..::Football III::..

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'We should have been stronger' - Giroud laments Liverpool equaliser

Two-goal hero Olivier Giroud could not hide his disappointment after Liverpool scored late to salvage a 3-3 draw as Arsenal missed the opportunity to move clear atop the Premier League.

Liverpool substitute Joe Allen scored a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser to ensure the points were shared at Anfield on Wednesday, as second-placed Leicester City beat Tottenham to move level on points with leaders Arsenal.

Arsenal were on track for a third consecutive league win when Giroud put the Londoners ahead approaching the hour-mark, after his first-half equaliser helped cancel out Roberto Firmino's quick-fire brace.But it was not enough as Allen latched on to Christian Benteke's knockdown at the death.

"It's disappointing because we were 3-2 up at the end of the game," a clearly dejected Giroud told BT Sport post-match."It was a nice game for the fans because there was a lot of intensity and chances to score but when you concede three goals away from home it's hard to win.

"We should have been stronger till the end because we did well in the second half. My first feeling is disappointment but we have shown some character to comeback at 1-0 and 2-1 down."

Arsenal and Leicester are level on 43 points, but Giroud and Co. top the standings due to their superior goal difference after 21 rounds.

 

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Wenger confirms Elneny's transfer to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Mohamed Elneny has completed his move to Arsenal.

The midfielder joins from FC Basel in a deal worth around £5 million and was in London on Wednesday to finalise his move.

The 23-year-old, who has been capped 39 times by Egypt, need to be registered by midday on Friday in order to be available for Arsenal's trip to Stoke City on Sunday.

"Elneny will of course join us," Wenger said after Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

"He has joined us. We will see if he can qualify for Sunday."

Elneny joins Arsenal to provide cover for Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere, who are all sidelined with long-term injuries.

 

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Ranieri urges joint-leaders Leicester to stay calm

Claudio Ranieri has warned Leicester City to remain calm after a 1-0 win at Tottenham sent them level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

This season's surprise package Leicester survived several nervy moments at White Hart Lane as second visited fourth on Wednesday, most notably when Harry Kane's one-on-one effort was saved by Kasper Schmeichel and hit the crossbar in the second half.

Leicester's resilience paid dividends in the 83rd minute, though, as Robert Huth's powerful header from Christian Fuchs' corner sealed all three points and saw Ranieri's side move level with Arsenal - who are top on goal difference.

However, the Italian was keen to stress after the game that the Foxes still have plenty of work to do in the remainder of the season.

"We wanted to win but we knew it was a difficult match. Tottenham started very well and put us under pressure but we didn't lose our confidence or shape and it was difficult for them," Ranieri told BBC Sport.

"We created some good chances and in the second half it was an open match. We both had chances and we scored the goal.

"We have three clean sheets in a row. Unfortunately it's January, not May. There's so much work to do. We have to remain calm and believe in what we’re doing."

Match-winner Huth says the squad are still struggling to comprehend their brilliant campaign, and also paid tribute to Schmeichel's performance in the Leicester goal.

"To be honest we're not sure where this season is going. We keep pinching ourselves but it's looking good for us," the centre-back said,

"I just said to him [Schmeichel] that without him we wouldn't be in that position. It was an awesome save, fortunate that it hit the bar, but it was a great save."

 

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Wenger: I hope this doesn't cost us the title

Arsene Wenger has admitted that he fears Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Anfield may cost his side the Premier League title.

The Gunners held a 3-2 lead with the clock ticking down but were forced to settle for a point after Joe Allen netted in the final moments of the second-half.

Wenger's men have now won just one of their past five Premier League away games and are ahead of Leicester City at the top of the table only on goal difference after the Foxes beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

And the Frenchman hopes that the result does not come back to bite his side as they aim to win the league for the first time since 2004.

“I am frustrated by the result but not disappointed by the performance - we have shown character again and came from behind to get to 3-2," he told reporters.

“The frustration comes from the fact that at 3-2 we had three situations where we should have made it 4-2, and made bad decisions - that is the frustration for me tonight.

“That and we conceded a goal in the last minute...but that can happen in England. It shows that everywhere is very even and very difficult.

"Hopefully, we are not going to have to regret this goal at the end of the championship. It is still a draw, they've done well at the end of the game and pushed a lot.

"It's a good performance but we could have done better."

Wenger also felt that Arsenal's infamous 5-1 defeat at Anfield in February 2014 was still playing on the minds of some of his players early on.

He added to BBC Sport: "I felt we had an apprehensive start. We had some bad memories from a few years ago and you could still see that in some players.

"We went 1-0 down and then we started to play. We come out of the game with a lot of positive but still some regrets."

 

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‘We can repair that!’ - Hiddink confirms Costa punched hole in tunnel wall

Guus Hiddink has confirmed that Diego Costa punched a hole in the tunnel wall after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with West Brom on Wednesday.

The Spanish striker cut a frustrated figure throughout the game, as he repeatedly clashed with Jonas Olsson, Claudio Yacob and Boaz Myhill.

Costa was unable to get on the scoresheet against the Baggies, and showed his frustration by ranting at referee Roger East at full-time.

And Hiddink has now made light of the incident that saw him lash out in the tunnel after being escorted down the tunnel by a member of Chelsea’s backroom team.

"Well we can repair that easily! It's not a big problem,” the Blues manager told reporters.

“He's an emotional guy and I like that very much. If you have to push the players then I think it's difficult to survive in the Premier League but every now and then if you have to control them it's even better."

 

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Blanc delighted with supersub Di Maria after 'deserved' Lyon win

Laurent Blanc revelled in Paris Saint-Germain's progression to the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue, while also heaping praise on substitute Angel di Maria.
Two-time defending champions PSG will face Toulouse in the final four after Wednesday's 2-1 win over Lyon.

The match was deadlocked after Corentin Tolisso cancelled out Adrien Rabiot's 17th-minute opener, until Di Maria came off the bench and inspired PSG with 17 minutes remaining.

Di Maria broke from the halfway line and squared the ball to fellow sub Lucas Moura, who made no mistake inside the penalty area as a youthful Lyon outfit - certainly not overawed - came unstuck.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Blanc said: "It's been a lovely evening, with two good teams, a good cup match. Both teams could have qualified."There were beautiful things. Both teams were very close. We cannot say that Paris' qualification is undeserved.

"Lyon changed their coach [sacking Hubert Fournier last month and replacing him with assistant Bruno Genesio until the end of the season], also their system. I was pleasantly surprised by this Lyon team."

Blanc added: "There are things to review, but overall it's been positive. There were players, including South Americans, who were playing their first match in 2016, and for Javier [Pastore] it was almost the first of the season."Di Maria made the difference, he brought what he is capable of bringing. It's not easy to get into a match like that."

Under-fire striker Edinson Cavani played the entire 90 minutes but was subjected to whistles amid links with a move away from the French capital."The [whistles] are certainly due to his performance, that was not to the taste of supporters," Blanc said.

 

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Klopp: Firmino showed how good he is against Arsenal

Jurgen Klopp admitted he could have spent his entire press conference saluting the sublime performance of Roberto Firmino in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal.

The Brazilian bagged a double in nine minutes at Anfield on Wednesday night and almost completed a hat-trick only to be denied by the woodwork.

The 24-year-old's first was hit low and hard into the bottom right corner after reacting brilliantly to Petr Cech’s save from an Emre Can effort.

Firmino then curled an unstoppable shot into the top right from 25 yards after having the ball clipped to him by James Milner.

And with half- time on the horizon, he was unlucky to see his touch, turn and amazing strike fizz off the top bar as he narrowly missed out on his first Liverpool hat-trick.

Reflecting on the summer signing from Hoffenheim's mix of industry and artistry against Arsenal, Klopp said: “I could talk about this for half an hour, but to be honest I think it should be normal because I know how good he is. If you are good, you have to show it and tonight he did.

“It was very important for us because for 95 minutes, he was always thinking about playing in different positions and in all of them was really good.

“He made perfect goals – the first was really good, the second spectacular, brilliant… whatever you want to say! It was a really good game.”

 

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Sampaoli makes U-turn: I will no longer be Chile coach

Jorge Sampaoli has confirmed he no longer wants to be Chile coach, but the exit clause in his contract appears set to delay the matter.The Argentinian has struggled to explain his situation and earlier on Wednesday denied wanting to leave Chile.

In an interview with Fox Sports, Sampaoli – who has been linked with Brazilian and European clubs – said he was set to depart his role."It appears that I will not be Chilean coach anymore," he said.

"I hope I can persuade [Football Federation of Chile president Arturo] Salah so he can understand my point"It is impossible for me to pay the clause."

Sampaoli's exit clause is reportedly $6.3million and the 55-year-old Copa America-winning coach said he just wanted to move on.Salah and Sampaoli are set to meet on Thursday, but the latter said he had already explained his position.

"I have explained to Salah that the conditions are not suitable for me to stay as Chilean coach," Sampaoli said.

 

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People who criticise Rooney don't watch football - Mitrovic

Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic believes people are "crazy" to criticise Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney.

The Red Devils skipper had drawn criticism for his output this season, with the 30-year-old scoring twice and assisting one goal in his first 15 appearances in the Premier League.

Rooney has three goals and an assist in his last two games - scoring twice in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle on Tuesday - and Mitrovic criticised people who knock the United striker.

"They are crazy," said the Serbia international told reporters. "They are people who don't watch football.

"If he doesn't score in a few games, then the team don't play well and he cannot play well.

"You can see on the pitch the way he plays during the whole game, how easily he plays. I think he can play for 10 years more."

Mitrovic added he was "proud" to have the chance to play against the 109-time England international.

"It's my second time to play against him and I got his shirt afterwards," he said. "It was really amazing.

"He is a legend and he has scored so many goals. For me it is always nice and I'm very proud to have the chance to play against him.

"You can see on the pitch how easily he moves. He is a very good player.

"I hope maybe one day I can be like Wayne Rooney. Maybe then some young players will be proud to play against me. That would be amazing."

 

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Van Gaal berates 'fat man' in Man Utd press conference

Louis van Gaal is no stranger to making controversial remarks in his press conferences but even he might admit that he overstepped the mark by calling a journalist "fat man" following Tuesday's draw at Newcastle.

The Dutchman responded in typically prickly fashion to the media's criticism of Wayne Rooney, who returned to something like his best form against Steve McClaren's side with two goals and an assist.

"You have criticised him, I don't," Van Gaal said before walking away, pointing to a journalist and adding "You too. Fat man. There."

The Sun journalist Neil Custis was subsequently revealed as the man to whom Van Gaal was referring and he responded by writing: "You are right, Louis, I am fat.

"I had a knee operation four months ago that stopped me running and going to the gym. That has resulted in me putting on nearly two stone.

"At least I can hold my hand up to my own failings. Shame others can't."

 

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"You have criticised him, I don't," Van Gaal said before walking away, pointing to a journalist and adding "You too. Fat man. There."

"Fat man"​

 

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Luis Enrique: Vermaelen is top class

Luis Enrique has hailed Thomas Vermaelen as a "top class" player for Barcelona in the wake of Wednesday's 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Espanyol.

The Belgium international joined Barcelona from Arsenal in August 2015, but made just one appearance in all competitions in his debut season due to recurring physical problems.

He has featured more regularly this term, though, starting in Barca's two most recent games and Luis Enrique is pleased with the centre-back's contribution."Vermaelen is a top class player," the Barcelona coach said at a news conference.

"He is doing really well and looking after his fitness. He is really taking the chances he's given and performing very well."He is a very important player for Barcelona."

The 30-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Catalans this term, scoring once in the process.He has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2019.

 

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OFFICIAL: Arsenal sign Elneny from FC Basel


Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel on a long-term contract, the Premier League club have confirmed.

The Egyptian's arrival has been imminent since he missed training on Monday to hold talks with the Gunners and undergo a medical, and he has now put pen to paper on a deal worth a reported £5 million.

Elneny becomes the first outfield player Arsenal have signed in a year, since Gabriel arrived from Villarreal last January, with Petr Cech infamously the only signing made over the summer.
"The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes," read a statement from the club. "Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Mohamed to the club."

The 23-year-old has been capped 39 times by Egypt and has enjoyed a real surge in form this term, scoring four goals in 21 appearances for Basel this season and impressing in the Europa League.

Wenger has been scouring the market for a new midfielder for some time, though injuries to Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta increased the need for fresh blood even further.

 

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Thiago Silva confident PSG can sign Messi but rules out Neymar move

Thiago Silva believes signing Barcelona ace Neymar could be a bridge too far for Paris Saint-Germain, but feels his team-mate Lionel Messi or Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could be more realistic options.

The Ligue 1 champions are expected to make a high-profile signing ahead of next season due to the potential departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has an expiring contract.

Each of this year's Ballon d'Or finalists have been linked with PSG, with Thiago Silva already suggesting Ronaldo could make the move to the Parc des Princes.

Yet he has now claimed Messi would be a realistic transfer target as well.

"I like Neymar a lot, but I think Barcelona will not allow him to leave," he told France 3.

"It would perhaps be easier for Barcelona to let go of Messi. Could Messi come to PSG? Perhaps, I mean, why not? Everything is possible.

"A move for Cristiano Ronaldo? He is a player who makes the difference for Real Madrid. If he would be open to joining PSG, to help us and to make the difference for PSG."

Neymar has a contract with Barcelona until June 2018, but the Catalans are believed to be ready to offer the Brazil international a new and improved deal.

Messi, 28, and the 30-year-old Ronaldo each have contracts until June 2018 as well, with Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

 

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Lewandowski: Bayern must learn from last season's mistakes

Robert Lewandowski is confident Bayern Munich will make a strong challenge for the treble, insisting they know what went wrong in the second half of last season.

At the winter break last term, Pep Guardiola's men were still in the running for all three major trophies, but ended up only retaining the Bundesliga title.

Bayern suffered semi-final defeats to Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal respectively, but Lewandowski is hopeful that will not happen again.

"We know what we did wrong last year and I hope we do a better job of it this year," he told the Bundesliga's official website.

"It doesn't matter if we have a five-point or eight-point lead in the Bundesliga because that is two, three games - everything can change. "In the second half of the season, we cannot allow ourselves to make so many mistakes if we want to win the title.

"We have to give it everything right until the end, regardless of how many points clear we are. Right now the gap is eight points, but we are not champions yet.
"It is important that we give our all in the Champions League as well as the DFB-Pokal, regardless of who we are playing."

Lewandowski praised the challenge being posed from former club Dortmund under Thomas Tuchel this season and suggested a tight title battle with them could actually help Bayern in their other competitions.

"I am still in touch with people at BVB," added the 27-year-old. "They are playing really well this season, in the Europa League as well. "Last season was verging on the catastrophic and I don't really know why. They are a quality side with a lot of good players.

"They are playing a bit differently compared to last season. They have not just shown how many goals they can score and have got a lot of potential - in defence as well as attack. "We will be fighting with BVB up until the final game. That is good for us, too."

 

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Real Madrid and Atletico given transfer bans

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been handed transfer bans for the next two transfer windows for breaching rules regarding players under the age of 18, Fifa have confirmed.

The two clubs will be able to register players during the current January transfer window but will then be unable to make signings for the two subsequent transfer windows due to irregularities over the "international transfers of minors".

Barcelona were handed the same punishment for a similar breach, with their ban lifted this month, and neither of the Madrid-based clubs will be able to make another signing until the summer of 2017.

Real have been linked with a host of elite players, such as David de Gea and Eden Hazard, but will need to act now or wait 18 months in order to sign them.
A statement released by Fifa on Thursday confirmed the sanctions: "The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Spanish clubs Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

"The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions.

"Both clubs are to serve a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any players at national and international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods for breaching articles 5, 9, 19 and 19bis as well as annexes 2 and 3 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (the "Regulations").

"The transfer ban, which does not affect the current registration period at all, given that it opened before the decisions were notified, applies to each club as a whole – with the exception of the women’s, futsal and beach soccer teams – and does not prevent the release of players.

"Additionally, Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid have been fined CHF 900,000 and CHF 360,000 respectively, while both clubs have been issued with a reprimand and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned."

The ruling, which is likely to be appealed by both clubs, means Madrid and Atletico face a race against time to strengthen their squads before it is imposed.

Atletico have already snapped up Augusto Fernandez from Celta Vigo in this window while Matias Kranevitter is now available to coach Diego Simeone after a loan spell at River Plate expired.

Madrid are yet to enter the transfer market, with new coach Zinedine Zidane still assessing his squad after succeeding Rafael Benitez last week.

 

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IN FULL: Atletico and Real Madrid handed transfer ban

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have each been handed a transfer ban by Fifa, prohibiting the two clubs from registering players in the next two windows.

The Spanish sides were found to have broken the organisation's rules in relation to international transfers of players under 18 years of age. The suspension is similar to that which world football's governing body handed Barcelona.

Atletico were fined €820,000, while their city rivals must pay €330,000. The two clubs will be permitted to sign and register players in the current transfer period, which closes at the end of January, but will then be unable to bring in new additions until the summer of 2017.

Read the Fifa Disciplinary Committee's statement IN FULL below:
"The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Spanish clubs Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions.

Both clubs are to serve a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any players at national and international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods for breaching articles 5, 9, 19 and 19bis as well as annexes 2 and 3 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (the “Regulations”). The transfer ban, which does not affect the current registration period at all, given that it opened before the decisions were notified, applies to each club as a whole – with the exception of the women’s, futsal and beach soccer teams – and does not prevent the release of players.

Additionally, Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid have been fined CHF 900,000 and CHF 360,000 respectively, while both clubs have been issued with a reprimand and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.

The decisions, which were notified to the parties concerned today, were made based on the specific elements of each case. They follow investigations initially conducted by Fifa Transfer Matching System GmbH (Fifa TMS) and subsequently by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee as part of disciplinary proceedings. The investigations concerned minor players who were involved and participated in competitions with the clubs over various periods between 2007 and 2014 (Atlético de Madrid) and between 2005 and 2014 (Real Madrid).

Fifa works hard to protect the rights of players under the age of 18 – whether male or female, amateur or professional. This is done through the enforcement of regulations prohibiting the international transfer of minors, or the first registration of minors in a country other than their own, except in specific circumstances (cf. art. 19 of the Regulations) that must be approved by the sub-committee appointed by the Players’ Status Committee. As such, the provisions relating to the protection of minors need to be strictly applied. This has been confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Opening up the door to exceptions beyond those carefully drafted and included in the Regulations would unavoidably lead to cases of circumvention of the rationale for these provisions.

The web-based Transfer Matching System (TMS) provides a crucial platform to monitor the international transfer market, to ensure compliance with the rules, and to promote transparency and best practice."

 

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Pirlo: I will not return to Serie A

New York City midfielder Andrea Pirlo insists he has no intention of returning to Serie A.

The experienced midfielder, 36, has been linked with Inter among others and has revealed that he has indeed been contacted by a number of clubs over a return to Italy.

Yet Pirlo states he is happy with life in the United States and will not be on the move any time soon.

"I enjoyed some extraordinary years at Juventus and achieved great success at Milan, but I will not return to Serie A," Pirlo told Corriere della Sera.

"Many teams approached me over the past few weeks, but I am not planning to go back on the decision I made a few months ago. It is also a matter of respect toward those who invested in me.

"I don't miss Italy apart from my family and friends. I live relatively close to the training ground and my lifestyle is very much similar to what I did in Italy. I visit museums, exhibitions and go for runs through Central Park."

Pirlo initially planned to retire from international football after the 2014 World Cup, but opted to play on after all when Antonio Conte took charge of the national team and he is desperate to feature at Euro 2016.

"My objective remains to play at Euro 2016," he added. "Playing for the national team still brings me great pleasure.

"Antonio Conte might not be coming to the USA to watch me in action, but the games are all broadcast on television."

 

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Roma appoint Spalletti

Roma have confirmed the appointment of Luciano Spalletti as the club's new head coach, with the Italian returning to the capital after leaving to join Zenit in 2009.

The 56-year-old arrived at the club's training ground at Trigoria on Thursday to complete his return, replacing recently axed Rudi Garcia, and will take charge of his first match against Verona on Sunday.

The Serie A outfit fired Garcia on Wednesday following their poor run of form in recent months, as they dropped to fifth place in the table after just one win in their last seven league games.

Spalletti guided the side to two Coppa Italia titles and a Supercoppa Italiana during his four year spell in charge before joining Zenit where he won two Russian Premier League titles, but he was fired in March 2014 and has since been out of work.

But after almost two years without a club, he is back in the Italian top flight, telling the club's official website: "I'm excited because I know what the merits of this city, this club and this team are. It's exciting to work with such worthy people."

Roma president James Pallotta added: "We are very excited to welcome Luciano Spalletti back to Roma. He is a proven winner with a strong track record of success. We are looking forward to working together to take Roma to where we believe it should be."
Spalletti began his coaching career at Empoli in 1995, leading the club he represented as a player from Serie C to Serie A in successive seasons.

Along with helming Sampdoria, Venezia and Acona, he enjoyed two spells at Udinese – leading them to Champions League qualification in 2005 to pave the way for his first Roma tenure.

Roma chief executive Italo Zanzi said: "We have so much to play for this season, both in Italy and Europe. Luciano Spalletti's arrival only adds to the confidence we have in our players and team."

 

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Atletico Madrid to appeal Fifa transfer sanctions

Atletico Madrid will appeal against their Fifa ban from registering new players during the next two complete transfer windows, the Liga club has announced.
Atletico and their city rivals Real Madrid were both hit with bans earlier on Thursday after the Disciplinary Committee of world football's governing body found them to be in breach of regulations "relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18".

Barcelona landed a similar punishment in April 2014, although an ultimately rejected process of appeals meant the sanctions did not take effect until January 2015.

A statement released on Atletico's official website confirmed that they will also challenge Fifa's ruling.

The statement read: "Club Atletico de Madrid has received today a ruling from Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee that sanctions us with a ban from hiring national or foreign players during the next two whole recruitment periods and with a fine of 900,000 Swiss francs (approximately 820,000 euros).

"According to the communication from the international football body, the sanction was caused by the infringement of articles 5, 9, 19 and 19A and annexes 2 and 3 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

"Our club does not agree with the imposed sanctioning ruling and will examine all the documentation received to lodge an appeal against the sanction."

Atletico have already signed Augusto Fernandez from Celta Vigo during the current transfer window, while fellow midfielder Matias Kranevitter has also been added to coach Diego Simeone's squad following his loan spell at River Plate.

Reports this week have also suggested the club are keen to tie down current first-team players Jan Oblak, Jose Gimenez, Angel Correa and Antoine Griezmann to extended contracts, and frenzied activity could be a feature for the remainder of January at the Vicente Calderon with Fifa's sanctions looming.