Bernie Ecclestone: Sepp Blatter should remain Fifa president as corruption allegations “a tax football had to pay” October 17, 2015 Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has said Sepp Blatter should remain in charge of Fifa despite the corruption allegations engulfing football's governing body. Blatter announced his intention to resign as president in May after a number of Fifa officials were arrested on charges of corruption, while the organisation has had to fend off accusations of bribery from [...]
Fifa crisis: Germany “appears” to have used bribes to win right to host 2006 World Cup, says newspaper October 16, 2015 Germany is the latest country to become embroiled in Fifa corruption allegations after a local newspaper announced it had uncovered evidence of potential bribes used to win the right to host the 2006 World Cup. Der Spiegel says it has information which suggests the German bid committee had set up a slush fund with 10.3 Swiss francs, [...]
Everton takeover talk intensifies: Sporting Kansas City owners linked with purchase of Premier League club October 16, 2015 Everton are the subject of increased speculation surrounding a potential takeover from American investors. The owners of MLS club Sporting Kansas City are reported to be eyeing up the possible purchase of the Toffees. Read more: Ross Barkley is technically than Wayne Rooney Rob Heineman, chief executive of the Sporting Club group which owns the American [...]
The next Fifa president? Three potential obstacles for Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa in his bid to replace Sepp Blatter October 16, 2015 With Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini currently serving 90-day suspensions from football, a new candidate is set to stake his claim for the Fifa throne – Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa. According to reports, the member of the Bahrain royal family is set on replacing the outgoing Blatter as president of Fifa after receiving support [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen dares mercurial French to rekindle old flair October 15, 2015 New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has dared rivals France to rediscover their attacking flair when the two sides do battle for a place in the World Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. There are echoes of the 2007 tournament when France, runners-up in their pool, turned the tables on the much-fancied All Blacks to [...]
Rugby World Cup: Scotland launch robust appeal in aid of banned duo Ross Ford and Jonny Gray October 15, 2015 Scotland have promised a vigorous appeal against the suspensions handed out to forwards Ross Ford and Jonny Gray, which would rule them both out of the remainder of the World Cup. The duo were slapped with three-week bans for their illegal two-man tip-tackle on Samoa flanker Jack Lam, which precludes them from Sunday’s quarter-final clash [...]
Rugby World Cup: Warren Gatland happy to dole out harsh lessons to stoke Welsh pride October 15, 2015 Wales coach Warren Gatland insists that subjecting his players to a brutal review of their failings against Australia will stoke their desire to overpower South Africa in Saturday’s quarter-final. Two-time world champions South Africa will start as favourites against an injury-ravaged Wales, with a showdown with either New Zealand or France the prize on offer for [...]
Pakistan v England: Ian Bell hails skipper Alastair Cook’s masterclass as tourists retaliate in Abu Dhabi October 15, 2015 England stalwart Ian Bell eulogised the batting majesty of skipper Alastair Cook after the opener notched his 28th Test hundred to lead his side’s retaliation against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Cook batted throughout the third day and amassed an unbeaten 168, sharing century partnerships with fellow opener Moeen Ali and then Bell as England closed [...]
Arsenal to win at Watford but will be made to work hard for it October 15, 2015 Arsenal's habit of bursting out the blocks and stumbling over the line has been a hard one to shift. Almost as difficult as Arsene Wenger has found shaking off the Emirates dissenters. The ‘Wenger Out’ brigade can point to a disastrous start in Europe, where the Gunners are staring at group stage elimination, [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015 injuries are a leveller but Ireland should still prevail over Argentina October 15, 2015 The Welsh injury list may be more substantial, but Ireland’s is surely more critical. Against France, talismanic captain Paul O’Connell was stretchered off, while Johnny Sexton limped from the field of play and remains a doubt for Sunday’s clash with Argentina. The back row looks bare too, with freight-train flanker Sean O’Brien banned, [...]