Juventus' lose is Celtic's gain- Chiellini out for 3 months

This is a tough loss for Juventus. Chiellini is big part of what Juve does and is a seasoned veteran and leader that will be missed.

On a side note (as a Celtic fan), I'll take any help I can get at this point. I hate to see anyone injured and would never wish for it but I'm certainly not upset in the least.


Via ESPN-Tests have confirmed that Juventus vice-captain Giorgio Chiellini will spend three months on the sidelines after tearing his calf.

Chiellini, 28, suffered the injury in training and comes as a huge blow to Juve who only this week cancelled the contract of Brazilian defender Lucio.

A statement on the club's official website said: "This morning Giorgio Chiellini underwent an ultrasound scan
at Turin's Istituto di Medicina dello Sport medical centre.

"The scan revealed a tear in the defender's right calf. He will begin his rehabilitation programme, defined by the club's medical staff, over the course of the next few days."

Conte's men, who lead Serie A by seven points, face Cagliari on Friday night before a two-week winter break begins.

He told the club's official website: "It's a shame Chiellini's injured, he's a player everyone would like to have, for what he offers both on and off the field of play.

"He's one of our leaders. But I'm convinced he'll come back stronger than before, looking to recover as soon as possible with the help of the club's medical staff."



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FIFA World Rankings out-now someone please explain them to me.

I have to say that the FIFA World rankings make no sense to me. The United States defeats Mexico, in Mexico, Italy, in Italy, and ties Russia, IN RUSSIA(!!!), and somehow drops in the rankings. But then again trying understand anything FIFA does is pretty pointless.


Via Associated Press-ZURICH -- World Cup and European champion Spain has completed a full year atop the FIFA rankings, 2014 World Cup host Brazil has plummeted to No. 18 and the U.S. dropped one spot to No. 28.

Brazil has dropped while playing only non-competitive matches, and failed to win last month.

Brazil lost against Argentina, which remains at No. 3, and drew with Colombia, which rises to No. 5.

The rankings weigh a four-year results cycle, and Brazil lost points from a 6-2 victory over Portugal in 2008.

Spain leads No. 2 Germany, with European Championship finalist Italy at No. 4. England is No. 6, and Europe fills all places through Switzerland at No. 12.

Ivory Coast is Africa's best at No. 14. Mexico is No. 15, and Japan leads Asia at No. 22.

Arsenal fans finally get some good news!

Finally Arsenal fans have something to be happy about. Five main (young) pieces of their future have committed long term to the team. Wilshere and Ox-Chamberlain are the two biggest victories for Arsenal although all five will be big time players for the Gunners down the road.

Arsenal are a young team and despite the down year they've been having they will only continue to improve.

What do you think Arsenal fans??


Via ESPN-Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson have signed new long-term contracts with Arsenal.

Wilshere, 20, has recently made his comeback from a lengthy period on the sidelines and has impressed during his ten appearances in all competitions this season.

Gibbs, 23, has also struggled for fitness but has enjoyed a run in the side of late at left back, while Oxlade-Chamberlain, 19, has steadily made an impression on the first team since signing from Southampton in 2011.

Ramsey, 21, has recovered from a nasty leg break he sustained in 2010 to be a regular squad player for the Gunners, while Jenkinson, who joined from Charlton in 2011, has provided competition to Bacary Sagna.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on the club's official website: "We are delighted that these five young players have all signed new long-term contracts.

"The plan is to build a team around a strong basis of young players, in order to get them to develop their talent at the club. Jack is certainly the best known, the leader of this group - but the other four players are exceptional footballers, and we're very happy that we could conclude their new deals at the same time."

He continued: "Gibbs, Jenkinson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and Wilshere represent a core of the squad and it's an extension for a long period for all of them.

"I'm a strong believer in stability and I believe when you have a core of British players, it's always easier to keep them together and that's what we'll try to achieve going forward."



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Argentina journalists don't vote Messi as best athlete

As I know next to nothing about any other athletes from Argentina I don't really know if this is news or not. After looking at the winners from previous years it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. Messi won it last year and Maradona only won it twice in his career and those were 7 years apart..        



Via Associated Press-BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Argentine journalists don't think Lionel Messi is the country's best athlete for 2012.

Argentine boxer Sergio Martinez was awarded the title of "Olimpia de Oro," given to the South American country's top athlete in voting by the Circulo de Periodistas -- or association of journalists.

Martinez defeated Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earlier this year in their WBC title fight.

Barcelona star Messi, who has had a record-breaking year with 90 goals, didn't even finish second in the voting. That went to Sebastian Crismanich, the taekwondo fighter who won Argentina's only gold medal in the London Olympics. Messi finished third.

No posts today except to say that everyone impacted by the atrocities in Connecticut is in our hearts and thoughts. Pray to whomever it is you pray to today and most importantly hug your children.


-Jay N

Don't piss off Pepe! He'll kick you in the balls.

So this happened during Real's loss to Celta Vigo.

Abby Wambach is a boss- now has 150 international goals

I don't even know what I can say about Abby Wambach that anyone who has ever watched her play doesn't immediately know. She's the best of the best in the world of women;s soccer. It's going to amazing to watch her smash Mia Hamm's record of 158 international goal.

My hat's off to you Ms. Wambach.


Via Associated Press-HOUSTON -- Abby Wambach scored twice Wednesday night to become only the second soccer player to reach 150 international goals, and the United States beat China 4-0 in an exhibition game Wednesday night.

"I'm just really lucky," said Wambach, who helped lead the U.S. women to a fourth Olympic gold medal at the London Games. "I've got really good players around me. They make me look good so often, so we're having a blast."

Carli Lloyd and Amy Rodriguez also scored to help the Americans extend their unbeaten streak to 22.
The night, however, belonged to Wambach.

She opened the scoring in the 20th minute, splitting two defenders to head home Heather O'Reilly's cross from the right side.

"I was lucky to have Abby in the box for the first goal," O'Reilly said. "That got us going. ... One hundred and fifty international goals is quite the feat. I'm so fortunate to have her on my team. I sure wouldn't want to be playing against her."

Wambach also slotted home an 8-yard rocket after cutting across a defender in the 63rd minute for her 25th goal of the year.

"She makes my job easy," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. "When all is said and done and you deal with tactics and deal with teams, it comes down to special players, and that exactly what Abby is. She's a tremendous finisher inside the 18(-yard box). She's clearly the best in the world."

The 32-year-old Wambach needs eight goals to tie Mia Hamm as the U.S women's career leader.

"She's one of the bravest players in the world, maybe the bravest player in the world," O'Reilly said. "And that's why she's able to finish so many goals. She takes us on her back so many games, so I'm so happy she was able to get some in the back of the net tonight."

Wambach's two-goal game came some eight years after she scored five times in a 5-0 victory over Ireland at Houston's Reliant Stadium.

"Somehow, I like Houston," Wambach said. "I like playing here."

Lloyd gave the four-time gold medalists a 2-0 lead in the 62nd minute earlier with a header of her own off Megan Rapinoe's corner kick.

Rodriguez capped the scoring with a 7-yard shot off a save by goalkeeper Wang Fei in the 85th minute.

The exhibition before 15,643 fans at BBVA Compass Stadium was the ninth match in the 10-game Fan Tribute Tour that wraps up Saturday in Boca Raton, Fla., with the third straight game against China.

The top-ranked Americans are 16-0-3 against China dating to 2003.




Photograph: Carlos Serrao for ESPN

So the Copa Sudamericana final was a display of how awesome of a World Cup host Brazil will be

I was having a conversation with a friend last night about why soccer fans are so violent in other countries and to be honest we, as American sports fans, just don't get it. There's nothing comparable here in the US. Yes I know there's always a small riot/car burning bonanza after some sports final every year in the US but I've never heard of American police pulling guns on the visiting team (or home team for that matter).

Great job by FIFA on choosing Brazil as their next World Cup host. This is going to go swimmingly.


Via ESPN FC-Tigre have accused police of pulling guns on their players at half-time in the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana final at Sao Paulo.

The Argentinian club's players refused to come back out onto the pitch for the second half of the match, with Sao Paulo declared the winners of the tournament.

Tigre claimed they had been attacked by around 20 men in the dressing room following a brawl involving players and officials as the teams left the pitch at half-time.

"They pulled two guns on us, the rest of the match is not going to be played," Nestor Gorosito, the Tigre coach, told Fox Sports at the stadium.

"They ambushed us and one of them pulled out a revolver and put it against [goalkeeper] Damian Albil's chest. Their security and police also hit us. There were around 20 of them."

Media reports in Argentina showed photographs of bloodstains in the dressing room, and players claimed they had been hit.

But the Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni said: "They [Tigre] came here to fight, not to play. We are not worried. I don't know what happened inside the dressing room."

Referee Enrique Osses declared Sao Paulo champions, despite admitting that he had heard reports of a disturbance in the dressing rooms.

"We did not see anything, but we have heard some things about what happened," the official said. "We saw there were some injuries to the Tigre players, but I don't know what caused them."

Romer Osuna, a Bolivian official with CONMEBOL, said the Tigre players had been too scared to return to the pitch.

"The Tigre people declined to play because they considered security was not good enough," he told Fox Sports.

"The referee abandoned the game because it was not right to play on. This decision is final. It is a shame that a continental final finished in this fashion."

The Tigre players remained inside their dressing room for three hours as Sao Paolo celebrated after being handed the trophy.

"They were going to lose by a big score. Our biggest victory is the fact that the Argentines ran away," the Sao Paulo president, Juvenal Juvencio, told the club's official website.

Tigre have made an official complaint to police, and also said their team coach had been attacked, with stones thrown at it, as it made its way to the stadium before the match.



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Fulham and Liverpool end their pissing contest over Dempsey

"You guys were still arguing over me?"

Did anyone realize that this was even still an issue? It's amusing to think that 2 clubs who haven't had anything to do with Clint Dempsey for almost 4 months were still waiving their wieners at each other.

This kind of thing would NEVER happen in American sports. Can you imagine Jerry Jones writing an apology letter to (Cowboys fans) another owner for something like this? Of course we're not a civilized as the English. And of course by civilized I mean THROWING COINS(!!!) at opposing players. That's something else that wouldn't ever happen in American sports. Unless of course you're in Philadelphia.


Via ESPN-Fulham have dropped their complaint over Liverpool's pursuit of Clint Dempsey after the Reds apologised for their behaviour over the summer.

A statement on Fulham's official website read: "Fulham can confirm that it has today withdrawn the complaint made against Liverpool FC in regard to the Merseyside club's inappropriate actions surrounding interest in Clint Dempsey over the summer.

"Liverpool's Chairman Tom Werner apologised personally to Mohamed Al Fayed, stating that his club were wholly responsible for unprofessional behaviour toward Fulham and emphasised his regret for the entire episode.

"In a letter from Liverpool to Fulham's CEO Alistair Mackintosh, Tom Werner's praise of the magnanimous gesture from the Chairman was reiterated, as was the club's assurance that the conduct of Liverpool was simply not acceptable.

"The Chairman decided that this sincere action was enough, and as a gesture of goodwill, instructed that all complaints against them be dropped."

Fulham had believed Liverpool's actions had unsettled Dempsey. In May, Liverpool co-owner Tom Werner hinted at an interest in the player, and a website owned by Fenway Sports Group mistakenly published a story under a headline that had suggested a deal was completed. Manager Brendan Rodgers also publicly praised the USA international.

Dempsey did not play in Fulham's pre-season or early-season games after informing the club he wanted a transfer and eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the transfer window, with the Reds having failed to table an acceptable offer.

Fulham made an official complaint to the Premier League over the matter, but Liverpool co-owner Tom Werner is said to have paid a visit to Cottagers chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, while managing director Ian Ayre followed up with a letter accepting the club's conduct "was wrong".

He added, according to the Daily Mail: "Please also consider this letter from me to be an additional expression of sincere regret and apology from our club to your club for our actions last summer. Our club can do better and we pledge that it will."



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Comrade M's Shirtless XI

First of all, I’d like to offer a disclaimer that what you are about to read is absolutely 100% a fangirl “fluff piece.” Some people are really concerned that writing this will somehow convince other people that I don’t know what I’m talking about (you know, in the same way that guys who think Alex Morgan is hot totally don’t know what a hat trick is or that she scored one last week. *rolls eyes*), but I write about serious footy stuff all the time, and there’s something really important that those articles are lacking: Abs. (And Xabi Alonso.)

I wish I could say how this whole “M’s Shirtless Starting XI” even started (ed. note: me either). I think it is in some way related to the “Every time M tweets ‘Matt Pickens! Take your shirt off!’ drinking game,” but again, I really can’t be sure. At some point, someone asked me to name my Shirtless XI, and I obliged.  

I wanted to name a squad that could actually be fielded (aka, not just Matt Pickens x11), and I was told I wasn’t allowed to just say “the Spanish National Team” (Puyol would never make the cut, anyway). I also stuck to only current players.

After hours and hours of research (hey, someone’s gotta do it…), I am pleased to present you with my Shirtless XI:

Keeper:
Matt Pickens, Colorado Rapids.

It sort of had to be Pickens, didn’t it? And maybe it wouldn’t have to be Pickens if he weren’t so elusive and just took his shirt off every once and a while, but he doesn’t…like…ever. Therefore, I demand he play the full 90 shirtless, because it’s my Shirtless XI, and I make the rules.



Defenders:
Carlos Bocanegra, Rangers (on loan to Racing Santander); Gerard Pique, Barcelona; Jose Enrique, Liverpool.

Here’s where it got tricky. Pickens was an obvious choice, and mids/forwards were pretty easy to pick, too, but for some reason, defenders are apparently not that hot. Yeah, I said it.

Boca was an obvious pick (hello, ESPN 2012 Bodies Issue…), Pique is pretty widely regarded as being gorgeous, but from there I was stumped, and really just wanting to finish out my roster. Jose Enrique isn’t that hot, but he’s randomly much more ripped than you would expect, so he kind of rounds out the back line by default.

Bocanegra:

Pique:

Enrique:

Mids:
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid; Clint Dempsey, Tottenham; Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona; Steven Gerrard, Liverpool; Benny Feilhaber, N.E. Revolution(contract option declined since making this roster).

The midfield is where beautiful people hang out. Two words for you: Xabi. Alonso. C’mon, who DOESN’T love Xabi Alonso? Xabi is the object of many a dude-crush, and is in my top 5 if not top 3 favorite footballers. Love that guy…but I digress. Fabregas and Captain Fantastic are sort of self explanatory.  I can’t even find a picture of Benny Feilhaber with his shirt off and he makes the XI because OMG, those eyes…I’m melting. (Plus you can totally tell what’s goin’ on under that shirt anyway.) Last but so far from least… Deuce! Those abs! That ink! That beautiful, beautiful trollface! *swoon*

Xabi Alonso:

Fabregas:

Steven "Captain Fantastic" Gerrard:

Benny Feilhaber:

Clint Dempsey:

Forwards:
Fernando Torres, Chelsea;  Caleb Folan, PBDKT T-Team FC (that doesn’t sound like a real club, does it? Apparently he’s playing in Malaysia now, but that’s really neither here nor there).

I once took Nyquill, slept for close to 18 hours and had a dream that Fernando Torres was completely smitten with me. I woke up completely disoriented, and I’ve kind of had a thing for him since then. Despite breaking my heart by leaving me (and so tactlessly!) to play for the enemy, I still like seeing ‘Nando with his shirt off, so he makes the list. I wanted to put Juan Mata on the roster, but a friend of mine constantly talks crap about how huge Mata’s head is, and upon further review, yeah, he does have a pretty big dome piece, so Caleb Folan gets the final spot. Folan is a terrible footballer, but dude has a throat tattoo. And that’s legit.

Torres:

Folan:

So there you have it. My Shirtless Starting XI. My list of subs changes almost daily, but I feel pretty good about my XI. Thoughts?

-Emily O'Brian Ainsworth

Follow Emily on Twitter: @ComradeM

Oh and P.S. If someone (other than me, of course) is going to coach this squad, it’s gotta be this guy:





Kick It Out Chairman blasts EPL clubs and FA for not doing enough about racism.

Personally I applaud Lord Ouseley. After what happened at the Man U v Man City game on Sunday plus the whole Suarez & Terry incidents something clearly needs to be done.  

What do you guys think should be done to curb these kind of actions?

Via Press Association-Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley accused the football authorities, Chelsea and Liverpool of a failure of "morality and leadership" over their handling of alleged racist incidents involving John Terry and Luis Suarez.

Lord Ouseley said Chelsea and Liverpool protected their players because they were "assets," even when they were alleged, and then proven, to have racially abused opponents.

"There is very little morality in football among the top clubs," Ouseley told The Guardian.

"Leadership is so important; you have to send a powerful message that racism is completely unacceptable. But there is a moral vacuum," he said.


Ouseley blasted English football's authorities for not making disapproving statements after Suarez and Terry were found guilty, but added: "The condemnations have been mealy-mouthed.

"We want all players and fans to feel confident about reporting abuse. But the FA did not say anything about the lies and distortions which came out in John Terry's and Ashley Cole's evidence. Instead the players are protected.


Ouseley also criticized the Premier League for inaction as well as Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and then-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas for supporting their players while their cases were being played out.

"We were observing the process but the managers were speaking out and sticking up for Luis Suarez and John Terry," Ouseley added. "The FA were very slack and weak."

Players and managers coming to England from overseas will have "cultural lessons" to make them aware of rules on discrimination under proposals to tackle racism.

The move is part of a response by football's authorities to the British government's call for tougher action to tackle discrimination.

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said that the proposals included all players and managers having lessons on cultural awareness, including those newly arrived from abroad.
It follows two high-profile incidents of racist abuse last season.

Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra. The Liverpool striker admitted calling the Manchester United defender 'negrito' but claimed that was acceptable in his native Uruguay.

Chelsea's Terry was banned for four matches for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

"Up until now we have had cultural awareness courses for our apprentices and the plan now is to extend these to senior players and coaches, including those coming from overseas," Taylor told Press Association Sport.

Taylor said the PFA were also in favor of contracts for players and managers having clauses warning that discriminatory language and behavior was considered "serious gross misconduct."

The document containing the proposals is part of a joint response to the government from the FA, the PFA, the Premier League and Football League, but still needs to be signed off by the FA board.

Messi back in gym day after injury

I am not a Messi fanboy by any means. I do believe that he's the best player on the face of the earth right now but I REALLY don't like Barcelona so by default I'm not a fan of Messi.

Messi has been a bizarrely injury free robot for most of his career and his loss would be devastating to Barca, although let's me honest Barca's 3rd team could start at most clubs.

Fear not though Barca fans!! The Machine is already back in the gym a day after being stretchered off the field in Barca's UCL match against Benfica.


Via Press Association-Lionel Messi worked out in the gym Thursday as his Barcelona teammates trained, and the Argentinian could yet be fit for Sunday's match against Real Betis despite being carried off in last night's Champions League clash with Benfica.


Messi gave Barca a major injury scare in Thursday's goalless draw, colliding with Benfica goalkeeper Artur Moraes and then falling awkwardly in the 84th minute.


But the club said Wednesday that Messi had suffered nothing more than a bruised left knee and confirmed via Twitter Thursday that he had been able to work in the gym.


The final Group G game was meaningless to Barcelona, forcing coach Tito Vilanova to defend his decision to send Messi on as a 58th-minute substitute.


Messi, 25, went into the game one goal shy of Gerd Muller's record of 85 in a calendar year but Vilanova denied that played a part in his selection.


"We talked about the possibility of him playing for 30 minutes. He's a player that likes to play," said the Barca boss.


"He's not focused on breaking the record that everyone is talking about, if that were the case he would have
played against Alaves (in the Copa del Rey last week) and the full 90 minutes against Benfica.

"Playing is part of his physical training."

Vilanova was adamant he would not change the way Messi was handled.

"Should we sub him out every time we're leading 3-0 in case he picks up an injury?" he added.

"We've never behaved this way. I'd make the same decision (to play him) seeing that he can get injured at any moment."

Vilanova made a host of changes for the match, several of them enforced, but Messi's apparent let-off was not the only good news on the injury front.

Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves all took part in training with the rest of the squad, while Eric Abidal was able to return to the field for lighter workouts.


Barca had already secured top spot in their group, and they could now face the likes of Porto, Arsenal, AC Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Galatasaray in the round of 16, although Vilanova does not have a preference.

"Whoever we play against will be a big team," he said on www.fcbarcelona.com.

"The round of 16 is always complicated. We did what we had to do, we wanted to finish first and have that small advantage of playing the return leg at home.



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QPR put the kibosh on team Christmas party

This is actually a really good decision on QPR's part. As tough as the media (and fans) can be on clubs, especially ones that are terrible, this will save Queens Park Rangers allot of grief. And if there's one thing the QPR don't need right now it's more grief.



Via ESPN-Players at bottom-of-the-Premier-League QPR have decided to cancel their Christmas party as they do not want to give the wrong impression to the club's fans, according to the Daily Telegraph.

New boss Harry Redknapp is believed to have been consulted, but the players took the decision independently of their manager who has a history of playing Scrooge at this time of year and twice ordered his Spurs players to cancel their celebrations.

With winless QPR rooted to the foot of the table after a run of six points in 15 games, a club spokesman said: "We won't be holding a Christmas party this year." When asked why this was the case, added: "Have you seen the league table?"

Some high profile misdemeanours have resulted in an increased focus on clubs' Christmas parties in recent years, with West Ham's Andy Carroll interviewed by Irish police earlier this week for an alleged incident with a photographer on the Hammers' celebration in Dublin.




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A lot of soccer players sign onto pro Palestinian statement...Drogba wants you to know he's not one of them.

"Peace, love, and Pepsi."

So I really make an effort to not get political on this sight.  I save that for Facebook and 90% of my political talk on there is just to piss people off.

Anyways: Here's the story. Form your own opinions.


Via ESPN FC-Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has rejected reports that he pledged his support to Palestine during their ongoing conflict with Israel.

A statement released via the personal website of former Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute read
: "We, as European football players, express our solidarity with the people of Gaza who are living under siege and denied basic human dignity and freedom."
Drogba was reported to be one of the 62 players involved, but the striker, who is now plying his trade in China with Shanghai Shenhua, denied signing the petition.

"My name was on a list of signatories of a petition supporting Palestine," Drogba said in a statement. "Please note: I did not sign this petition or give my support to this initiative, because I have never got involved in any conflicts, even in my own country, the Ivory Coast.

"I have always tried to work for peace and reconciliation but also to fight against any forms of injustice or discrimination, which is what I try to do with my foundation."

The petition saw dozens of other stars from across the globe, including Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye and Paris Saint-Germain's Jeremy Menez, give their support to a claim that two footballers - Omar Rowis, 23, and Mohammed Nemer, 22 - have been detained in Israel without charge or trial.

It was also calling for UEFA to stop Israel from hosting the European Under-21 Championship next year.

Goal line tech in full effect

Personally I think this is a good thing for the game. I think this is a very easy way to make sure goals that cross the goal line are counted correctly.  Refs get most calls correct but they are still human. 

I do not however think that that technology should be used for offsides/fouls/ANY other type of call.  The human element is part of the game period. Much like what baseball did with Instant Replay for home run calls only and not for outs/balls/strikes, FIFA is moving this issue in the right direction.

What do you guys think??


Via Press Association -FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke on Wednesday gave the final approvals for the use of goal line technology at the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

The GoalRef and Hawk-Eye systems passed the final installation tests a day before the opening match of the tournament between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Auckland City FC, Valcke said on FIFA.com.

"It's a big day because it's the first time that the technology will be used officially in games," he said.


Soccer's governing body was against the use of any form of technology for many years but opened the door to a change in the wake of the 2010 World Cup, in which England was denied a clear goal against Germany when Frank Lampard's shot crossed the line.

FIFA will try out two systems, the U.K.-based Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, from Germany, at the Club World Cup in Japan, starting with Thursday's match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Auckland City.

"This is also an important day for us, because we will use one of the two systems we are using here in the FIFA Confederations Cup next year," Valcke said of the technology, which will be restricted to the goal-line specifically. "This is a kind of revolution. It is the first time that this kind of technology is coming into football.

"The IFAB (International Football Association Board) is there to ensure the 17 laws of the game are protected," he said in his statement. "It was their decision, and they were clear, to say that the technology is limited to the goal-line.

"We must ensure that when the ball goes into the goal, the referee must get the information that the ball has gone in. The referee has the final decision. The technology won't change the speed, value or spirit of the game."

Peres: "U-21 tournament in Israel will be safer than London" Yeah except not.

"No really! Trust me!"

Platini must have forgotten that London hasn't had rockets raining down it since World War II, making this the most laughable comment since Yakubu said he didn't do it for the money.


Via AP-JERUSALEM -- Israel President Shimon Peres has guaranteed that the 2013 European under-21 championship will be safer in Israel than it would be in London.

Peres and UEFA President Michel Platini were adamant Thursday that having the tournament hosted by Israel next summer is the right choice.

Peres is confident the event will proceed smoothly, saying, "When you come in June, it will be more secure and tranquil than a football game in London."

Platini is proud Israel is the host, despite receiving "many letters" opposing the bid. On Wednesday, he attended the under-21 draw in Tel Aviv and a Europa League game in Haifa to assuage skeptics after a bus bombing that wounded 27 people in Tel Aviv last week.

He says, "Football is a beautiful thing for peace.

So yeah..... If you haven't already seen it please go and check out the E:60 piece done about one Israeli clubs supporters group. I understand that these fanatics are just tiny part of the soccer culture in Israel. I think the more important thing is to understand that they are also only a tiny part of the safety problem and that there are much worse things to worry about security wise.

I don't know how I would feel if I was a player, especially from an Arab/Muslim country. I know that FIFA likes to march to the beat of their own drum and do whatever is THEY want to do, common sense be damned (i.e. Qatar World Cup?!?!?!?!), but this just seems risky. If anything bad happens to any team this whole thing is going to blow up in Platini's face in a really bad way.

As bad of an idea as this is: We get it MLS! You want another NY team.

There's some sort of cheesy mafia "Don" joke to be made here but I think I'm just

going to let this one go.

My thoughts after the article.......



Via Associated Press-NEW YORK -- Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber says the league is at "the finish line" in negotiations with New York City to acquire land to build a stadium in Queens that would become home for the league's 20th team.

Garber says MLS hopes to have the team start play in 2016 at a 10-acre site in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and spark a rivalry with the New York Red Bulls, who play at a 25,189-capacity stadium that opened in 2010 at Harrison, N.J.

"We believe that this second team in New York will help create an opportunity to break through the clutter in this market of almost a dozen professional sports teams," Garber said during a telephone conference call Monday.

"There are 13 million people in this city," he said, also including some of the suburban population. "Many of them love the game. We need to give them all an opportunity to stop for a moment and pay attention to Major League Soccer, to pay more attention to the Red Bulls, to pay attention to this 20th team and create very, very special moments for soccer in the New York metropolitan area."

After starting with 10 teams in 1996, expanding to 12 and then contracting to 10 in 2002, the league added a second Los Angeles team in 2004 with Chivas USA and launched its 19th this year in Montreal.

Garber said the Red Bulls do not have the right to block a second team in the market. New Red Bulls sporting director Jerome de Bontin told Fox this month that an additional team probably was premature.

"I'm not at all concerned about Jerome's point of view. I think it's just part of being new," he said. "We've had the full support of Red Bulls ownership."

Garber said possibilities for expansion beyond New York include Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Minneapolis.

As for the two existing teams still hoping for new stadiums, Garber said: "I believe there is new momentum down in D.C. There seems to be a more focused approach, the New England Revolution are hoping for a downtown venue. "We are looking for public support up in that area because of just the cost of developing a project."

Garber said the New York market is the one area that David Beckham doesn't have the right to buy into. Beckham, who will play his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy this weekend, has the right to purchase an expansion team as part of the contract he signed when he left Real Madrid and signed with the Galaxy in 2007.

An initial deal with the city is only one of several steps needed before stadium construction could start.

"There's a lot of work that needs to happen to finalize our agreement with New York City over our use of the land and our ability to lease that land to build a stadium," he said. "I do believe that we will resolve that shortly. I can't put any timetable on that, but we are at the finish line. Once we are there, we've got to go into a formal approval process that all developers have to go through in New York City. That will take some time. We need to reach an agreement with the city, with the local community and with the state of New York on replacing the land that we will be utilizing for the stadium."

In addition, MLS is negotiating with the Mets to use the parking lots adjacent to Citi Field.


Was anyone else as confused as I was that Don Garber thinks that by ADDING another pro team in New York that will somehow make it easier to cut through the noise of a saturated market of pro sports teams?  

I think that New York could support another MLS franchise but I wonder is this is the best market to expand into. And by that I of course mean a market that MLS is ALREADY in.
In my opinion Minnesota or a Florida team would do much more to expand MLS not another New York team. 

I understand that the New York market is huge but teams such as Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids have proven that MLS can be a success in a small market. Why not put a team in Florida or Minnesota? Why not open your brand access to more people.  

It just feels like Garber and MLS are dead set on a second team in New York and nothing will dissuade them. C'est la vie!




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Bocanegra injury update

A little something for the 3 women that pay any attention to his blog. You're welcome ladies.

Well the news doesn't seem to be any worse than any of us expected it to be. His fitness won't be 100% by February but Boca is a seasoned veteran who hopefully won't be incredibly effected by this.




Via AP-SANTANDER, Spain -- Spanish club Racing Santander says U.S. defender Carlos Bocanegra will be sidelined for six weeks because of a muscle tear in his left leg.

Bocanegra was injured during the United States' 2-2 draw with Russia on Nov. 14.

Bocanegra is playing for Racing in Spain's second division on loan from Scottish side Rangers.

He shouldn't miss any time with the American national side, set to resume play against Honduras on Feb 6.

Di Matteo sacked.....really?

Wow that was fast. I really don't understand how you can fire a coach while sitting 3rd place in arguably the hardest league on the planet. I guess winning the most prestigious club tournament in Europe doesn't buy you any breathing room at all. Di Matteo wasn't perfect but damn.....

So I want to hear from you guys about who you think will replace RDM at Chelsea.

I'm not so sure about whether Guardiola would WANT to coach for Abramovich and the thought that Chelsea would give Rafa a shot to me is silly. 

What do you think guys???

Via AP-LONDON -- Six months after guiding Chelsea to an unlikely Champions League title, Roberto Di Matteo was fired Wednesday with the team on the brink of becoming the first defending champion eliminated from the group stage.

Di Matteo, who was hired on a permanent basis in June, was dismissed a day after a 3-0 loss to Juventus in Turin left Chelsea's title defense in tatters.

Chelsea also is struggling in the Premier League, having picked up just two points from its last four games to fall to third place.

"The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season," Chelsea said in a statement.

There was no immediate announcement on a replacement for Di Matteo, but former Liverpool and Inter Milan coach Rafa Benitez has been heavily linked with the job. Pep Guardiola, currently on a break from coaching after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season, will also be a contender.

"The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager," the statement said.
Chelsea was in disarray when Di Matteo, then an assistant coach, took over from the fired Andre Villas-Boas in March, initially on a temporary basis. The Italian brought together squabbling factions within the squad and led the team first to the FA Cup title and then the Champions League, beating Barcelona in the semifinals and then Bayern Munich in the final.

Di Matteo, with his typical coolness, was also praised for the way he handled a racism case involving John Terry that engulfed the club. Chelsea is in the middle of another racism incident, having accused a Premier League referee of abusing one of its players.

However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has showed his ruthless edge following the team's first disappointing run of results this season. Di Matteo's successor would be the ninth manager under the Russian billionaire since he bought the club in 2003.

Chelsea is in third place in Group E behind Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus with one match left. The Blues next face Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, but they could still be eliminated even if they win depending on the result of the other game.

In the Premier League, Chelsea had been leading for much of the season but now trails Manchester City and Manchester United.

"The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions. Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts," Chelsea said.

Chelsea's next game will be a home Premier League match against Manchester City on Sunday.

The 42-year-old Di Matteo is a Swiss-born Italian who played for Italy's national team and also served as a midfielder for Chelsea. After his retirement, he went into coaching and led both the MK Dons and West Bromwich Albion before joining Chelsea's backroom staff.

"We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club's history," Chelsea's statement said.

Benitez has been out of work since being fired by Inter in December 2010. Although experienced, the appointment of Benitez would raise eyebrows given his trademark defensive approach. Abramovich is widely known to prefer his team to show a more attacking style, demonstrating this by spending heavily on attacking midfielders Oscar, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses in the close season.

THE BIGGEST SOCCER NEWS EVER!!!!

Alright, alright I MAY have over sold this story a tiny bit, but as a Celtic fan this gives me a little chubby. Wait...I didn't mean little.....I mean you know not in size......I mean not that it's.....never mind.

Snoop says he wants to buy into Celtic and to get Beckham to play for them. Yes I do realize neither one of these things will probably ever happen but it's still awesome to think about. 

I know there's a "green" joke to be made here but as you know I'm so much better than that.


Via ESPN News-Snoop Lion might take his love of soccer to a new level.

The hip hop star, who earlier this year changed his name from Snoop Dogg, told the Daily Record that he is considering making a financial investment in Glasgow Celtic after watching the team beat Barcelona recently in Champions League play.

He said Celtic's victory over Barca showed that the team is "a big deal" and he admires the passion of the club's fans.

"I haven't really thought how much (he would invest). I don't need to run a soccer club but enough of a percentage to get me on the board so I can be heard," he told the newspaper.

He is a noted soccer fan and is one of the official spokesmen for EA Sports' "FIFA 13" video game.

He said he asked David Beckham about the club and even said he'd try to lure the current Los Angeles Galaxy star to the team if he buys in.

"I asked my man David about Celtic and he was like, 'Yeah, teams don't come much bigger.' I would try and sign him up for a season but he is pretty happy over here," he told the newspaper.

"L.A. is home for him and his family now -- but I would have to at least make that offer to my boy. We have lunch when we can, so next time, you know, I am going to speak to him about it. Never say never," he told the Record.



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Violence at an Argentina game??? I'm shocked!

Anyone want to go see a game in South America?? No??? OK but you guys don't know what you're missing!

Neymar should play in the NFL

Not to take anything away from his obvious amazing skills and clearly bright future but this miss is BAAAAAAAAD.

This marriage is going to be fun to read about in 6 months

This is going to go so well.....

OK so I'm a HUGE Hope Solo fan. Yes, I AM one of those guys. In fact I get very irritated at the fact that I can't get a men's XXL Solo jersey. (Please get on that Nike!)  But I don't kid myself about the type of person that Solo seems to be. I say "seems" because I've never personally met her, although for the record Hope I don't mind married women. Anyways, Solo is known to be a hot headed, opinionated woman. (Again Hope for the record I like crazy...I mean opinionated women.) Mix in a hot headed woman with a former NFL player with a rap sheet that includes DRIVING INTO A NURSING HOME(!!!!!!!), and I think we should all just sit back and wait for the implosion.  Don't get me wrong I hope that everything goes great for the happy new couple......I just don't expect it to.


Via ESPN News-U.S. women's soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo and former NFL tight end Jerramy Stevens were married Tuesday, according to reports, after an altercation that left Stevens in jail and their wedding plans up in the air.

KING5.com in Seattle reported Solo and Stevens were married Tuesday night in a small ceremony near Snohomish, Wash. Only close family and friends were in attendance, with one of Solo's friends describing the wedding as "beautiful," the station reported.

Dave Mahler, a sports-talk radio host on Seattle's KJR, also tweeted: "Confirmed: Jerramy Stevens and Hope Solo were married tonight. Events of yesterday morning didn't change plans. Sounds like more facts comin."

Stevens was arrested early Monday for fourth-degree domestic violence assault but was not charged. He was eventually released when a Kirkland Municipal Court judge ruled there was no evidence connecting him to an assault.

Kirkland police said the case was still under investigation, and charges could be brought later if prosecutors and police find other evidence, a police spokesman told The Associated Press.

Stevens, 33, and Solo, 31, applied for a marriage license Nov. 8, according to King County records.
In the police report, Stevens said he and Solo had been arguing over whether they would live in Washington or Florida after the marriage.

Solo appeared in the courtroom Tuesday but left without saying anything to reporters, according to KING-TV.

Police in Kirkland responded to a disturbance at a home around 3:45 a.m. Monday involving a physical altercation between eight people during a party, said Kirkland Police Lt. Mike Murray.

He said officers contacted several people in the home who appeared intoxicated and didn't cooperate with police, but determined based on information and observations that there was probable cause to arrest Stevens for investigation of fourth-degree assault. Murray didn't identify the alleged victim, but court records show it was Solo, who received a cut to her elbow.

Court documents show that Solo's 34-year-old brother, Marcus, called 911, and that he and Solo told officers there was a party and blamed the disturbance on two to three unknown men who were at the party. Marcus Solo told police he used a stun gun on one of the men, who left the party before police arrived, according to court records.

According to court documents, a police officer found Stevens, "who appeared to be hiding," lying between the bed and the wall in an upstairs bedroom. Stevens told officers he was sleeping on the floor and didn't hear the fight. The officer saw signs of a fight, and dried blood on Stevens' shirt.

The officer noted in his affidavit for probable cause for arrest that he arrested Stevens based on his admission that he argued with Hope Solo, the injury to her elbow, signs of a fight in the bedroom where Stevens was found, and blood on Stevens' shirt.

One 32-year-old woman was taken to the hospital for treatment of a hip injury, and another man suffered multiple bumps, scrapes and contusions, Murray said.

"If officers find that an assault may have taken place, then we have to make an arrest on who we determine is the primary aggressor," Murray said.

Stevens was selected with the No. 28 pick of the 2002 draft by the Seattle Seahawks after playing at the University of Washington. But he also was involved in incidents away from football that included reckless driving charges for crashing into a nursing home.

He was mostly a first-round bust with the Seahawks, except for the 2005 season when he started a career-high 12 games and had 45 receptions as the Seahawks won the NFC championship.

He also was arrested on reckless driving charges in 2003 in a Seattle suburb and in 2007 when he was charged with driving under the influence in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Stevens' most recent arrest came in 2010, while he was playing for Tampa Bay; he was arrested the night before a game for possession of marijuana. He was released almost immediately by the team.

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.



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