept the 24-year-old back for the fourth season and Kolkata biggies Mohun Bagan
and East Bengal will have to wait for another opportunity.
?I got irressistable offers from the two top Kolkata clubs, but I can't exactly figure out why I stayed back. Maybe
the dream of playing in an international tournament was too much to resist', Odafe told media
on Friday.
'Every overseas footballer wants to play in Kolkata. I had the experience of enjoying the huge fan following. It is
amazing but also adds to the pressure. In Goa there is less pressure and I have enjoyed playing here. But I would
like to return to Kolkata', he said.
Odafe, who had an unimpressive stint with Kolkata?s Mohammedan Sporting in 2003, feels that a good performance in the
AFC Cup will bring better offers for him.
Playing in the AFC Cup is a big thing for Churchill. A good performance in it will change our luck. So my priority is
AFC Cup, not money. I am happy with the package I am getting here?, Odafe said.
He refused to divulge the actual figure, but at the same time he would not deny that the package is worth well over
eight figures.
The Nigerian, who won the Golden Boot in the I-League for the third consecutive time, has reportedly settled for
$200,259 annual bonanza, a figure unheard of in Indian
football.
Asked whether the trend is a good sign for Indian football, Odafe said: 'I hope so. But it all depends on the quality
of footballers. There is a huge demand for good players but not many are around'.
Now that his stay with the Churchill is settled, Odafe is looking forward to the AFC Cup.
'I want to turn out for international clubs. AFC Cup can pave way for it. I am keen on doing well in the tournament',
he said.
Neme : Odafa Okolie Onayeke Country:Nigeria Age: 24 Years Position:Can Play as Striker,Defencive Midfielder,Even as Goal Keeper Status:School and College Team Captain in Nigeria Academy: Pepsi football Academy - Nigeria Current Club:Churchill Brothers,Goa,India Previous Clubs :
2003 -City F.C-Kolkata,Peerless S.C-Kolkata
2004 -Mohammedan S.C- Kolkata
2005 -Mukti Joddha Samsad (Bangladesh), Churchill Brothers
Achievements :Top Scorer with 13 goals in Bangladesh Football League 2005 Achievements:Top Scorer with 12 goals in 2nd Divn.AIFF Ongc NFL 2005 Achievements:Top Scorer with 22 goals in Goa Football League 2006 Achievements:Top Scorer with 11 goals in Durand Cup 2007
Achievements:Double Hattrick in I-Legue (2008-09) Vs Vasco 9 -1 Win for Churchill.
Current Achuevements ( 66 Goals in 55 I-League Matches)
I-League : 2006-07 :: Scored 18 Goals in 17 Matches
I-League : 2007-08 :: Scored 22 Goals in 17 Matches
I-League : 2008-09 :: Scored 26 Goals in 21 Matches
01.05.2009 : S.Mitra :Mohun Bagan today beat CCFC 6-0 in a practice match held in Mohun Bagan
ground. Chibu scored 2 goals (both from penalty), Tapan Maity, Manish,
Lalampuia, Kartick scored one goal each. Two players who are in trial, Chibu
and Manish both played one half each.
Regarding the two players in trial, coach said, "Mohun Bagan is a big team. The
players have to be of very good standard. We are still looking for few players."
About his next opponent, he commented, "Al Wihdat is an extremely experienced
team.
They have won almost all tournaments in Jordan over the last three years.
We will be missing few key players but we will try our best and hope for a positive
result." He also added, "Habibur's father passed away yesterday night, this is a
very unfortunate incident. He had been rejecting offer for playing outside Kolkata
mainly due to his father."
He is a little worried about the fatigue factor. "We have
already had a long season and players are really tired. However, in Super Cup
also we did overcome this factor and had a good match and won the
tournament."
PIFA campers meet Peter Crouch....
01.05.2009 :PIFA children currently on the Champions Tour to UK got a surprise of their life
when England & ex Liverpool striker Peter Crouch famous for his robotic goal
celebrations dropped in to meet them with his girl friend Abby Clancy at the
Inspire Academy training centre. He spent an hour with the children and gave
them all autographed memorabilia’s
Today two players were seen in practice, one attacking medio Chibu and another
player from New Delhi who also plays in medio. Both players have been
recommended by Chima Okerie. However, coach refused to comment on the
players.
FC Barcelona youth team coaches in India Clinic....
01.05.2009 :YKK Holding Asia Pte Ltd (YHA) will partner with Spanish Primera Liga FC Barcelona for a Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) initiative in the form of two football clinics in Vietnam and India. The project, YKK-Just for
Kicks, which was inaugurated in Singapore in 2007 witnessed over 400 children, put through the paces by coaches
brought over from Japan. The resounding success has prompted YHA to bring the project to other regions where the
world’s leading fastening manufacturers has business presence.
A three day event that will be held in New Delhi, starting 1st May 2009, will also include coaches training for
aspiring local coaches from India. These coaches from India will be especially selected and shortlisted by the All
India Football Association (AIFF). The coaching staff from FC Barcelona Soccer School will look to impart the Spanish
football philosophy to the participants.
“It is important for YKK to contribute and work with the local community. I believe that this event will bring great
joy to the children in Vietnam and India. We want to support their growth through this football event” said the
Managing Director of YHA, Mr. Ken Nakano.
FC Barcelona’s International Business Manager, Joshua Thomson, admitted that this would be an exciting project for
the FC Barcelona Football School coaching team due to the rapidly growing fan base for football in both countries.
“We have never conducted football clinics in Vietnam and India for that matter. We know there is a huge support for
FC Barcelona in Asia and this will be a great opportunity for us to reach out to local communities in their
respective countries” said the FC Barcelona’s representative.
The New Delhi event is set from 1st May – 3rd May, starting off with a Press Conference at the Taj Mahal (Man Singh)
at 11.30am after which the coaches training session will kick off at 3pm at the Ambedkar Stadium.
"JUST FOR KICKS" is a football clinic aimed at encouraging participation of children
aged 10-14 years old. With a minimum of 3 hours provided by FC Barcelona
campus coaches, the participants will learn football the Spanish way.
AIFF will be sending their 30 kids for one of the batches on the 3rd May 2009.
Date: 2nd May – 3rd May 2009
Venue: Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. India
Time: 07:30 to 10:30 hrs (1st session) 11:00 to 14:00 hrs (2nd Session)
Category: 10-14 years old
Additional information: Participants will receive a set of jersey, shorts, socks and
a certificate of participation. Refreshments and snacks will be served in between
breaks.
The local organizing committee welcomes all members of the media to attend and
support the event.
Football based Bengali movie ‘Go for Goals-Bangali Jiboner Chhando’
is going to hit theatres soon....
01.05.2009 : Subhransu Roy: Kolkata: :Football based Bengali movie
‘Go for Goals - Bangali Jiboner Chhando’ is
going to hit theatres soon. It is often alleged by football fan of Bengal that
despite football’s strong cultural and popular values the Bengali celluloid has
remained almost ignorant about this game. In deed in Bengali cinema there are
only few countable films like DHONNY MEYE (1971) MOHUNBAGAN ER MEYE(1976)
, STRIKER(1978), SAHEB (1981), EAST BENGAL ER CHELE (Unreleased),AASHARY(2000)
are fully based on football. But now its
good news for football lovers.
After a long gap the Tollygunj is all set to release a Bengali movie based on football
story.The name of the film is’ Go for Goals-Bangali Jiboner Chhando’.Based on
Swaranjit Chakraborty’s popular novel ‘Pata Jhorar Morsume’.
The movie is going to be launched on 22nd May in 11 cinema halls in the city and
around. This United Colour Entertainment produced 100 minute film is directed by
Ujjal Mitra and Suman Bhattacharyay while music is composed by Nachiketa
Chakraborty.
According to Shreyasee Bhaduri, the PRO of the production house, many
promising new comers are making their debut through this film. Ace footballers of
India as well as Bengal (70s & 80s ) Goutom Sarkar and Subrata Bhattacharyya are
making guest appearance in the film.
Please stay with us for more details, pictures etc.....
