..::Football III::..

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Suarez ban upheld by CAS

Luis Suarez has had his appeal against the four-month ban placed upon him by Fifa rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but will be allowed to train with Barcelona.

Suarez was originally banned by Fifa from all football-related activity after biting Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win over Italy in a World Cup fixture in Natal in June.But CAS has made the decision that the Uruguayan should be allowed to return to work, albeit with his playing suspension remaining in place.

The 27-year-old can now train with his new Barcelona team-mates for the first time since his €88 million transfer from Liverpool, while he can also commit to promotional activity.

He is due to return to the playing field on October 26, one day after Barcelona are scheduled to play rivals Real Madrid in La Liga. However, Suarez could well feature in the Clasico as national TV could decide to it to a Sunday fixture.

The extent of Suarez's playing ban was said by CAS to be proportionate with the act committed, with Suarez having twice been caught biting opponents in the past. He was banned for seven matches after biting PSV's Ottman Bakkal while playing for Ajax, then sat out 10 games following a similar incident at Liverpool on Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

He will sit out the first 11 games of Barcelona's season, while his nine-match international ban is still applicable.

 

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Suarez ta excuse 1kak labena 1kak naha wage.​

 

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Vidal ge 2nd dead line 1ka hetaMona weida mandathamath kisima positive action 1kak naha​

 

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Suarez ta excuse 1kak labena 1kak naha wage.​

 

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Howedes: 'Incredible' World Cup triumph has changed nothing

Benedikt Howedes has stated that Germany's World Cup win has not changed anything for him.The Schalke defender was ever-present in Germany's campaign in Brazil, with Joachim Low's men beating Argentina in the final.

But as he prepares to return to domestic action with Schalke, Howedes insists he is as ready as ever for the start of the Bundesliga campaign after an "incredible summer".

"We received a lot of attention," he told reporters."We won the World Cup and for the first time as a European team in South America. It was an incredible performance from us as a team.

"I was part of it and played all seven games from beginning to the end. It really was an incredible summer."But personally nothing really changed for me, I'm still the same. The only difference is that I can call myself a world champion now."Howedes stressed the importance of the squad as a whole in helping Germany lift their fourth World Cup.

"Every one of the 23 players [in the squad] is a world champion," he added. "All of them had their part to play and helped us to win the title."I'm not a fan of saying I feel more important, because I played all the time. Of course I'm happy for that. I had a hard tough year until the World Cup. I had to fight for my place and worked hard to be in shape for the tournament.

"I was fit and Joachim Low trusted me, so I could play in all seven matches. That made me happy, but again I am not a fan of saying only the players that were on the pitch are world champions."Everybody in this team, including the staff, made us win the trophy. We won it all together because everybody did their job."Schalke begin their Bundesliga campaign against Hannover on August 23.

 

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Rami: I only wanted to join AC Milan

Adil Rami has insisted that AC Milan were the only club he wanted to join this summer.

The 28-year-old joined Milan on loan in January following a falling-out with Valencia, and immediately became a regular at the heart of the defence during his six-month spell, making 18 appearances and scoring 3 times in Serie A.

He made the switch permanent in July, joining Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi's new regime for a reported fee of €4.25 million.

Speaking to Calcio 2000, Rami claims he had no hesitation over returning to the "family" at San Siro.

"I had problems with Valencia and I heard that Milan were looking for a defender," said the Frenchman.

"I didn't know about any other clubs that may have been interested. For me, I just wanted to sign for Milan – and that's what happened.

"[Philippe] Mexes helped me in the early days, but I have to say that everyone has been really helpful.

"I found more than just a team here – it's a family."

Milan play Lazio at San Siro in their first Serie A fixture of 2014-15 on August 31.

 

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Official: Javi Garcia completes Zenit move

Zenit have completed the signing of Javi Garcia from Manchester City.

The 27-year-old, who only spent two seasons at the Etihad, has signed a five-year deal with the Russian club.

The clubs had agreed a fee of €15 million for the Spanish international, which could rise to €16m, depending on the Russian side's success.

And after completing a medical and agreeind terms with the Russian Premier League runners-up, the former Benfica midfielder was confitmed a Zenit player by the club's official Twitter account.

Garcia was signed by Roberto Mancini in 2012, joining the Premier League champions for €20m as they looked to consolidate in the centre of the park.

However, the holding midfielder struggled to hold down is place in the starting line-up, making just 17 starts in the league under the Italian.

Things failed to improve under new boss Manuel Pellegrini last season, as he made just 14 starts in the Premier League, and with Fernando being brought in from Porto, playing time for Garcia looked to be at a premium in 2014-15.

The Spaniard scored twice during his time at City, including a strike against Stoke on his debut, with the other coming against Newcastle.

 

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Kane signs long-term new Tottenham contract

Harry Kane has signed a new long-term Tottenham contract.

The striker made his first team breakthrough last season and was a regular feature in the starting XI under former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood, scoring three goals in his last six games.

Kane, who has represented England Under-21s on five occasions, is a product of the club's youth academy and has committed to Spurs until 2019.

Kane made his debut for Tottenham as an 18-year-old in the Europa League and has also spent time on loan with Norwich City, Leicester City, Millwall and Leyton Orient.

The 21-year-old featured prominently in pre-season and could have a role to play at Spurs under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor the club's only senior options up front.

 

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French football president urges Ribery to rethink retirement

Noel le Graet, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), has called for Franck Ribery to reconsider his retirement from international duty.

Ribery announced the end of his France career on Wednesday, citing his increasing focus on club football and his family as reasons to step aside for the younger generation.

But le Graet believes the decision has been made too early by the 31-year-old Bayern Munich winger.

"We have been made aware about yesterday's comments from Franck Ribery concerning his international career," said le Graet.

"Such thinking, for a player so talented, cannot be the result of a single analysis and cannot be definitive, while his professional career has some good years ahead.

"The decision is also for the coach, the man who carries the interest of the French national team. How could France do without one their best players if he plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world?

"How could les Bleus go without one of the best players of their squad as we approach Euro 2016, which will be in France? All these are legitimate questions because the France team cannot be refused."

Ribery has made 82 appearances for France and le Graet believes his inherent competitive spirit could be enough to tempt him to return to international action before Euro 2016, which will be hosted in his homeland.

He added: "Franck loves the France team and has shown all of his commitment to the blue shirt. He's also a born competitior, destined to play in the biggest international competitions. And this involves the France team.

"I am sure he will reconsider his decision if he refinds his best form."

 

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Liverpool defender Kelly joins Crystal Palace

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly's move to Crystal Palace has been confirmed by his new club.

The 24-year-old, who came through the Reds' youth system, has signed a three-year contract at Selhurst Park and could be in contention to play at Arsenal on Saturday.

Earlier on Thursday, Kelly took to Twitter to thank Liverpool and announce his departure from Anfield.

"I would like to thank all the managers at [Liverpool] for making my wish from the age of seven come true playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world," he wrote.

"Most of all would like to thank the fans for supporting me since my home debut against Lyon in October 2009, even through injuries, always by my side.

"Now to start a new chapter of my football career at Crystal Palace, a great club with unbelievable fans excited already for the weekend."

Kelly made 33 Premier League appearances at Liverpool and also spent a spell on loan at Huddersfield Town in 2009.

 

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Uruguay 'enormously frustrated' by CAS Suarez verdict

The Uruguayan FA's lawyer has admitted the organisation is deeply disappointed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision not to reduce Luis Suarez's international ban.

The striker was banned by Fifa for nine competitive Uruguay matches after he bit Giorgio Chiellini during the Celeste's 1-0 World Cup win over Italy in June, as well as being suspended from all football-related activity for four months.

The international ban was upheld by CAS on Thursday, despite the non-playing portion of the punishment being lifted, leaving the AUF fuming.

"We are enormously frustrated because we understand that, with the behaviour of Suarez in that match he of course deserved to be punished, but we don't think that it was the worst behaviour of any player at a World Cup," Daniel Cravo, the AUF's lawyer, told Sky Sports.

"We considered that the situations he was involved in in the Netherlands and England could not be taken into consideration," he added, referring to previous biting incidents when playing for Ajax and Liverpool. "But, of course, we respect CAS' decision, we wait to see what the grounds are, and we are sorry for not achieving what our client wanted from us."

Suarez has received further support from the world footballers' union, Fifpro.

"Fifpro wants to express its disappointment with the decision,” it said in a statement. "Fifpro – the voice of all professional footballers worldwide – remains of the view that the current sanctions are disproportionate in relation to his violation of the Fifa Disciplinary Code.

"Fifpro does welcome the fact that CAS has cancelled the four-month ban from all football-related activity, which was unfair to Suarez as it infringed his right to work at club level.

"Fifpro regrets that CAS has not decided to reduce the length of both playing bans in exchange for an obligation for Suarez to receive treatment."

The 27-year-old is finally set to be unveiled by new club Barcelona on Monday following the lifting of the non-playing ban, and he could feature in that night's friendly clash with Club Leon at Camp Nou.

 

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Official: Southampton sign Shane Long

Southampton have completed the signing of striker Shane Long from Hull City on a four-year deal, the south coast outfit have confirmed.

The Republic of Ireland international bagged eight Premier League goals last term and only moved to the KC Stadium in January.

Hull boss Steve Bruce said earlier on Thursday that he was reluctant to lose Long, but the club could not refuse the offer from Southampton, believed to be in the region of €15 million.

"Myself and the owners didn't want to lose Shane but we accept it's a very good offer, especially when you consider what we paid [roughly €10m] in January.

"I've got no issues. Ever since I walked through the door of this club the board have supported me in every possible way and I'm sure that will be the case as we look to reinvest.

"In an ideal world the money would have come a month ago but it's come now and we'll deal with it."

Long scored three goals in 17 games for West Brom last season before making the January move to Hull.

The Republic of Ireland international scored 11 goals during the 2012-13 season playing alongside loanee Romelu Lukaku.

Southampton have sold Rickie Lambert to Liverpool this summer but bolstered their strikeforce with the signing of Graziano Pelle.

 

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Suarez to join Barcelona training on Friday before Monday presentation

Barcelona have confirmed that Luis Suarez will begin training with his new team-mates on Friday before being formally unveiled by the club on Monday.

The Uruguayan had been banned from any football activity for four months by Fifa for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup clash between the two countries.

Although he completed his move to Camp Nou from Liverpool shortly after, his suspension meant that he could not attend matches, practise with his colleagues or be presented to the media.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decreed on Thursday that, while the length of his playing ban will stand, he should be allowed to train and visit stadia, leaving Barca free to unveil him at long last.

Barca released a statement via their official website which read: "Following the announcement of the verdict by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the appeal against the sanction imposed on Luis Suarez by Fifa, FC Barcelona hereby announce that the player will join the first team's training session scheduled for tomorrow Friday at 09.30CET in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

"Likewise, the public presentation of Suarez as a new FC Barcelona player will be held on Monday at the Camp Nou, on occasion of the Joan Gamper Trophy match."

Barca will take on Club Leon in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy clash at Camp Nou, although Suarez is not expected to play any part.

The striker will be free to make his official Barcelona debut during the weekend of October 25-26, when the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid is set to take place.

 

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Abidal retires from international football

Eric Abidal has announced his retirement from international football after making 67 appearances for France.

The defender, who left Ligue 1 side Monaco to join Greek champions Olympiakos last month, was left out of France's World Cup squad and has now brought his 10-year international career to an end at the age of 34.Abidal, who underwent a liver transplant in 2012 following the discovery of a tumour in 2011, featured in three major tournaments for his country and played in the 2006 World Cup final defeat against Italy.

However, following his omission from Didier Deschamp's squad for the 2014 tournament, Abidal feels that time is up on his les Bleus career."It is time to close this door," Abidal told Catalan radio station RAC1.

"Not going to the World Cup was a disappointment because I wanted to finish on a good note."If I struggled as I did until today [after his liver transplant], it was to say goodbye to the national team at the World Cup. But that did not happen."

His announcement comes just a day after Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery confirmed the end of his international career, with midfielder Samir Nasri also deciding to bow out last Sunday.Abidal's last appearance for France came in the 2-0 first-leg defeat to Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.

 

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Manchester United's Rojo pursuit takes fresh twist

Manchester United's move for Marcos Rojo has taken a fresh twist following the continued fallout between the Argentina international's agents and his club Sporting.

United launched a €20 million bid for the defender this week, but saw that rejected by the Portuguese outfit.

That prompted Rojo to reportedly miss training on Wednesday in a bid to force the move, while his agents hit out at the club for reneging on an apparent verbal agreement to let the defender leave for less than his €30m release clause.

Doyen, Rojo's representatives, also warned in a statement that they would be due 75 per cent of any bid rejected by Sporting as part of their third-party ownership of the player.

But Sporting hit back on Thursday, releasing a statement of their own that declared they had "unilaterally rescinded all contracts with the Doyen Group", insisting that they would not be manipulated into selling their prize asset.

The statement reads: "It so happens that Sporting have flexed our muscles and will continue to protest against all those that, you [Doyen] in particular or football in general, prove as destabilising factors or manipulation."

In the statement, the Portuguese outfit also confirm they received a bid from a foreign club for Rojo on August 2 which was "flatly rejected".

This latest wrangle between Doyen and Sporting further complicates any potential deal for United, who may now have to offer a substantially larger amount than their initial €20m bid.

Goal understands the club would have to activate the player's €30m release clause - as Sporting see it - in order to bring him to Old Trafford.

And any deal for the player is highly unlikely to be concluded while the fierce dispute between club and agents continues.

United had hoped to capture the player, who has also long been interesting Southampton, in the coming week with manager Louis van Gaal desperate to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the season opener against Swansea on Saturday.

The club continue, though, to pursue deals for Netherlands defender Daley Blind and Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado from Ajax and Fiorentina respectively.

 

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Bayern boosted as Ribery nears return to training

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery hopes to be fit for the start of the Bundesliga season after confirming he will return to team training next week.

Ribery missed the World Cup after aggravating a lower back injury in France's training camp, while knee problems have further delayed his involvement in Bayern's pre-season.

However, the 31-year-old confirmed that he is ready to return to training with his team-mates ahead of Bayern's first Bundesliga fixture against Wolfsburg on August 22.

"From Monday I will be training with the team," Ribery told Kicker magazine.

Ribery watched from the sidelines as his side lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup on Wednesday, while he will also miss the opening DFB Pokal tie against third division side Preussen Munster on Sunday.

The winger is confident his knee troubles are nothing serious but is eager not to risk damaging his long-term fitness by returning too soon.

"I have slight knee problems, there I had to return from the USA. Investigations showed that it is not anything bad," he added.

"I want to risk nothing now, that's the reason for this break. I would rather take a short break than weeks out."

Ribery announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday having made 82 appearances for France since his first cap in 2006.

 

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Martinez ruled out for 'several months'

Bayern Munich have confirmed Javi Martinez will be out of action for "several months" as a result of the knee injury he suffered against Borussia Dortmund.

The Spain international fell to the turf after an innocuous-looking challenge with Marcel Schmelzer in the first half of Dortmund's 2-0 victory on Wednesday.

He indicated in the immediate aftermath he thought it was a serious injury and that was backed up on Thursday when Bayern announced he would have to undergo surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

A Bayern statement read: "Javi Martinez suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the German Super Cup in Dortmund on Wednesday night and will not be available to coach Pep Guardiola for the remainder of the year."

It is a big blow for Guardiola who was expected to utilise Martinez's versatility to the full over the coming season.

The former Athletic Bilbao man can operate in midfield and defence and was an integral part of the Bayern side which won the Champions League in 2013 and retained the domestic double last season.

He was downbeat after hearing the news but vowed to return a better player, telling the club's official website: "Of course I am very sad but I need you not to worry - I'll come back even stronger."

Martinez is expected to fly to Colorado in the next few days to have surgery before returning to Germany to begin his rehabilitation.

 

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Get well soon Martinez!​

 

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Official: Conte appointed Italy coach

Antonio Conte has been appointed coach of the Italy national team, the Italian football federation (FIGC) has confirmed.

The 45-year-old replaces Cesare Prandelli who resigned after the Azzurri were eliminated from this summer's World Cup in Brazil and the appointment comes just days after Carlo Tavecchio was unveiled as the new president of the FIGC.

Conte guided Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles but resigned from his post in the summer and was immediately linked to the role as national team coach.

Reports emerged on Thursday that Conte was set to be announced as the new boss and statement on the FIGC official website confirmed the appointment.

"President Tavecchio and Antonio Conte spoke directly by phone this morning to complete the final aspects of the collaboration that will bind Antonio Conte to the FIGC until July 31, 2016," the statement read.

Conte will be unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday 19 August at 11.30 CET.

 

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Congratulations Conte!​