Gustafson closes in on Ochoa in rain Nov 21, 2009
Ireland s hopes for a replay of its World Cup qualifier against France ended after both FIFA and the French Football Federation rejected requests for another game. FIFA said it could not interfere despite a hand ball by France captain Thierry Henry that led to the decisive score and knocked Ireland out of qualifying. (Boston Globe)
Bad luck for the Irish: Match will not be replayed Nov 21, 2009
Ireland's hopes for a replay of its World Cup qualifier against France ended Friday after both FIFA and the French Football Federation rejected requests for another game. FIFA said it could not interfere despite a hand ball by France captain Thierry Henry that led to the decisive score Wednesday that put France in next year's World Cup ... "The result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed," FIFA said in a statement. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Google shows off OS Nov 21, 2009
It might not have evolved as much as FIFA, but it's generous to your football-loving heart. Uncharted 2 is only the third game ever to receive a 10/10 from us. (iAfrica.com)
FIFA denies replay; Henry claims 'fairest solution' Nov 21, 2009
FIFA: No replay for France-Ireland World Cup qualifier - Soccer - SI.com ... FIFA: No replay for France-Ireland ... FIFA rejected Ireland's request to have its WCup qualifier vs. France replayed. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
GrantWAHLMY SPORTSMANYou play to win -- and the U.S. and Brazil did that the right way. Nov 21, 2009
If the U.S. doesn't get help from Brazil, then the Americans don't beat world No. 1 Spain and reach the first global FIFA tournament final in the history of American men's soccer. So maybe there's some karma involved. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
World Cup will miss Ireland Nov 21, 2009
The obvious answer is to use the replay technology so readily available, and perhaps FIFA will adopt that strategy in the future, but it's a little bit late for Ireland, where hearts have been broken and a bunch of scrappy, passionate athletes have been robbed. I'll admit being partial to Ireland, with the likes of Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle and goalkeeper Shay Given, but I feel that way about any team that stirs the soul: the Dutch with Marco van Basten and Ronald Koeman, the... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Soccer probe: 200 matches 'fixed' Nov 21, 2009
au/news/sport/soccer/fifa-boots-out-irish-rematch-demand/2009/11/21/1258219999987 ... FIFA boots out Irish rematch demand. (The Age, Australia)
FIFA boots out Irish rematch demand Nov 21, 2009
Football's world ruling body FIFA has officially turned down a request from the Football Association of Ireland to stage a replay of their controversial World Cup playoff defeat to France. A statement on FIFA's website said: "FIFA has today, 20 November 2009, replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland to replay the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa play-off match held on 18 November 2009 between France and the Republic of Ireland in Paris. "In the reply, FIFA states that... (The Age, Australia)
Replay will be the fairest solution, says Henry Nov 21, 2009
Earlier yesterday world soccers governing body FIFA said they had rejected the Football Association of Irelands appeal to replay the match. Reuters. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Charlotte may bid for World Cup Nov 21, 2009
Now the race is on to make the final cut before the turns in its national, 18-city final proposal to international governing body FIFA next May ... That leaves four months to polish the national bid FIFA will receive in the spring ... During an initial presentation to city leaders on Nov. 9, several council members were skeptical, troubled by both the cost and FIFA s rigid requirements for city services and other guarantees. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
* Egypt recalls Algiers envoy after soccer loss Nov 21, 2009
Soccers world governing body, FIFA, said it was investigating the incidents. Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Egyptian Football Association, FIFA said in a statement ... According to the official reports received by FIFA, on Nov. 12 there were incidents affecting the Algerian team on their way from the airport to the hotel. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Les Bleus coach feels no need to apologise for ref error Nov 21, 2009
The FA of Ireland (FAI) called for FIFA to order a replay and while French President Nicolas Sarkozy has apologised to Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen for the controversial win, he would not agree to a replay. Yesterday, FIFA issued a statement saying the match could not be replayed. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
'Hand of Gaul' replay calls kicked out Nov 21, 2009
LONDON: Irish demands for a replay of Wednesday's World Cup play-off against France in Paris have fallen on deaf ears with world governing body FIFA officially ruling out the prospect on Friday ... The FAI sent letters to FIFA and the FFF calling for the ''integrity of the game'' to be upheld by the staging of a replay ... But a statement on FIFA's website on Friday said: ''FIFA has today, 20 November 2009, replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland to replay the 2010... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
World Cup ban: FIFA must make example of Henry Nov 21, 2009
The governing body of the global game, FIFA, must react strongly to an outrage more harmful than Diego Maradona's Hand of God ... So what should FIFA do ... Before a global audience to be numbered in billions, the sight of Henry leading France out behind the Fair Play banner would make a mockery of FIFA's well-intentioned crusade against cheating. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Gaul! Gaul! Gaul! You've got to hand it to them Nov 21, 2009
Millions of people saw it was a blatant double handball - not to mention a double offside - and we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of FIFA on the spot and demand a replay ... But FIFA yesterday rejected the complaints and turned down a request from the Football Association of Ireland for a replay ... A FIFA source added: ''There is no way the game can replayed. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Pass the sugar Nov 21, 2009
FIFA had previously rejected calls for a ban on the plastic instrument but Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai said he would bring up the issue with FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Reuters reports. After Japan's 0-0 draw with South Africa in Port Elizabeth last weekend, Japan defender Tulio said: ''You can't hear what your teammates are saying from two metres away. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Irish Want World Cup Qualifier Rematch Over Handball Nov 20, 2009
He told Sky News: "I would ask (Fifa president Sepp Blatter) Blatter to have a look at this, I would ask the French (Soccer) Federation to have a look at this, I would ask Thierry Henry to have a look at this and say, 'Do you want to play the game again in Paris?' We'll play in Paris.". Related Stories. (Fox News)
Nigeria: National Stadium - The Shame of a Nation [editorial] Nov 20, 2009
Sadly, the country seems to have grown so indifferent to its poor state that it took a foreigner, the visiting FIFA Vice President, Mr Jack Warner, to raise alarm about the abandoned stadium. Hear him: "the way those in position of authority allowed that edifice (National Stadium) to rot away left much to be desired. The stadium has turned to a very serious disaster". (allAfrica.com)
Football: Egypt in dock over stoning Nov 20, 2009
FIFA probes stoning of Algeria players - CNN.com ... FIFA probes stoning of Algeria players ... World ruling body FIFA begins investigation into incident before World Cup qualifier. (CNN -- International)
Football: Ireland calls for France World Cup replay Nov 20, 2009
" The Irish football body pointed to a precedent: a FIFA decision in 2005 to invalidate the result of a World Cup qualification match between Ukbekistan and Bahrain on the basis of "a technical error by the referee of the match". The FAI said it hoped FIFA would "act in a similar fashion so that the standards of fair play and integrity can be protected". A FIFA spokesman told AFP they had yet to receive a request from the FAI. They had only just received the official match reports and were in... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Review: PES 2010 Nov 20, 2009
While 'FIFA Soccer' was reinvented to great effect on the current generation of consoles, 'Pro Evolution Soccer' (PES) has somewhat staggered along, relying on the old formula to keep it at the top of the league ... By contrast, sitting down with 'FIFA 10', it took me quite a while to find the back of the net, never-mind doing so in style ... Whereas 'FIFA' is becoming a wonderfully complete and realistic footballing simulation, it doesn't allow you to play Brazilian-style football as easily as... (iAfrica.com)
AFL seeks compensation for World Cup disruption Nov 20, 2009
Fitzpatrick and AFL executive Gillon McLachlan also revealed to club presidents and chief executives key elements of the league's strategy to seek some compromises from the world game's governing body FIFA and also ensure the competition was given adequate compensation ... The clubs were told that the AFL, having only just received full details of the FIFA demands, have until December 10 to seek a number of compromises and assurances of multimillion-dollar compensation from the Federal... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
David Addy aims high after U-20 World Cup triumph Nov 20, 2009
2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup winning star David Addy says there are sterner challenges ahead in his budding soccer career. The flying left wing-back has therefore pledged to put behind him the joy and glory of taking the podium in Egypt as part of Africas first ever FIFA Youth tournament winners. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
'Hand Of Shame' Sparks Debate On Cheating, Replays Nov 20, 2009
Letters were dispatched Thursday to Paris and FIFA headquarters in Zurich, while Ireland's justice minister took to the airwaves and echoed its soccer association's call for the contentious second-leg match to be replayed. But the response from FIFA and the French matched that of Swedish referee Martin Hansson at the Stade de France on Wednesday night, when Irish protests against William Gallas' winner, set up by Henry's handball, fell on deaf ears ... FIFA simply directed journalists to its... (CBS News)
Spanish soccer team sends FIFA report on player's injury Nov 20, 2009
MADRID, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish national soccer team's head doctor, Genaro Borras, has sent a report on winger Asier del Horno, to the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), the medical team told media on Tuesday ... With 10 days to go before the start of the World Cup, the team does not know if it can swap the player, as the move requires FIFA approval ... 3 of the FIFA rulebook, which saysthat a player can only be substituted in case of serious injury, and even then,... (Xinhuanet, China -- Sports)
Irate Irish cry foul after ref hands win to France Nov 20, 2009
Some accused the Swiss-based world governing body of football, FIFA, of bending its rules to suit the sport's big guns like France because of the money and markets involved ... "Video replay wouldn't allow FIFA to fix key matches, that's why. They wanted France in the World Cup and they got their wish. The Irish can play their socks off, but we're nobodies. The French stars and the French millions must go to the World Cup." ... The Football Association of Ireland, meanwhile, filed formal demands... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Egypt recalls envoy from Algeria Nov 20, 2009
And world football governing body Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Egypt over the accusations the Algerian team bus was pelted with stones in Cairo ... After the match, midfielder Lakhdar Belloumi blinded the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle 1990: Egypt refused to send its team to African Nations Cup in Algeria 2009: Striker Hossam Hassan and brother Ibrahim Hassan banned indefinitely by Fifa after a brawl following a club game in Algeria. (BBC News -- Africa)
Oui were robbed: Ireland wants soccer justice Nov 20, 2009
Some accused the Swiss-based world governing body of soccer, FIFA, of bending its rules to suit the sports big guns like France because of the money and markets involved ... Video replay wouldnt allow FIFA to fix key matches, thats why ... The Football Association of Ireland, meanwhile, filed formal demands to both FIFA and the French soccer federation for a replay. (MSNBC -- International)
French minister urges Ireland re-match Nov 20, 2009
Lagarde said world football's governing body FIFA needed to look again at its rules and that "if the rules are bad then they should be re-examined". Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen has called on FIFA to order a re-match after France's Thierry Henry helped knock out Ireland with a clear hand ball in Wednesday's game ... Lagarde's comments were in contrast to the position of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Francois Fillon, who both said politicians should not get involved but... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Five Reasons to Look Forward to the 2010 World Cup Nov 20, 2009
On Dec. 4, the teams will be seeded and sorted by lottery into eight groups by the sport's international body, FIFA. Then, it's only 203 days until the fun begins. Here are five reasons to get excited about the opening kick-off. (Time.com)
Soccer: France's Sweet Cheat Thierry Henry Nov 20, 2009
Soccer's governing body, FIFA, is unlikely to rush into action over the incident. The game will surely not be replayed to do so would be to invite replays of any number of controversy-marred matches from the past (though Ireland's football association has now asked FIFA for a replay) ... But because FIFA has spent the past few years promoting the idea of fair play above all, it will be hard to ignore this altogether. (Time.com)
Bone Named Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Year Nov 20, 2009
The junior missed part of the 2009 season after representing the United States at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. Schilawski leads the ACC with 11 goals and 27 points on the season. (Wakeforestsports.com)
Garber Q&A Nov 20, 2009
SI.com: Would you be willing to let MLS be a league where FIFA tests instant replay ... Or technology that FIFA and Adidas have tested with the ball to figure out whether it has crossed the goal line. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Henry handball row fuels calls for video replays Nov 20, 2009
FIFA has so far resisted pressure to allow officials to review tough-to-call incidents on video as happens in both codes of rugby, tennis and cricket. Opponents of such moves argue that video evidence is often inconclusive and that the process of watching would interrupt the flow of the game. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
•'Cheated' Irish call for World Cup replay Nov 20, 2009
" has admitted handling the ball, claims he told the ref he handled it. Millions of people worldwide saw it was a blatant double handball -- not to mention a double offside -- and we should put the powers that be in the cozy world of FIFA on the spot and demand a replay," Ahern said in a statement sent to CNN. ... The FAI later confirmed that it had taken the matter to FIFA. ... "It is up to the people who govern the game now. Every time I go to a FIFA congress I hear about fair play and... (CNN -- International)
Williams agrees to plea on shooting Nov 20, 2009
Ireland appealed to France and FIFA to replay their World Cup playoff, which ended in a 1-1 draw, after an obvious hand ball by Thierry Henry set up the deciding goal ... FIFA declined to comment specifically on Ireland s protests but pointed to its rule forbidding second-guessing of on-field decisions by referees. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Controversial goal puts France in '10 World Cup Nov 19, 2009
In the other European playoffs, Greece won 1-0 at Ukraine on Dimitrios Salpigidis' 31st-minute goal for a 2-1 aggregate victory; Slovenia upset visiting Russia 1-0 behind Zlatko Dedic's 44th-minute goal to leave the aggregate tied 2-2 and advance on away goals; and Portugal won 1-0 at Bosnia-Herzegovina on Raul Meireles' 56th minute for a 2-0 aggregate win that gave FIFA player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo a World Cup trip. Algeria qualified for its first World Cup since 1986, beating Egypt 1-0... (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Lockdown for Algeria-Egypt clash Nov 19, 2009
The play-off was arranged by Fifa at a neutral venue after Algeria controversially lost 2-0 in Cairo on Saturday, hours after their team bus was attacked by Egyptian fans. Egypt's win left the top of Group C deadlocked, with both sides having identical records, but Algeria's coach blamed the defeat on injuries suffered by three of his players in the bus attack. (BBC News -- Africa)
FIFA 10 Review Nov 19, 2009
IGN: FIFA Soccer 10 Review ... It's rare for me to concede the point that a game is a simple roster update, but the gameplay in FIFA 10 comes close ... Visually FIFA 10 suffers from the PS2's aging hardware as the framerate hitches whenever too many players are in view (typically towards mid-field). (IGN PS2)
Missed call puts France into World Cup Nov 19, 2009
World Cup: Ukraine, Russia, Egypt miss out on South Africa - FIFA World Cup 2010 - ESPN Soccernet ... World Cup: Ukraine, Russia, Egypt miss out on South Africa - FIFA World Cup 2010 ... FIFA World Cup 2010 Headlines. (ABC News)
Verbal war over Egypt-Algeria tie Nov 18, 2009
Thousands of fans from both countries have already arrived in Khartoum for the play-off, arranged at a neutral venue by football's governing body Fifa after the teams could not be separated at the top of their group. Sudanese officials say they are expecting 48 flights from Algeria and 18 from Egypt. (BBC News -- Africa)
Cairo Braces for a Soccer Bombshell Nov 18, 2009
FIFA, the sport's world governing body, has called for heightened security, and the U.S. embassy warned its citizens to stay off the streets last Saturday. After the game, rows of Egyptian riot police armed with batons and shields lined the roadways leading into Cairo's central Tahrir Square, as chanting mobs flooded into the thoroughfare. (Time.com)
Sports on TV this week Nov 18, 2009
ESPN2 FIFA, U-17 World Cup, championship match, teams TBA, at Abuja, Nigeria ... ESPN2 FIFA, Beach World Cup, championship match, teams TBA, at Dubai, United Arab Emirates (same-day tape). (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Shanahan retires after 21 seasons Nov 18, 2009
Iraq faces suspension from world soccer if it does not restore the disbanded national federation by tomorrow, world governing body FIFA said. Nine members of two Rhode Island high school girls soccer teams have been suspended for their roles in a fight that sparked a brawl in the bleachers, announced the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. (Boston Globe)
Club Amrica headlines quartet in InterLiga 2010 Nov 18, 2009
Also joining the quartet of playoff-bound clubs will be Atlante -- which will be fresh off its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup -- as well as Tigres, Estudiantes and Jaguares. Morelia would have reached InterLiga but the club reached the Libertadores directly for having finished third in the overall table. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Host Continent May Surprise at 2010... Nov 18, 2009
The FIFA World Cup will be held on African soil for the first time since the Cup's inception in 1930 ... South Africa first qualified for the World Cup in 1998 France, after being readmitted to FIFA post-apartheid in 1991 ... It was reported on the OFC website that the President of the OFC, Reynald Temarii said, "This success will give confidence to the All Whites while also encouraging other Pacific Island nations that the goal of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is within reach.". (Suite101.com)
Caution not a word in Russias lexicon Nov 18, 2009
Slovenia, ranked 49th by FIFA, remain confident in their ability to overturn a one-goal deficit, with the Balkan countrys Prime Minister Borut Pahor even promising last month to clean his players boots if they pull off an upset. We know what we have to do to win, said Slovenia striker Nejc Pecnik, who scored with just two minutes remaining in the first-leg to boost his teams morale ahead of the home leg. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Kiwis have earned a crack at the Socceroos Nov 18, 2009
Perhaps it might even become the catalyst for FIFA to finally redraw the boundaries and split Asia into east and west - with east Asia absorbing Oceania. What we do know is that the All Whites now deserve some respect. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Football: Tensions mount before Algeria-Egypt World Cup qualifier Nov 18, 2009
" Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party handed out 2,000 free match tickets to under-30s, accompanied by free transport and accommodation. Khartoum state governor Abdelrahman al-Khidr said he was expecting 48 flights from Algeria and 18 from Egypt, with a further 2,000 fans from neighbouring Egypt travelling to the game by road. The Sudanese capital has not seen such a football pilgrimage since it hosted the African Nations Cup in 1970, and is unaccustomed to major international events.... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Phila. bidding for World Cup Nov 17, 2009
In spring, the USA Bid Committee will present its final bid to FIFA, soccer s international governing body. FIFA, in turn, is expected to announce the host countries for both 2018 and 2022 in December 2010 ... The FIFA World Cup is contested every four years. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Coghlan (NL), Bailey (AL) top rookies Nov 17, 2009
Iraq s Olympic committee disbanded the Iraqi Football Association, drawing a quick warning from FIFA that any government meddling could lead to the suspension of Iraq s teams. Samir al-Moussawi, a member of the Olympic committee s executive bureau, said the soccer association was being dissolved because of alleged financial and administrative irregularities. (Boston Globe)
$300k to find out what's in Wagga water Nov 17, 2009
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner says Australia has an ''excellent chance'' of hosting the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup ... Australia created the best-ever Olympics and demonstrated an ability to host and manage some of the biggest sporting events in the world If there is a country that truly deserves to host the FIFA World Cup, then it is the island continent of Australia. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spain prepares for Austria friendly Nov 17, 2009
Spain's win over Argentina lifted it back to the top place in the FIFA ranking and Del Bosque's side is clear favorite to beat an Austrian team that failed to qualify for the World Cup. However, with the Spanish clubs facing a busy end to 2009, Wednesday night could be more a question of protecting tired legs and giving a chance to fringe players than in producing brilliant football. (Xinhuanet, China)
Department News Nov 17, 2009
- Husky Picture Day - Wendy Brown Named Husky Ticket Manager - Kevin Messick Named Head Athletic Trainer - - UW Sports Management Association - 'On Campus With The Huskies' Debuts Thursday On Fox - University of Washington TV/Radio Guide - New Husky Hall of Fame Opens Saturday - Rowley and Cole Join UW Media Relations Staff - Washington Launches Huskies Pass, Giving Fans the Ultimate in Husky Programming - Husky Night at the Ram Set for August 5 - Husky Athletes Awarded Pac-10 Scholarships -... (Gohuskies.com)
Africa: Continent's Best Soccer Teams Head For World Cup Nov 17, 2009
Cape Town There's only one slot left to be filled in Africa's line-up at the 2010 Fifa World Cup, to be played in South Africa next June, and it will be taken after what has the makings of an epic playoff between Algeria and Egypt in Sudan on Wednesday. Egypt came from behind to secure the playoff after entering Saturday's qualifier against Algeria three points behind its fierce rival. (allAfrica.com)
World Cup qualifiers Ghana given a fright by Mali Nov 17, 2009
Ghana, who included fullback Samuel Inkoom from the 2009 FIFA Youth World Cup-winning team, fell behind midway through the first half when Sudan-based Fane converted a free-kick. As the home team pressed for an equaliser, Asamoah Gyan squandered a chance and an Amoah header rebounded off the crossbar with Mali goalkeeper and captain Mahamadou Sidibe beaten. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Six Tar Heels Called In To Train With WNT In December Nov 16, 2009
Nairn and Naeher were members of the USA's 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Team that took home the title in Chile while Nogueira and O'Hara played for the USA at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Russia. If one or more of the college players on the roster makes it to the NCAA Women's College Cup being held at Texas Aec. (Tarheelblue.com)
'Wowww-w-w': Wie gets first LPGA win Nov 16, 2009
Miscellany Maradona suspended, fined for rant FIFA handed Argentina coach Diego Maradona a two-month ban from all soccer activities for his expletive-filled rants after his team qualified for the 2010 World Cup. Maradona will miss Argentina s exhibition against the Czech Republic scheduled for Dec. 16, but he avoided sanctions that would have kept him from coaching at next year s World Cup in South Africa. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Names & Faces Nov 16, 2009
FIFA handed Argentina's coach a two-month ban from all soccer activities Sunday for his profane rants after his team qualified for the 2010 World Cup ... Names Articles Diego Maradona FIFA handed Argentina's coach a two-month ban from all soccer activities Sunday for his profane rants after his team qualified for the 2010 World Cup. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Nation in shock Nov 16, 2009
Switzerland has inflicted a shock 1-0 defeat on hosts Nigeria to win the 2009 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Abuja. Nigeria's Golden Eaglets were chasing an unprecedented fourth U-17 world crown in front of a home crowd. (BBC News -- Africa)
Djokovic rallies to win Paris title Nov 16, 2009
In Zurich, FIFA handed Argentina coach Diego Maradona a two-month ban from all soccer activities on Sunday for his expletive-filled rants after his team qualified for the 2010 World Cup ... FIFA said Maradona apologized to the world soccer family during his 40-minute appearance before the panel, which had the authority to ban him from World Cup matches in South Africa next year. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Big names want to finish the job in Asian Cup qualifiers, creatingnew club-versus-country tension Nov 16, 2009
Meanwhile Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill is ready to put his hand up for Australia's next Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait on January 6 - even though it is not a FIFA date. The assumption had been that Verbeek would again have to rely heavily on A-League players for the match in Kuwait City and the final qualifier against Indonesia in Brisbane in March, but with competition for World Cup places heating up, some bigger names could make surprise appearances. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Stars draw with Mali Nov 16, 2009
The Black Stars of Ghana failed to impress on their expectant fans as they made their Malian counterparts, the Eagles to hold them to a 2-2 draw game in their second leg and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup/Nations Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Sports stadium, Kumasi on Sunday. Playing before a full house of soccer fans at the 40,000 seater, the Malians who lost 0-2 to the Stars in the first leg at Bamako in June this year started the match on a fast note and demonstrated a composed and... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
'Howler of note' - YCLSA Nov 16, 2009
" They demanded an apology from the French Rugby Federation and said the department of arts and culture and international relations should compile a list of people who could sing the anthem to avoid future embarrassment, especially ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They also called on the education department to make sure children learn the anthem and for mandatory singing at morning assemblies. "As for Ras [Dumisani], he must keep singing the anthem, but only in his shower. " Beeld reported... (iAfrica.com)
Maradona banned two months Nov 16, 2009
Argentina coach Diego Maradona was banned for two months and fined more than 24,000 U.S. dollars by FIFA on Sunday for a foul-mouthed rant last month ... GENEVA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Argentina coach Diego Maradona was banned for two months and fined more than 24,000 U.S. dollars by FIFA on Sunday for a foul-mouthed rant last month ... "The FIFA disciplinary committee...decided today to impose a two-month ban on taking part in any football related activity and a 25,000 CHF (about 24,630 dollars)... (Xinhuanet, China)
