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..::Football III::..
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'Bale is being ignored by Real Madrid team-mates' - Coleman
Real Madrid have been accused by Chris Coleman of "overlooking" embattled forward Gareth Bale on the pitch.
Bale has endured a turbulent second season in Madrid, with Real fans targeting the Wales international following the capital club's below-par season, which cost coach Carlo Ancelotti his job on Monday.
Manchester United are looking to take advantage of Bale's situation by bringing him to Old Trafford, though any move would depend on whether Madrid president Florentino Perez is willing to sell.
Wales coach Coleman, who spent time in Spain with Real Sociedad in 2007-08, leapt to the defence of Bale, claiming the player's team-mates have contributed to his struggles.
"He was heavily criticised after that first leg [against Juventus in the Champions League] but I am seeing him in great positions and not receiving the ball from certain players," he told reporters.
"My assistant Osian [Roberts] called me up and I told him 'I know what you are going to say, they are not giving him the ball'.
"It wasn't Carlo Ancelotti's fault, it is down to the players on the pitch and it looked to me like he was being overlooked.
"You can only do what you do best. With us when he is good positions we make sure we give it to him, in Madrid I did not see that and it was not because he was not working hard.
"I am not saying it was just Ronaldo, but offensively I look at Madrid and wonder why he is not getting the ball.
"That Madrid team towards the end of the season looked disjointed and did not seem to have that togetherness, and Gareth has suffered for that."
Real Madrid have been accused by Chris Coleman of "overlooking" embattled forward Gareth Bale on the pitch.
Bale has endured a turbulent second season in Madrid, with Real fans targeting the Wales international following the capital club's below-par season, which cost coach Carlo Ancelotti his job on Monday.
Manchester United are looking to take advantage of Bale's situation by bringing him to Old Trafford, though any move would depend on whether Madrid president Florentino Perez is willing to sell.
Wales coach Coleman, who spent time in Spain with Real Sociedad in 2007-08, leapt to the defence of Bale, claiming the player's team-mates have contributed to his struggles.
"He was heavily criticised after that first leg [against Juventus in the Champions League] but I am seeing him in great positions and not receiving the ball from certain players," he told reporters.
"My assistant Osian [Roberts] called me up and I told him 'I know what you are going to say, they are not giving him the ball'.
"It wasn't Carlo Ancelotti's fault, it is down to the players on the pitch and it looked to me like he was being overlooked.
"You can only do what you do best. With us when he is good positions we make sure we give it to him, in Madrid I did not see that and it was not because he was not working hard.
"I am not saying it was just Ronaldo, but offensively I look at Madrid and wonder why he is not getting the ball.
"That Madrid team towards the end of the season looked disjointed and did not seem to have that togetherness, and Gareth has suffered for that."
Casillas: Whistling made me angry - but I can't imagine leaving Madrid
Iker Casillas says he has never been moved to tears by the whistles of Real Madrid fans but admits he has been angered by his treatment.
The goalkeeper's form has been under persistent scrutiny during the past 18 months following a handful of high-profile blunders and a dismal performance with Spain at the World Cup last summer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti reinstated him as undisputed No.1 across all competitions ahead of 2014-15, which drew ire from supporters who thought summer signing Keylor Navas deserved to start.
With Ancelotti having since been sacked this week and David de Gea linked with a big-money move this summer, speculation remains rife that Casillas will ultimately be forced to leave the club - but he admits he cannot envisage doing so.
"I want to face the season with the belief I have always had over the years, that's the passion for this position that I have,” he told Cadena SER. "I'll be in this goal next season and I do not imagine leaving the Real Madrid."I would hold off another goalkeeper because I am competitive. But there will never be a problem between myself and Real Madrid.
"What I want and desire is for the good of those who come to the Santiago Bernabeu, the people who call this club their home. It's not the typical brown-nosing flattery, it is the truth."I'm a very emotional person and I let the whistling get to me too much, though I never went home crying. But yes, I was angry at the response."
When put on the spot about Manchester United No.1 and Spain international team-mate De Gea being brought in, he added: "De Gea is an awfully nice guy and I'm used to his presence."
Iker Casillas says he has never been moved to tears by the whistles of Real Madrid fans but admits he has been angered by his treatment.
The goalkeeper's form has been under persistent scrutiny during the past 18 months following a handful of high-profile blunders and a dismal performance with Spain at the World Cup last summer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti reinstated him as undisputed No.1 across all competitions ahead of 2014-15, which drew ire from supporters who thought summer signing Keylor Navas deserved to start.
With Ancelotti having since been sacked this week and David de Gea linked with a big-money move this summer, speculation remains rife that Casillas will ultimately be forced to leave the club - but he admits he cannot envisage doing so.
"I want to face the season with the belief I have always had over the years, that's the passion for this position that I have,” he told Cadena SER. "I'll be in this goal next season and I do not imagine leaving the Real Madrid."I would hold off another goalkeeper because I am competitive. But there will never be a problem between myself and Real Madrid.
"What I want and desire is for the good of those who come to the Santiago Bernabeu, the people who call this club their home. It's not the typical brown-nosing flattery, it is the truth."I'm a very emotional person and I let the whistling get to me too much, though I never went home crying. But yes, I was angry at the response."
When put on the spot about Manchester United No.1 and Spain international team-mate De Gea being brought in, he added: "De Gea is an awfully nice guy and I'm used to his presence."
Wenger: Mourinho's speech? Forget it and move on
Arsene Wenger has taken a swipe at Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea manager criticised Arsenal's season during a speech at the Blues' awards dinner.
In a bizarre speech that also involved the use of graphics, Mourinho suggested that Arsenal only played between January and April, whilst claiming that the team wanted to play with two goals.
Wenger, though, bit back at Mourinho in his pre-FA Cup final media briefing, insisting that he pays little attention to the opinions of his rival.
"Forget his speech, and get to something else," he told reporters. "I'm not interested in his speech.
"I just don't listen to what people say. I listen to the questions you ask to me and those I don't want to answer, I don't want to answer."
Wenger says he is intensely motivated to beat Aston Villa at Wembley, but confirmed that Danny Welbeck will be absent from the matchday squad, having sustained a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
"I don't know who will start yet, that's not important, in the FA Cup final, just on the day who will start, what's important is who will bring the trophy back," he added.
Wenger could break a long-standing record this weekend if Arsenal emerge victorious at Wembley, becoming the manager with the most FA Cup trophy wins in England, but he says he is not focused solely on individual accolades.
"It's difficult to get there," he said. "The record, I like to beat records, but that's not the most important thing on Saturday. The most important thing is we come back together and happy.
"I would love to do it. I'm not focused on that. I’m more focused on the fact we have fought so hard to get there. We went to Man United to get there, we had to win big games, now we want to win it."
Arsene Wenger has taken a swipe at Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea manager criticised Arsenal's season during a speech at the Blues' awards dinner.
In a bizarre speech that also involved the use of graphics, Mourinho suggested that Arsenal only played between January and April, whilst claiming that the team wanted to play with two goals.
Wenger, though, bit back at Mourinho in his pre-FA Cup final media briefing, insisting that he pays little attention to the opinions of his rival.
"Forget his speech, and get to something else," he told reporters. "I'm not interested in his speech.
"I just don't listen to what people say. I listen to the questions you ask to me and those I don't want to answer, I don't want to answer."
Wenger says he is intensely motivated to beat Aston Villa at Wembley, but confirmed that Danny Welbeck will be absent from the matchday squad, having sustained a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
"I don't know who will start yet, that's not important, in the FA Cup final, just on the day who will start, what's important is who will bring the trophy back," he added.
Wenger could break a long-standing record this weekend if Arsenal emerge victorious at Wembley, becoming the manager with the most FA Cup trophy wins in England, but he says he is not focused solely on individual accolades.
"It's difficult to get there," he said. "The record, I like to beat records, but that's not the most important thing on Saturday. The most important thing is we come back together and happy.
"I would love to do it. I'm not focused on that. I’m more focused on the fact we have fought so hard to get there. We went to Man United to get there, we had to win big games, now we want to win it."
Webb among officials arrested on Fifa corruption charges
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has confirmed that Concacaf president Jeffrey Webb is one of 14 people indicted for racketeering, fraud and money laundering following dawn raids in Switzerland.
An international law enforcement collaboration resulted in a 6am swoop at the Hotel Bauer au Lac in Zurich where officials were staying ahead of the 65th Fifa congress.
Police covered those detained with bed sheets as they led them to waiting cars, but now the DoJ has confirmed the names of those indicted along with information relating to the charges set to be brought against them.
"A 47-count indictment was unsealed early this morning in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 14 defendants with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants’ participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer. The guilty pleas of four individual defendants and two corporate defendants were also unsealed today," explained a DoJ release.
"The defendants charged in the indictment include high-ranking officials of Fifa, the organisation responsible for the regulation and promotion of soccer worldwide, as well as leading officials of other soccer governing bodies that operate under the Fifa umbrella. Jeffrey Webb and Jack Warner – the current and former presidents of Concacaf, the continental confederation under Fifa headquartered in the United States – are among the soccer officials charged with racketeering and bribery offenses."
The other leading figures to be indicted include former Conmebol president Nicolas Leoz, ex-CBF chief Jose Maria Marin and current Fifa big-wigs Edoardo Li, Julio Rocha and Eugenio Figueredo.
The world football governing body's president Sepp Blatter was not arrested, but Swiss police - working in tandem with the US Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) - revealed six figures are set to be questioned over fraud allegations following Wednesday's initial arrests.
"By order of the FOJ, six soccer officials were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday and detained pending extradition," a statement from Zurich police confirmed."The US authorities suspect them of having received bribes totalling in the millions of US dollars. The FOJ's arrest warrants were issued further to a request by the US authorities.
"The US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kick-backs between the early 1990s and the present day."
Zurich police confirmed the extradition process will begin immediately, subject to appeal.The timing could not be more striking, with Blatter up for re-election as Fifa president on Friday - an election he is favourite to win against opponent Prince Ali bin al Hussein, who was reticent to pass judgement on the arrests.
"Today is a sad day for football," the Jordanian said. "Clearly this is a developing story, the details of which are still emerging. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has confirmed that Concacaf president Jeffrey Webb is one of 14 people indicted for racketeering, fraud and money laundering following dawn raids in Switzerland.
An international law enforcement collaboration resulted in a 6am swoop at the Hotel Bauer au Lac in Zurich where officials were staying ahead of the 65th Fifa congress.
Police covered those detained with bed sheets as they led them to waiting cars, but now the DoJ has confirmed the names of those indicted along with information relating to the charges set to be brought against them.
"A 47-count indictment was unsealed early this morning in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 14 defendants with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants’ participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer. The guilty pleas of four individual defendants and two corporate defendants were also unsealed today," explained a DoJ release.
"The defendants charged in the indictment include high-ranking officials of Fifa, the organisation responsible for the regulation and promotion of soccer worldwide, as well as leading officials of other soccer governing bodies that operate under the Fifa umbrella. Jeffrey Webb and Jack Warner – the current and former presidents of Concacaf, the continental confederation under Fifa headquartered in the United States – are among the soccer officials charged with racketeering and bribery offenses."
The other leading figures to be indicted include former Conmebol president Nicolas Leoz, ex-CBF chief Jose Maria Marin and current Fifa big-wigs Edoardo Li, Julio Rocha and Eugenio Figueredo.
The world football governing body's president Sepp Blatter was not arrested, but Swiss police - working in tandem with the US Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) - revealed six figures are set to be questioned over fraud allegations following Wednesday's initial arrests.
"By order of the FOJ, six soccer officials were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday and detained pending extradition," a statement from Zurich police confirmed."The US authorities suspect them of having received bribes totalling in the millions of US dollars. The FOJ's arrest warrants were issued further to a request by the US authorities.
"The US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kick-backs between the early 1990s and the present day."
Zurich police confirmed the extradition process will begin immediately, subject to appeal.The timing could not be more striking, with Blatter up for re-election as Fifa president on Friday - an election he is favourite to win against opponent Prince Ali bin al Hussein, who was reticent to pass judgement on the arrests.
"Today is a sad day for football," the Jordanian said. "Clearly this is a developing story, the details of which are still emerging. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."
Blatter 'not dancing in his office' but election will go ahead - Fifa
Fifa has confirmed the presidential election will go ahead on Friday despite claiming it is the "damaged party" in which seven officials were arrested over corruption claims.
A string of surprise arrests were made ahead of the 65th Fifa Congress on Wednesday by Swiss legal authorities to extradite them to USA over allegations regarding the laundering of funds in excess of $100 million.
Those who were arrested by the Federal Office of Justice in Zurich included Concacaf president Jeffrey Webb, Fifa executive committee member Eduardo Li and outgoing Fifa vice-president Eugenio Figueredo, though 14 were detained in Switzerland.
But Fifa's head of communications and public affairs Walter De Gregorio claimed the arrests actually assist Fifa and refuted reports president Sepp Blatter is trying to delay the election, insisting the world football governing body pushed for the legal action.
"Fifa initiated this process on November 18 last year," he told reporters. "Fifa lodged a legal complaint with the federal attorney that had to do with the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
"While the timing may not obviously be the best, Fifa welcomes this process and Fifa cooperates fully with the attorney general of Switzerland and Federal Office of Justice and it corresponds to all requests for information.
"I wish to repeat in this case Fifa is the damaged party, this leads to the fact that there were no searches within the offices of Fifa. The general secretary and the president [Blatter] are not involved.
"There was never such an idea to postpone either the congress or the election. One thing has nothing to do with the other so we go on with the agenda and the election will take place as planned."
Although De Gregorio was keen to stress in Wednesday's press conference that Fifa is satisfied with the "cleaning up" being done by legal authorities, he does not think it is fair to hold Blatter responsible for the actions of his Fifa colleagues.
"These arrests are not good in terms of image, it's not good in terms of reputation but in terms of cleaning up this is a good thing," he added. "It's not a nice day, we have other things to do, but the process goes on and we are looking forward to the results.
"The damaged part are all of us. Football fans for sure but the president is not involved, how can you say Blatter has to step down? He is the president, if he is re-elected then he is the president for the next four years.
"Blatter is focused on the congress. The stress factor is higher today than it was yesterday but he is quite relaxed because he is not involved.
"He is not dancing in his office. He is just very calm, he is seeing what happens and is fully cooperative with everybody. He is not a really happy man today - saying 'oh wow, this is really cool' - but he knows this is the consequence of what we initiated. It's a surprise that it happened today but it's not a surprise that it happens."
Many football fans on Twitter have called for the allocation of World Cup 2018 and 2022 respectively to be reconsidered amid Swiss criminal proceedings, but Fifa is refusing to reconsider such a possibility despite the arrests.
"No," De Gregorio responded when asked the possibility of World Cup finals changing hands. "World Cup 2018 and 2022 will be played in Russia and Qatar.
"What do you expect from us? I mean, Russia and Qatar World Cups will be played. I won't go into speculation about what will happen after today."
Fifa has confirmed the presidential election will go ahead on Friday despite claiming it is the "damaged party" in which seven officials were arrested over corruption claims.
A string of surprise arrests were made ahead of the 65th Fifa Congress on Wednesday by Swiss legal authorities to extradite them to USA over allegations regarding the laundering of funds in excess of $100 million.
Those who were arrested by the Federal Office of Justice in Zurich included Concacaf president Jeffrey Webb, Fifa executive committee member Eduardo Li and outgoing Fifa vice-president Eugenio Figueredo, though 14 were detained in Switzerland.
But Fifa's head of communications and public affairs Walter De Gregorio claimed the arrests actually assist Fifa and refuted reports president Sepp Blatter is trying to delay the election, insisting the world football governing body pushed for the legal action.
"Fifa initiated this process on November 18 last year," he told reporters. "Fifa lodged a legal complaint with the federal attorney that had to do with the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
"While the timing may not obviously be the best, Fifa welcomes this process and Fifa cooperates fully with the attorney general of Switzerland and Federal Office of Justice and it corresponds to all requests for information.
"I wish to repeat in this case Fifa is the damaged party, this leads to the fact that there were no searches within the offices of Fifa. The general secretary and the president [Blatter] are not involved.
"There was never such an idea to postpone either the congress or the election. One thing has nothing to do with the other so we go on with the agenda and the election will take place as planned."
Although De Gregorio was keen to stress in Wednesday's press conference that Fifa is satisfied with the "cleaning up" being done by legal authorities, he does not think it is fair to hold Blatter responsible for the actions of his Fifa colleagues.
"These arrests are not good in terms of image, it's not good in terms of reputation but in terms of cleaning up this is a good thing," he added. "It's not a nice day, we have other things to do, but the process goes on and we are looking forward to the results.
"The damaged part are all of us. Football fans for sure but the president is not involved, how can you say Blatter has to step down? He is the president, if he is re-elected then he is the president for the next four years.
"Blatter is focused on the congress. The stress factor is higher today than it was yesterday but he is quite relaxed because he is not involved.
"He is not dancing in his office. He is just very calm, he is seeing what happens and is fully cooperative with everybody. He is not a really happy man today - saying 'oh wow, this is really cool' - but he knows this is the consequence of what we initiated. It's a surprise that it happened today but it's not a surprise that it happens."
Many football fans on Twitter have called for the allocation of World Cup 2018 and 2022 respectively to be reconsidered amid Swiss criminal proceedings, but Fifa is refusing to reconsider such a possibility despite the arrests.
"No," De Gregorio responded when asked the possibility of World Cup finals changing hands. "World Cup 2018 and 2022 will be played in Russia and Qatar.
"What do you expect from us? I mean, Russia and Qatar World Cups will be played. I won't go into speculation about what will happen after today."
Benteke will keep Arsenal awake at night - Westwood
Ashley Westwood believes Arsenal will have "sleepless nights" about Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke before Saturday's FA Cup final.
Benteke has rediscovered his best form under manager Tim Sherwood, scoring 12 goals in as many matches, to help preserve Villa's Premier League status and lead the Birmingham club to an unexpected second trip to Wembley, having stunned Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Saturday's decider in London is Villa's first FA Cup final in 15 years, while Arsenal are looking to defend their crown, but Westwood has backed Benteke to strike fear into Arsene Wenger's men in the English capital.
"I think he's back to full fitness now, he was struggling with his Achilles early on and people didn't see that, they just expected him to walk back in and fire in the goals," said the 25-year-old.
"But he's back to his best now, bullying defenders and I'm sure they'll have sleepless nights, they won't want to be playing against him.
"We know how good we are, if we play like we can do we can match anyone. We've got internationals throughout the team, Fabs [Fabian Delph] and Clevs [Tom Cleverley] are on form, Christian is a real handful for anyone, I'm sure they'll be having sleepless nights about him."
Benteke's form has seen him heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park, and Goal understands Chelsea and Liverpool will battle it out for the €38 million-rated forward.
Ashley Westwood believes Arsenal will have "sleepless nights" about Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke before Saturday's FA Cup final.
Benteke has rediscovered his best form under manager Tim Sherwood, scoring 12 goals in as many matches, to help preserve Villa's Premier League status and lead the Birmingham club to an unexpected second trip to Wembley, having stunned Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Saturday's decider in London is Villa's first FA Cup final in 15 years, while Arsenal are looking to defend their crown, but Westwood has backed Benteke to strike fear into Arsene Wenger's men in the English capital.
"I think he's back to full fitness now, he was struggling with his Achilles early on and people didn't see that, they just expected him to walk back in and fire in the goals," said the 25-year-old.
"But he's back to his best now, bullying defenders and I'm sure they'll have sleepless nights, they won't want to be playing against him.
"We know how good we are, if we play like we can do we can match anyone. We've got internationals throughout the team, Fabs [Fabian Delph] and Clevs [Tom Cleverley] are on form, Christian is a real handful for anyone, I'm sure they'll be having sleepless nights about him."
Benteke's form has seen him heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park, and Goal understands Chelsea and Liverpool will battle it out for the €38 million-rated forward.
Warner pleads innocence over Fifa scandal
Jack Warner insists he is innocent of all charges and claims football politics has nothing to do with him following his indictment by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) on Wednesday.
The former Fifa vice-president was one of 14 people named by a DoJ release relating to racketeering, fraud, money laundering and corruption charges within football’s corridors of power over a 24-year period.But Warner has responded strongly, claiming in a statement that he has done nothing wrong.
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit Fifa and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation. This is where I have let my bucket down,” read the statement.
“I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.“I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges.
"I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.“The actions of Fifa no longer concern me.”
The 72-year-old was suspended by Fifa’s Executive Committee in 2011 pending corruption allegations, but he later resigned from all football positions with Fifa presuming his innocence since he could no longer be investigated. He now stands for the Independent Liberal Party in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago.
And in his statement he cited Friday’s presidential election as a potential reason for the timing of the latest Fifa scandal.
“I cannot help but note that these cross-border coordinated actions come at a time when Fifa is assembled for elections to select a president who is universally disliked by the international community,” he continued.“At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football. World football is an enormous international business.
“That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Jack Warner insists he is innocent of all charges and claims football politics has nothing to do with him following his indictment by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) on Wednesday.
The former Fifa vice-president was one of 14 people named by a DoJ release relating to racketeering, fraud, money laundering and corruption charges within football’s corridors of power over a 24-year period.But Warner has responded strongly, claiming in a statement that he has done nothing wrong.
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit Fifa and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation. This is where I have let my bucket down,” read the statement.
“I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.“I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges.
"I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.“The actions of Fifa no longer concern me.”
The 72-year-old was suspended by Fifa’s Executive Committee in 2011 pending corruption allegations, but he later resigned from all football positions with Fifa presuming his innocence since he could no longer be investigated. He now stands for the Independent Liberal Party in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago.
And in his statement he cited Friday’s presidential election as a potential reason for the timing of the latest Fifa scandal.
“I cannot help but note that these cross-border coordinated actions come at a time when Fifa is assembled for elections to select a president who is universally disliked by the international community,” he continued.“At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football. World football is an enormous international business.
“That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Presidential candidate Prince Ali: Fifa crisis cannot continue
Fifa presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan says that Fifa cannot be allowed to continue in its current guise under the regime of Sepp Blatter following the latest corruption scandal to rock world football's governing body.
Seven arrests were made at the Baur Au Lac hotel in Zurich early on Wednesday morning as Fifa delegates assembled for the 65th Fifa Congress scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday.
Among those detained by Swiss authorities at the request of the US Justice Department were current Fifa vice presidents Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo as well as executive committee member-elect Eduardo Li of Costa Rica.
The seven arrested in Zurich, along with former confederation presidents Jack Warner and Nicolas Leoz as well as five businessmen, are facing extradition to the US on charges of money laundering, wire fraud and racketeering offences.
“We cannot continue with the crisis in Fifa, a crisis that has been ongoing and is not just relevant to the events of today," a statement from the office of Prince Ali reads.
"Fifa needs leadership that governs, guides and protects our national associations. Leadership that accepts responsibility for its actions and does not pass blame. Leadership that restores confidence in the hundreds of millions of football fans around the world.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Fifa has no plans to shelve the presidential elections which are due to take place on Friday. Prince Ali is the only other candidate in the running following the withdrawals of Michael van Praag and Luis Figo.
Fifa presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan says that Fifa cannot be allowed to continue in its current guise under the regime of Sepp Blatter following the latest corruption scandal to rock world football's governing body.
Seven arrests were made at the Baur Au Lac hotel in Zurich early on Wednesday morning as Fifa delegates assembled for the 65th Fifa Congress scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday.
Among those detained by Swiss authorities at the request of the US Justice Department were current Fifa vice presidents Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo as well as executive committee member-elect Eduardo Li of Costa Rica.
The seven arrested in Zurich, along with former confederation presidents Jack Warner and Nicolas Leoz as well as five businessmen, are facing extradition to the US on charges of money laundering, wire fraud and racketeering offences.
“We cannot continue with the crisis in Fifa, a crisis that has been ongoing and is not just relevant to the events of today," a statement from the office of Prince Ali reads.
"Fifa needs leadership that governs, guides and protects our national associations. Leadership that accepts responsibility for its actions and does not pass blame. Leadership that restores confidence in the hundreds of millions of football fans around the world.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Fifa has no plans to shelve the presidential elections which are due to take place on Friday. Prince Ali is the only other candidate in the running following the withdrawals of Michael van Praag and Luis Figo.
Gerrard 'blown away' by Liverpool farewell
Steven Gerrard says he has been "blown away" by the send-off he was given by Liverpool supporters and has reiterated his desire to return to the club in some capacity.
Gerrard made his final Reds appearance away to Stoke City on Sunday, eight days after receiving an emotional farewell on his final first-team run-out at Anfield.
He will now move to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer but took the time to pen a letter to supporters, which was published in the Liverpool Echo.
"Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was eight years old and I know how much I'm going to miss it," he wrote.
"It's been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City.
"But I've been blown away by the send-off I've been given by the supporters and I'd like to thank every one of you. It's been very humbling and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.
"It's been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long."
The 34-year-old went on to state: "I'll be away for the next couple of years but this isn't the end of my long association with Liverpool FC. I've been a supporter all my life and that will continue.
"I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future.
"But today is all about looking back and saying thank-you to the fans for the magnificent support you have given me over the past two decades. You have helped me to fulfil my dreams over and over again and given me memories I wouldn't swap for anything."
Steven Gerrard says he has been "blown away" by the send-off he was given by Liverpool supporters and has reiterated his desire to return to the club in some capacity.
Gerrard made his final Reds appearance away to Stoke City on Sunday, eight days after receiving an emotional farewell on his final first-team run-out at Anfield.
He will now move to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer but took the time to pen a letter to supporters, which was published in the Liverpool Echo.
"Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was eight years old and I know how much I'm going to miss it," he wrote.
"It's been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City.
"But I've been blown away by the send-off I've been given by the supporters and I'd like to thank every one of you. It's been very humbling and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.
"It's been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long."
The 34-year-old went on to state: "I'll be away for the next couple of years but this isn't the end of my long association with Liverpool FC. I've been a supporter all my life and that will continue.
"I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future.
"But today is all about looking back and saying thank-you to the fans for the magnificent support you have given me over the past two decades. You have helped me to fulfil my dreams over and over again and given me memories I wouldn't swap for anything."
Pique: The older I am, the better I am
Gerard Pique says that he is getting better with age and wants to stay at Barcelona for the remainder of his career.
The Spain centre-back returned to Barca seven years ago following a spell with Manchester United and has enjoyed a glittering career at Camp Nou, lifting his fifth Liga title this month.
The 28-year-old has another four years on his contract with the Spanish champions and has no intention of moving on to pastures new before he ends his playing days unlike team-mate Xavi, who is departing at the end of the season to play in Qatar for Al Sadd.
"I'll retire at Barca. I don't know when - the older I am, the better. I'm sure about that; I can't see myself wearing any other shirt," he told Marca."If I see that next year I'm not up to scratch, I'll hang my boots up at 29 years of age. I don't associate this sport with anything except Barcelona."
Barca face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final at Camp Nou on Saturday before taking on Juventus in the Champions League final in Berlin a week later and Pique is determined to add another two winners' medals to his vast haul before his summer holidays.
"There comes a point when you realise that you're storming forward, that you can beat anyone and this is what has ended up winning us the league and putting us in two finals," he added.
"Now we mustn't stop, we have to win the two matches that are left and make it a perfect season."
Gerard Pique says that he is getting better with age and wants to stay at Barcelona for the remainder of his career.
The Spain centre-back returned to Barca seven years ago following a spell with Manchester United and has enjoyed a glittering career at Camp Nou, lifting his fifth Liga title this month.
The 28-year-old has another four years on his contract with the Spanish champions and has no intention of moving on to pastures new before he ends his playing days unlike team-mate Xavi, who is departing at the end of the season to play in Qatar for Al Sadd.
"I'll retire at Barca. I don't know when - the older I am, the better. I'm sure about that; I can't see myself wearing any other shirt," he told Marca."If I see that next year I'm not up to scratch, I'll hang my boots up at 29 years of age. I don't associate this sport with anything except Barcelona."
Barca face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final at Camp Nou on Saturday before taking on Juventus in the Champions League final in Berlin a week later and Pique is determined to add another two winners' medals to his vast haul before his summer holidays.
"There comes a point when you realise that you're storming forward, that you can beat anyone and this is what has ended up winning us the league and putting us in two finals," he added.
"Now we mustn't stop, we have to win the two matches that are left and make it a perfect season."
Malaysia XI 1-2 Tottenham: Kane strikes twice in friendly
A double from Harry Kane helped Tottenham Hotspur wrap up a 2-1 victory over a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur.
Kane opened the scoring from four yards out before Danny Rose diverted the ball past a helpless Hugo Lloris to draw Malaysia level.
Kane then doubled his and Tottenham's tally in the 43rd minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lovely one-two between Andros Townsend and Tom Carroll.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who secured fifth place in the Premier League with Sunday’s 1-0 win over Everton, will now turn their attentions towards Saturday's clash with Sydney FC in Australia.
Pochettino named a strong side for the first leg of this post-season tour, with first-team stars Kane, Townsend, Rose, Lloris, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen all included from the start.
Their quality eventually shone through, even if Malaysia posed Tottenham plenty of problems early on. It was the hosts who started the brighter of the two teams, Paolo Rangel and Thiago Juninho going close in the opening stages.
Tottenham were the side to make the breakthrough, though, Eriksen the architect after some fine work down the left. The Dane's cut-back found Carroll, whose shot came back off the post and landed at the feet of Kane, who made no mistake from close-range.
Malaysia drew level in the 32nd minute, Rose inadvertantly turning Indra Putra Mahyuddin's free-kick into the back of his own net under pressure from Thiago Juninho.
But Kane struck again before the interval, finishing past Malaysia keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat with aplomb after some neat build-up play between Townsend and Carroll.
Tottenham made a host of substitutions at the break, Erik Lamela, Nabir Bentaleb, Grant Ward, Kyle Walker-Peters and Michel Vorm replacing Eriksen, Rose, Vertonghen, Townsend and Lloris.
The changes did not disrupt Spurs' flow, with Ward, Kane and Lamela all going close at the start of the second period.
Malaysia had the odd attempt at goal but Tottenham were firmly in control despite possessing just a single-goal advantage.
Nacer Chadli and youngster Josh Onomah also went close in the second-half but the score remained 2-1 to give Tottenham a narrow victory in front of around 25,000 fans at the Shah Alam Stadium.
A double from Harry Kane helped Tottenham Hotspur wrap up a 2-1 victory over a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur.
Kane opened the scoring from four yards out before Danny Rose diverted the ball past a helpless Hugo Lloris to draw Malaysia level.
Kane then doubled his and Tottenham's tally in the 43rd minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lovely one-two between Andros Townsend and Tom Carroll.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who secured fifth place in the Premier League with Sunday’s 1-0 win over Everton, will now turn their attentions towards Saturday's clash with Sydney FC in Australia.
Pochettino named a strong side for the first leg of this post-season tour, with first-team stars Kane, Townsend, Rose, Lloris, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen all included from the start.
Their quality eventually shone through, even if Malaysia posed Tottenham plenty of problems early on. It was the hosts who started the brighter of the two teams, Paolo Rangel and Thiago Juninho going close in the opening stages.
Tottenham were the side to make the breakthrough, though, Eriksen the architect after some fine work down the left. The Dane's cut-back found Carroll, whose shot came back off the post and landed at the feet of Kane, who made no mistake from close-range.
Malaysia drew level in the 32nd minute, Rose inadvertantly turning Indra Putra Mahyuddin's free-kick into the back of his own net under pressure from Thiago Juninho.
But Kane struck again before the interval, finishing past Malaysia keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat with aplomb after some neat build-up play between Townsend and Carroll.
Tottenham made a host of substitutions at the break, Erik Lamela, Nabir Bentaleb, Grant Ward, Kyle Walker-Peters and Michel Vorm replacing Eriksen, Rose, Vertonghen, Townsend and Lloris.
The changes did not disrupt Spurs' flow, with Ward, Kane and Lamela all going close at the start of the second period.
Malaysia had the odd attempt at goal but Tottenham were firmly in control despite possessing just a single-goal advantage.
Nacer Chadli and youngster Josh Onomah also went close in the second-half but the score remained 2-1 to give Tottenham a narrow victory in front of around 25,000 fans at the Shah Alam Stadium.
Balotelli will definitely stay at Liverpool, says agent
Mario Balotelli will "definitely stay" at Liverpool next season, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
The Italy international has struggled during his first season with the Reds, scoring just four goals in all competitons as Brendan Rodgers' side struggled for consistency.
But Raiola revealed his client held talks with the club and would not be leaving Merseyside this summer.
"No, he had talks with Liverpool and he will definitely stay," he told Sky Sports when asked if the striker would depart Anfield.
Concerns were raised surrounding Balotelli's off-field behaviour when he joined the club in August after a number of incidents during his time with Manchester City.
But Raiola believes that, despite the striker receiving a one-match suspension in December for a controversial Instagram post, the club are happy with his conduct when away from the pitch.
"The club were happy with him as a professional. Obviously he may have to improve the performances but I’m pretty confident that will happen next year."
Mario Balotelli will "definitely stay" at Liverpool next season, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
The Italy international has struggled during his first season with the Reds, scoring just four goals in all competitons as Brendan Rodgers' side struggled for consistency.
But Raiola revealed his client held talks with the club and would not be leaving Merseyside this summer.
"No, he had talks with Liverpool and he will definitely stay," he told Sky Sports when asked if the striker would depart Anfield.
Concerns were raised surrounding Balotelli's off-field behaviour when he joined the club in August after a number of incidents during his time with Manchester City.
But Raiola believes that, despite the striker receiving a one-match suspension in December for a controversial Instagram post, the club are happy with his conduct when away from the pitch.
"The club were happy with him as a professional. Obviously he may have to improve the performances but I’m pretty confident that will happen next year."
The 2018 World Cup should go to England - Johansson
Former Uefa president Lennart Johansson believes the 2018 World Cup should be taken off of Russia and awarded to England, while the 2022 edition should be awarded by a lottery.
The decisions to award the World Cup to Russia and Qatar created much controversy across the world because of the poor human rights' records both countries have. There have been particularly severe allegations of corruption in the awarding of the 2022 edition to Qatar.On Wednesday, 14 Fifa officials were indicted on for racketeering, fraud and money laundering following dawn raids in Switzerland.
Johansson, now an honorary president of European football's governing body, believes the latest scandal could see Fifa change the destination of the next two World Cups.
"I expect that they will reconsider the decisions. I'm sure that they will take the initiative to make a new decision in the matter for both 2018 and 2022" Johansson, who challenged Sepp Blatter to the Fifa presidency in 1998, said.
"It can go damn fast if there are countries which are able to quickly set up."Why not have it in England? They have not had it since 1966 and it is called "the motherland of football". Whatever we might think of it, they deserve to get the attention.
"Then I think it should be a free lottery when it comes to the World Cup in 2022.
"I'm quite convinced that this will be done. As sure as I am that Blatter will win the presidential election again."
The 85-year-old is not shocked by the latest allegations and has called for changes to be made throughout Fifa, starting with Blatter.
"I'm not surprised by what is happening right now. Blatter will of course make sure he wins the election in his own way."It's regrettable that the world's biggest sports organisation must have such leaders at the top."
Blatter, who will challenge Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein in Friday's Fifa election, is not one of the individuals indicted, but Johansson says the president knows that there are corrupt individuals in the organisation.
"This will be the first time in history a president does not know what is going on in his organisation. He has known everything else that has happened and fixed it, so why not this time?"I think both Michael van Praag from the Netherlands and Luis Figo were good candidates to challenge him for the election.
"I received clear answers in connection with Fifa in the 1998 election that it was not really for me. Blatter knows how to handle these things, otherwise he would not have that job.
"He has never been prosecuted because nothing could be proven. The only thing I have to say is that I know what happened in 1998."
Former Uefa president Lennart Johansson believes the 2018 World Cup should be taken off of Russia and awarded to England, while the 2022 edition should be awarded by a lottery.
The decisions to award the World Cup to Russia and Qatar created much controversy across the world because of the poor human rights' records both countries have. There have been particularly severe allegations of corruption in the awarding of the 2022 edition to Qatar.On Wednesday, 14 Fifa officials were indicted on for racketeering, fraud and money laundering following dawn raids in Switzerland.
Johansson, now an honorary president of European football's governing body, believes the latest scandal could see Fifa change the destination of the next two World Cups.
"I expect that they will reconsider the decisions. I'm sure that they will take the initiative to make a new decision in the matter for both 2018 and 2022" Johansson, who challenged Sepp Blatter to the Fifa presidency in 1998, said.
"It can go damn fast if there are countries which are able to quickly set up."Why not have it in England? They have not had it since 1966 and it is called "the motherland of football". Whatever we might think of it, they deserve to get the attention.
"Then I think it should be a free lottery when it comes to the World Cup in 2022.
"I'm quite convinced that this will be done. As sure as I am that Blatter will win the presidential election again."
The 85-year-old is not shocked by the latest allegations and has called for changes to be made throughout Fifa, starting with Blatter.
"I'm not surprised by what is happening right now. Blatter will of course make sure he wins the election in his own way."It's regrettable that the world's biggest sports organisation must have such leaders at the top."
Blatter, who will challenge Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein in Friday's Fifa election, is not one of the individuals indicted, but Johansson says the president knows that there are corrupt individuals in the organisation.
"This will be the first time in history a president does not know what is going on in his organisation. He has known everything else that has happened and fixed it, so why not this time?"I think both Michael van Praag from the Netherlands and Luis Figo were good candidates to challenge him for the election.
"I received clear answers in connection with Fifa in the 1998 election that it was not really for me. Blatter knows how to handle these things, otherwise he would not have that job.
"He has never been prosecuted because nothing could be proven. The only thing I have to say is that I know what happened in 1998."
Ferdinand and Barton among six released by QPR
Rio Ferdinand and Joey Barton have been named among six players to be released by QPR following their relegation from the Premier League.
The duo join Shaun Wright-Phillips, Bobby Zamora, Richard Dunne and Brian Murphy in leaving Loftus Road at the end of their contracts.
Karl Henry could also depart, though he has until June 30 to decide whether to exercise his option of a further 12 months at the club.
Having signed from Manchester United, Ferdinand made just 11 league appearances for the Rs, though the death of his wife Rebecca in early May meant his availability was limited towards the end of the campaign.
Barton, meanwhile, leaves the club after four years with the London outfit while Zamora, who scored the play-off winning goal against Derby County that secured promotion to the Premier League in 2014, leaves having scored three league goals in 31 appearances this season.
Clint Hill and Alejandro Faurlin have been offered new deals by the club as they look to rebuild following Chris Ramsey's installation as permanent manager.
Rio Ferdinand and Joey Barton have been named among six players to be released by QPR following their relegation from the Premier League.
The duo join Shaun Wright-Phillips, Bobby Zamora, Richard Dunne and Brian Murphy in leaving Loftus Road at the end of their contracts.
Karl Henry could also depart, though he has until June 30 to decide whether to exercise his option of a further 12 months at the club.
Having signed from Manchester United, Ferdinand made just 11 league appearances for the Rs, though the death of his wife Rebecca in early May meant his availability was limited towards the end of the campaign.
Barton, meanwhile, leaves the club after four years with the London outfit while Zamora, who scored the play-off winning goal against Derby County that secured promotion to the Premier League in 2014, leaves having scored three league goals in 31 appearances this season.
Clint Hill and Alejandro Faurlin have been offered new deals by the club as they look to rebuild following Chris Ramsey's installation as permanent manager.
Fifa bans 11 officials for ethics breaches
Fifa has banned 11 football officials in the aftermath of Wednesday's spate of arrests and indictments over corruption charges from US legal authorities.
Seven people were detained in a joint operation between the US Federal Office of Justice and the Swiss police ahead of the 65th Fifa Congress, in which either Sepp Blatter will be re-elected or Prince Ali bin al Hussein will take his place at the helm.
Fifa claimed it was the "damaged party" and said it backed the "cleaning up" of the world football governing body, which has been hit by a string of reputation-damaging incidents since it handed the World Cup finals of 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar, respectively, under a cloud of bribery claims.
Following the FBI and Inland Revenue Service (IRS) giving the "red card" to Fifa in a damning press conference, the world football governing body reacted by banning 11 personnel from operating within the sport.
"On the basis of investigations carried out by the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee and the latest facts presented by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Hans-Joachim Eckert, today banned provisionally 11 individuals from carrying out any football-related activities on a national and international level," a statement on Fifa's website claimed.
"The decision was taken upon the request of the chairman of the investigatory chamber, Dr Cornel Borbély, based on art. 83 par.1 of the Fifa Code of Ethics.
"The banned individuals are: Jeffrey Webb, Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Jack Warner, Eugenio Figueredo, Rafael Esquivel, Jose Maria Marin, Nicolas Leoz, Chuck Blazer and Daryll Warner."
Eckert acknowledged the severity of the claims against the named and shamed figures with affiliation to Fifa and claimed the organisation was unable to let them get away without punishment.
"The charges are clearly related to football and are of such a serious nature that it was imperative to take swift and immediate action. The proceedings will follow their course in line with our Code of Ethics,” he told Fifa's website.
Advocaat parts company with Sunderland
Dick Advocaat has confirmed he will not extend his short-term Sunderland contract despite guiding them clear of relegation from the Premier League.
The 67-year-old took over from Gus Poyet for his first taste of Premier League management, going on to achieve his sole aim of avoiding relegation with one game to play.
With Adovcaat's contract running until the end of the season, Sunderland were keen to tie the Dutchman down for a longer spell but he has decided to retire from club management.
"At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old," Advocaat told the club's offical website. "A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.
"I would like to thank the chairman [Ellis Short], Lee [Congerton], the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to.
"Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career."
Advocaat has nearly 20 managerial jobs in a coaching career spanning over 28 years and became Sunderland's oldest ever manager when he replaced Poyet in March.
Dick Advocaat has confirmed he will not extend his short-term Sunderland contract despite guiding them clear of relegation from the Premier League.
The 67-year-old took over from Gus Poyet for his first taste of Premier League management, going on to achieve his sole aim of avoiding relegation with one game to play.
With Adovcaat's contract running until the end of the season, Sunderland were keen to tie the Dutchman down for a longer spell but he has decided to retire from club management.
"At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old," Advocaat told the club's offical website. "A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.
"I would like to thank the chairman [Ellis Short], Lee [Congerton], the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to.
"Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career."
Advocaat has nearly 20 managerial jobs in a coaching career spanning over 28 years and became Sunderland's oldest ever manager when he replaced Poyet in March.
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