Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez has one foot in Corinthians, says president

Corinthians president Andres Sanchez has affirmed that Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is on the verge of rejoining the Brazilian giants, stating that the player's new transfer value must reflect the controversies that have beset the Argentine in the last two months.

The Timao have been long-term admirers of their former player, and attempted to sign him in the summer transfer window before being scared off by the transfer tag put on his shoulders in England.

Melvin Jones field eyed for football tourney

A DECENT football pitch would be impossible to put up in time for the Vergara–Domogan Street Kids Football Cup slated November.

But the City Government assured players to the month-long tournament that a more acceptable playing field come by November 27 will be up in the works.

“The City Government is currently undertaking a feasibility study on how we can improve Melvin Jones to serve its purpose as a decent football ground,” said Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

Representative Bernardo Vergara, for his part, said the current improvement being done at Burnham Park will also spill over to Melvin Jones.

More work needed for PH football

by Mars G. Alison

German football expert Eckhard Krautzun said he was amazed as almost 50 coaches including women showed up for yesterday’s start of the three-day workshop hosted by the Cebu Football Association (CFA) at the Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites and the Aboitiz Sportsfield in Subangdaku Mandaue.
He said he was more impressed because it was the first time that he handled a workshop with so many female participants.
“The girls did very well,” said Krautzun referring to an exercise wherein he made selected coaches come up with their own training program.
The coaches’ response to the workshop also pleased the German football coach.
“I find them eager to go and they are concentrated,” Krautzun said.
He said that he emphasized on drills and tactics yesterday.
TACTICAL DEFICIENCY
Based on his observation since he arrived in Manila last week, there’s a tactical deficiency in Philippine football.
Prior to coming here, Krautzun had also conducted a workshop for the National Capital Region Football Association (FA) and nearby FAs as well as observed four matches of the United Football League (UFL), the country’s premier football league.
According to Krautzun, the Filipino booters have good skills, they can run but they lack in ground, individual and team tactics. He said they should work on their tactical behavior such as balance in defense and attack on the field. he also noted the slow switch from one position to another.
“The best teams in the world switch quickly. I noticed that there (NCR) and it is also lacking here,” Krautzun said.
He also said that the Filipino will have to develop their own style of play which should adapt the Filipino culture, climate and body structure.
USE INNATE AGILITY
During the games in Manila, Krautzun observed that many of the booters attempt long-range shots. He said this will not work against tall players especially against the Koreans.
‘They have to use their agility, their quick-passing,” said Krautzun, who added that because of the heat here, players should economize their energy and not waste it by running and running.
In the morning, Krautzun lectured the coaches on the profile of a grassroots coach and the coach of conduct. In the afternoon, they were made to do practical exercises.
He said that the young players are the future and that they should get proper coaching.
“The Philippines have to find an ideal system wherein the youth will be given regular training and regular competition,” Krautzun said.
The workshop will continue today with discussion on talent identification.
Krautzun will also observe the progress of the Little Azkals (Philippine U13 team) who are in town for the workshop. Source
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Police receives complaint over Chelsea captain John Terry's alleged racist abuse towards QPR's Anton Ferdinand

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they have received a complaint from a member of the public over alleged racist abuse by Chelsea and England captain John Terry.

Officers are now assessing the situation relating to allegations Terry racially abused Anton Ferdinand in the Premier League match between QPR and Chelsea at Loftus Road on Sunday.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “We can confirm police have been notified of an incident on Sunday, October 23 involving alleged racial abuse. This is currently being assessed by officers from Hammersmith and Fulham.”

It comes amid reports that Ferdinand is giving serious consideration to making a formal complaint against Terry. Ferdinand, brother of England vice-captain Rio, will meet with QPR manager Neil Warnock and an advisor at the club's Harlington training ground on Tuesday lunchtime before making a decision.

Terry, who categorically denies the claims and has the full backing of Chelsea, has vowed to clear his name, telling the Daily Mail, “I will do whatever it takes to clear my name and I don’t have anything to hide. I’m not taking that level of abuse.

“Anton and I spoke for 10 minutes in the dressing room after the game and there is no issue between us. It’s finished.”

The complaint to the police revolves around an incident late in QPR's 1-0 victory over their west London rivals. Videos circulated on the internet on Sunday night which showed Terry appearing to mouth the words “you f****** black c***” towards Ferdinand.

Terry does not deny using the words, but he insists they were taken out of context as part of a longer sentence because he thought Ferdinand had accused him of making a racist remark.

Terry, 30, put out a statement on Sunday stating he had spoken to Ferdinand after the match and “there was no problem” between the pair. However, Ferdinand is yet to make a public response to Terry's version of events.

In his statement, Terry said, "I am disappointed that people have leaped to the wrong conclusions about the context of what I was seen to be saying to Anton Ferdinand. I thought Anton was accusing me of using a racist slur against him. I responded aggressively, saying that I never used that term."

“I would never say such a thing, and I am saddened that people would think so. I have known Anton for a long time and spoke to him about it after the game and there was no problem between us.

"I congratulated him on their win. He has not accused me of any wrongful remark."

Terry pointed to the fact he is the leader of a team that is very diverse.

"It was clear it was all a misunderstanding at the time. After the result, I am saddened to be dealing with these wrongful allegations. I am the proud captain of one of the most internationally diverse teams in the Premier League and I absolutely believe that there is no place for racism in sport and indeed in any walk of life." Source

Beckham's Galaxy to play vs Azkals in Manila: Bright


MANILA, Philippines - British football superstar David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy will visit Manila for a friendly match against the Philippine Azkals on December 4.Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright made the announcement on his Twitter account on Saturday night.
"LA Galaxy and Azkals, dec 4 rizal stadium :)," Bright wrote.
Bright's announcement immediately sparked reactions from fans and Azkals team members.
"Is it really true?! Becks in Manila?" tweeted Azkals player Simon Greatwich.
"I'll tell you now, this doesn't happen often so better take your chance on Dec 4th. Some things happen once in a lifetime," said Azkals fan Jaron Genota.
"What a difference 12 months makes. Dec 5th 2010 Philippines 2 Vietnam 0. Dec 4th 2011 David Beckham and LA Galaxy arrive to play in Manila," said former Azkals coach Simon McMenemy.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Fabregas 'comes home' to Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain - Spain midfield star Cesc Fabregas Monday completed his marathon move from Arsenal to Barcelona by signing a five-year contract that brought him "back home" to his boyhood club after eight years.
"Cesc has finally joined FC Barcelona, after signing a contract for the next five seasons. His buyout clause will be 200 million euros," the club said in a statement.
Barcelona deputy chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu said the fee was 29 million euros.
"In addition, if we win the league twice and the Champions league once in the next five seasons Arsenal will receive a bonus of five million euros, two (million) for each league win and one for the Champions League," he told a news conference alongside Fabregas.
"Furthermore, over the next five years ... the club will pay one million euros to Arsenal on behalf of Cesc," who is taking a massive salary cut to come to Spain, he said.
Fabregas, wearing the number 4 shirt, earlier appeared before some 35,000 cheering supporters at the Camp Nou stadium after passing a medical and signing the deal.

Monday, August 15, 2011

PFF - Smart Club Championship 2011 Semi Finals

PFF - Smart Club Championship Semi Finals

August 16 (Tuesday)
San Beda FC(Rizal) vs Stallion FC(Iloilo)

August 17 (Wednesday)
Pachanga FC(NCR) vs Teknika FC(NCR)

at University of Makati

Saturday, July 16, 2011

UFL seeks to add 20 new clubs for 2012 season

The United Football League (UFL) will expand by up to 20 clubs and has already sent out a call for new teams in the coming 2012 season.

UFL media officer Coco Torres said deadline for interested football clubs to seek a slot is on August 12 since they are going to add up to 10 teams in each of the two divisions.

Torres said aspirants must email their roster of 25 players and applicants must also send in details like club name, history, owners and area.

The UFL has an official Facebook page and a website.

Most of the members of the men's national football team compete in the UFL as players of their home clubs. The league now has 16 clubs, including the Kaya Futbol Club, Global Smartmatic, Air Force Rider, and Army Fritz Macziol IBM which have Azkals in their respective line-ups.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Azkals off to Bahrain Friday

by Cedelf P. Tupas
Photo by Fritz Dalida

MANILA — The Philippine Azkals leave for Manama, Bahrain, today for the final phase of their preparations for the second round World Cup qualifying duel against Kuwait on July 23.

Teen Azkals make 2 goals though winless at AFF U16 in Laos

by Earl Victor Rosero
The Under-16 national football team managed to score two goals in separate games though they were unable to win a match in the ASEAN Football Federation U16 Championships in Vientiane, Laos.

The Teen Azkals' first goal came from Ryu Nell Fegidero in the 11th minute of the game against Cambodia last July 8. Fegidero, who hails from Bacolod, also got a red card in the 90th minute of that match.

According to the AFF account of the game, Cambodia scored in the 7th minute but the Teen Azkals “were not affected by the early strike and launched right back into attack mode. Their efforts paid off within four minutes when Fegidero scambled in a close range shot."

Filipinos in Kuwait catch Azkals fever

KUWAIT – Fans of the Philippine Azkals in Kuwait are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Philippines new sports heroes.
The Azkals, who already left the Philippines for their acclimatization in Bahrain, are scheduled to play against the Kuwait Al-Azraq in Hawalli on July 23.
Filipinos based in Kuwait have also caught the Azkals fever and are now busy printing Azkals t-shirts, badges and banners which will be used in their away game in Kuwait.
“Ginawa namin ito pang-suporta lang actually sa team Azkals. Proud nga tayo dahil makakarating ang Philippine team dito. Kaming grupo gumawa kami ng paraan para suportahan [sila],” said Azkals fan Nelson Lacson.
“Kaya dito, go, go kami sa Azkals. Support the Azkals,” said another Azkals fan, Romano Roman.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Beckham says playing for Mourinho would be ‘dream’

LOS ANGELES (AP)—David Beckham says playing for Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho would be a “dream.”
Mourinho is the reigning FIFA Coach of the Year, having guided Madrid to a runner-up finish in the Spanish league and a Copa del Rey title over Barcelona.
Beckham, who spent four years with Madrid, will take the field opposite Mourinho to play his former team for the first time since leaving. He will guide the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Spanish heavyweights in an exhibition on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Beckham was with Madrid from 2003-07, helping the club win its last La Liga title in his final season before joining the Galaxy. Source

Azkals deny ‘rape’ allegations

by Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA—The manager of the Philippine football team yesterday shrugged off allegations that four members of the squad are involved in a “rape” case even as the Azkals stepped up their preparations for their second round World Cup qualifying clash against Kuwait.
“These are serious allegations that are being plastered on the internet,” said team manager Dan Palami. “If these were true, this will not be tolerated.
The players – Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Jason Sabio and Simon Greatwich – have been accused of raping a woman in Manila more than a month ago by a certain Paul Weiler, a German, who described himself as a consultant of the Philippine Football Federation.
Details of the incident have remained sketchy and no case has been filed against the players.
Palami admitted that the controversy is getting in the way of the preparations of the team, which advanced to the second round of the World Cup qualifying for the first time after winning over Sri Lanka last week.

Faint hopes for two key Azkals stars

by Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA—The Asian Football Confederation has directed the Philippine Football Federation to elevate its appeal on the suspension of Borromeo and Schrock to the International Football Federation Disciplinary Committee.
Borromeo, a rock on defense, and Schrock, the dynamic attacking midfielder, picked up two yellow cards in the first round tie against Sri Lanka, which the Azkals eliminated, 5-1, on aggregate.
“It’s a sign of hope,” PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said of the AFC’s move.

AFC to PFF: Appeal Borromeo, Schrock suspension to FIFA

by Earl Victor Rosero
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has advised the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to elevate the case of men's national football team captain Aly Borromeo and Filipino-German midfielder Stephan Schrock to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

PFF General Secretary Ramon Manuel said, in a text message to GMA News Online, the AFC used a provision of the FIFA Disciplinary Code as basis for its recommendation.

Article 17, Section 3 of the code states the FIFA Disciplinary Committee "may exceptionally depart from or amend" the one-game suspension rule after two yellow cards. But the decision must be made before the start of a particular competition."

Monday, July 11, 2011

Colombia first to reach Copa America quarters

SANTA FE, Argentina (AP)—Radamel Falcao scored twice and Colombia defeated Bolivia 2-0 on Sunday to become the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa America.
Colombia’s victory also guarantees Peru, Chile and Venezuela, all of which have four points after two matches, advance to the knockout stage.
Tournament favorites Argentina and Brazil have only two points in two matches and will advance if they win their final group matches.
Argentina faces Costa Rica on Monday and Brazil plays Ecuador on Wednesday.
Porto star Falcao scored in the 15th and 29th minutes for Colombia to secure top spot in Group A with seven points. Bolivia finished with only one point and was eliminated.
Colombia will face the best third-place team in the quarterfinals. The top two teams in each group reach the quarterfinals, joined by the best two third-place teams.