..::Football II::..

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Wolverine GTR

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  • Jan 1, 2009
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    Arsenal board under fire

    Arsenal board under fire

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    Usmanov and Moshiri are major shareholders in the Gunners via their Red & White Securities investment vehicle, and have written a letter to the club's hierarchy in the wake of the events of the past 24 hours.

    Red & White Securities hold around 30 per cent of shares in the Gunners' parent company, which was the subject of a takeover in 2011 by American tycoon Stan Kroenke.

    Van Persie announced on Wednesday afternoon that he would not remain at Emirates Stadium beyond the final 12 months of his contracts following discussions with manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

    The Gunners captain, who bagged 30 goals in the Premier League last season to secure the Golden Boot, admitted that he could not find a common ground with the club over their future plans and ambitions for silverware.

    Cheaper replacements

    Usmanov and Moshiri believe Wenger's hands are being tied by the stance of the club's board and they fear the club's best players will continue to depart unless changes are made.

    "It is down to our manager and not the shareholders to have to deal with the club's tight finances, carry the burden of repaying the stadium debt by selling his best players and having to continue to find cheaper replacements," the duo wrote.
    "All of that, naturally, comes at the expense of performance on the pitch."This policy is leading to the loss of our best players, often to our main competitors, and even causes the players themselves to question their future at the club and the club's ambitions.

    "The situation with our captain and outstanding performer from last season, Robin van Persie, sums this up.

    Great manager

    "Yet again we are faced with losing our true marquee player at the club because we cannot assure him of the future direction and give confidence that we can win trophies.

    "Where are the safeguards to ensure that this doesn't happen again and again in the future?"As a top club we should, at the very least, match if not beat the offers that other clubs make to try and lure our very best players away, and also provide a more compelling vision of the future.

    "You can try and put a good face on a bad game for as long as you want, pontificating about the merits of this model, but it will not hide the obvious fact that it just does not allow our great manager to fully realise his managerial talent and deliver success for the fans who are paying the highest prices in the land."

    Crowning achievement

    Red & White, who point out they have "invested circa £200million of cash", set out their "vision" for Arsenal.

    The letter added: "It is simple. A debt free club, with a big enough war chest to buy top talent players who can hit the ground running and who can complement the club's long tradition of developing young players and homegrown talent.

    "Together they can help the club win the most prestigious trophies - because it is the trophies which are the crowning achievement for everybody at the club.
    "Finally and reflecting our long-term commitment to the club, we will continue to purchase more shares in the club from anyone who wants to sell them to us.

    "Also in order to formalise our long-term involvement with the club and put an end to any speculation over our position, we, as the co-owners of Red & White, will proudly retain our holding in the club as a long-term investment for ourselves and our family members to benefit for generations to come."We want the absolute best for the club and will do what is necessary to ensure the success of the club that we all love."
     

    Rovin

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  • Aug 27, 2008
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    AC Milan signs 14-year-old Mastour for 500,000 euros

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    AC Milan has paid over 500,000 euros for 14-year-old Hachim Mastour, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

    The attacking midfielder is reported to have been brought to the Italian giant’s attention by former San Siro manager Arrigo Sacchi.



    Although the move from Reggiana is not yet official, the Serie A side’s vice-president, Adriano Galliani, believes the youngster needs to mature in a pressure-free environment.

    “Mastour seems to have great qualities, but let’s not put too much pressure on him,” Galliani went on record to say. “Mastour is 14 years old. He's the future. But he’s still just a kid.”

    If the reports are to be believed, AC Milan has beaten Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan to the youngster's signature.
    :cool::cool:
     

    Rovin

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  • Aug 27, 2008
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    ෴*On Earth*෴
    Lucio completes Juventus switch

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    Juventus has aannounced the signing of former Inter defender Lucio on a free transfer following the player's early release by Serie A rival Inter.

    The defender passed a medical in Turin on Tuesday morning before putting pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Bianconeri later in the day.

    Lucio will earn 2.6 million euros per season with the Old Lady, but that figure could rise on account of a number of performance-related bonuses.

    The veteran center half still had two years to run on his deal with Inter but the club terminated his contract last week by mutual consent.

    Lucio was briefly linked with a move to Fenerbahce but the Turkish club was quick to insist that it had no interest in signing the Brazilian, while Bayer Leverkusen reportedly dropped out of the running after learning of its former player's wage demands.

    That left the way clear for Juve to sign the 34-year-old, who becomes the fourth major arrival in Turin this summer, with the Bianconeri already having tied up deals for Sebastian Giovinco, Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah.
    :sorry::sorry::sorry::sorry::sorry:
     

    Rovin

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  • Aug 27, 2008
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    :shocked:Van Persie To Leave

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    Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has announced he will not be extending his contract at Emirates Stadium.

    Speculation has been rife over the future of the talismanic captain, who is entering the final year of his contract in North London.

    Manager Arsene Wenger stated the importance of keeping Van Persie at the club earlier this month but the 28-year-old Dutchman has decided against prolonging his deal.The frontman told his official website: "I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.

    "You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions."

    Disagree

    The striker had previously kept quiet over his future and refused to commit to a decision until Wednesday.Van Persie says he has chosen not to extend his deal following talks with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis over the club's plans for the future.

    He added: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr Gazidis and Mr Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what's really going on at the moment.

    "As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

    "I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days."Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."

    More developments

    Van Persie, who joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, added: "I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC.

    "Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years."As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."

    Van Persie ended last season as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, helping the Gunners to a third-placed finish.

    Reigning champions Manchester City have been linked with a move for the prolific frontman, while European heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all thought to be interested.The Gunners would be loathe to lose their star striker but could sell to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.
    muu juventus eyda danne na :shocked::baffled:
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Goal-line technology approved

    Goal-line technology approved

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    Football's world governing body FIFA has agreed to allow the introduction of goal-line technology after it was approved by the International FA Board.

    Two systems, Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, have been approved by the IFAB after passing a series of scientific tests set by FIFA.

    Technology could be introduced into the Premier League as soon as the new year following the decision at a meeting in Zurich.

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    FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said they intended to bring goal-line technology in for the Club World Cup in Japan in December, next year's Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

    Valcke said FIFA would pay for the systems - around $250,000 US per stadium - and leave them in place in the stadiums.

    "We want to make sure that the systems at the World Cup work at 150 percent, not 90 percent," Valcke said.FA general secretary Alex Horne told a news conference in Zurich it was "a hugely important day" for football.

    He said: "We believe that it is a great day for football. From an English perspective today is a hugely important day, it is a cause we have had on our agenda for a number of years.

    "This is about having the right technology helping the referee in a relatively rare occurrence - the scoring of a goal."Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan hailed the decision, saying: "Over the past few years there have been a number of occasions where mistakes have been made in football.

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    "The referee will still make the final decision but the view of the board is that anything that can help the referee has to be good."I think this is an historic day for football and I'm delighted to be part of that decision made today."

    Pleased

    Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA, added: "The three decisions made today will be long-lasting and will resonate throughout the world.

    "The IFAB has been around since 1886 and has been the guardians of the laws of the game for all that time, and has developed the game slowly and carefully and conservatively."But this is a momentous day, the beginning of something new in football."

    Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, also backed the decision, which was made unanimously.Ford said: "The Football Association of Wales is extremely proud to be a member of this board and has devoted a great deal of time and deliberation and effort to this."Fundamental and momentous decisions were made here today and we are very proud to be involved with that."

    The IFAB - made up of FIFA and the four home nations - ruled out any video replays of goal-line decisions being shown on TV or on big screens to the crowd at stadiums, as happens with the Hawk-Eye system in tennis.

    Ford stressed the referee had the final say on whether to award a goal and pointed out he may decide to rule it out for other reasons even if the technology shows the ball has crossed the line."If a giant screen comes up 'goal' but it is offside then could have a major issue with crowd management," said Ford.Regan added: "This is not designed to be put on giant screens, this is about technology designed to help the referee."

    And the Premier League wasted no time in hailing the decision, releasing a statement straight after the announcement saying that the technology will be introduced in to England's top division as quickly as possible."The Premier League has been a long term advocate of goal-line technology," the statement read.

    "We welcome today's decision by IFAB and will engage in discussions with both Hawkeye and GoalRef in the near future with a view to introducing goal-line technology as soon as is practically possible."

    Officials

    Approval was also given on the five officials method of refereeing matches.The referee and two linesmen will be aided by two further officials posted behind each team's goal-line to keep an eye on action in and around the critical penalty box area should tournament organisers want it.

    FIFA has been trialling the 'Additional Assitant Referee' system since 2008 and it was in use during the recently-finished Euro 2012 as well as the UEFA Champions League.
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Kop horror at purple kit

    Kop horror at purple kit

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    LIVERPOOL fans were left cringing last night as their dazzling new third kit was launched.
    he reaction to the eye-catching purple, orange and white design was a far cry from the approval the popular new home shirt received when it was first revealed in May.

    Kopites already expected the worst after a garish version of the shirt was leaked online last month. But while the new strip was not quite as ghastly as the mock-ups, the strip Warrior call a “bold design statement to the football world” proved far from popular.

    The purple body — or “nightshade” colour — is apparently inspired by “popular past goalkeeper kits” worn by David James and Pepe Reina. While the tribal warrior markings on the white sleeves are a “design first for the club”. But Reds supporters were not left convinced by the “ground-breaking” shirt.

    One fan tweeted: “I still can’t eat after watching Liverpool’s third kit. It must be illegal in some countries right?” Another posted: “Liverpool’s third kit is an absolute disgrace. Whoever designed and signed off on it should be ashamed.”

    But at least one supporter seemed happy as they wrote: “It’s official, the new Liverpool third kit is actually quite nice. I even like the tribal aspect.” The Reds will wear the shirt during their Europa League campaign and in selected Premier League matches.
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Manchester United fans delight as share plan means Sir Alex Ferguson spree

    :cool:Manchester United fans delight as share plan means Sir Alex Ferguson spree

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    Manchester United fans have welcomed the prospect of Alex Ferguson having more money to spend on players.

    And they will have even more to celebrate if a proposed flotation on the New York Stock Exchange paves the way for the Glazer family to sell the club.

    United confirmed yesterday that they want to sell shares in a new holding company, registered in the secretive tax haven of the Cayman Islands, to reduce their £423million debts. That would allow Fergie to splash more of United’s income on transfers.

    Duncan Drasdo, chief executive of the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust which has long opposed the Glazers’ ownership, said: “If it turns out the vast majority of the proceeds are used to pay off the debt that is certainly something we would welcome.”
     

    zome

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  • Nov 26, 2008
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    Manchester United continue their pursuit of Tottenham target Moutinho

    Manchester United are continuing to monitor Porto midfielder and Tottenham target Joao Moutinho.

    The Red Devils are understood to have opened talks with the Portuguese club over a deal for the attacking midfielder, who is rated in the £25million mark.

    After bringing Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa to Old Trafford in the close season, Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV earlier this week that he hopes to add two more faces - with Moutinho widely rumoured to be a top target.

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    In demand: United want Moutinho

    'We're working on one or two things but there's nothing really to tell you to be honest.

    'We always try to get our work done at the end of the season – we spent a good deal of time sorting the deal with Shinji and we'd agreed a deal with Nick Powell before the play-offs which was a good move by us because the boy had an outstanding final at Wembley.

    'When you don't get deals done immediately and you're negotiating with a club over a long period, then you can't expect to just snap your fingers and get it done,' he said.
     

    zome

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    Arsenal forced to look at Lewandowski and Jovetic in hunt to replace skipper Van Persie

    Arsenal’s scouting team will hold a meeting at the club’s London Colney HQ at the start of next week to discuss the prospect of replacing wantaway skipper Robin van Persie.

    Sportsmail understands Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic and Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski were both watched by the scouts last season and will be on the agenda.

    Van Persie is keen to have his exit finalised by the time the club’s Asia tour kicks off on July 24. It is understood that he would rather not be included in the squad that flies to Malaysia as it would delay his pending move.

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    Can they replace RVP? Stevan Jovetic (up) and Robert Lewandowski (down)

    But manager Arsene Wenger is unlikely to take a lenient view on him missing the trip.

    Wenger has not given up hope of persuading Van Persie to change his mind and is planning a heart-to-heart meeting with the striker when he reports for pre-season training in around 10 days.

    But there is a feeling at the Emirates Stadium that Van Persie’s position is untenable after he admitted he does not agree with the club’s direction.

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    I'm off: Robin van Persie announced he will not be signing a new contract

    As Sportsmail revealed, both Manchester clubs will battle it out for Van Persie’s signature in the coming weeks.

    City would prefer to off-load one of their strikers before committing to a move for the 28-year-old — but with talks over Emmanuel Adebayor’s permanent move to Tottenham progressing well, that problem could soon be solved.

    Juventus remain in the running to sign Van Persie despite holding talks with Napoli forward Edinson Cavani and remain confident of luring the Holland striker to Italy.

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    Hitting out: Russian-based billionaire and Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov

    On Thursday, Arsenal's turbulent week descended into civil war after the club’s second biggest shareholder launched a withering attack on primary owner Stan Kroenke.

    Less than 24 hours after Van Persie revealed his intention to leave the Gunners with a statement questioning the club’s ambition, Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri — who own close to 30 per cent of Arsenal shares through investment vehicle Red and White Holdings — criticised the Kroenke regime.

    In a strongly worded five-page open letter addressed to the Arsenal board, Usmanov and Moshiri claim what they view as Kroenke’s lack of investment has led to:

    * the loss of the club’s best players
    * Arsenal signing second-rate stars
    * the club no longer being able to challenge for trophies

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    Under pressure: Usmanov's attack has turned up the heat on Stan Kroenke

    An extract from the letter read: ‘As a consequence of this (Mr Kroenke’s) policy, which is dressed up as prudent financial planning, it is down to our manager, and not our shareholders, to have to deal with the club’s tight finances, carry the burden of repaying the stadium debt by selling his best players and having to continue to find cheaper replacements.

    ARSENAL SHAREHOLDERS

    • Kroenke Sports Enterprises UK Ltd - 41,581 shares = 66.83 per cent
    • Red and White Securities Ltd (Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri)
      18,495 shares = 29.72 per cent
    • Other shareholders = 3.45 per cent
    ‘This policy is leading to the loss of our best players, often to our main competitors, and even causes the players themselves to question their future at the club and the club’s ambitions.’

    The letter continued: ‘It appears a place in the Champions League will be the pinnacle of our ambition again next season.’

    Usmanov and Moshiri’s attack plunges the club into further controversy after Van Persie confirmed he would not be signing a new contract.

    While Red and White Holdings have no major influence at the club due to the fact they have not been granted a place on the Arsenal board, the letter turns up the heat on Kroenke and the club’s hierarchy as the prospect of another summer of losing their prized asset looms.

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    Emirates exit? Winger Theo Walcott (right) could be the next to leave

    Meanwhile, Theo Walcott could become the next big-name player to depart.

    Like Van Persie, the England forward is in the final 12 months of his contract but the club have yet to call him in for talks over a new deal.
    Chelsea are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation.


     
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