Chelsea sign Girma in reported world record deal for female footballer

Chelsea signed United States defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave on Sunday in a reported world-record deal for a female footballer.

Girma is believed to have cost Chelsea £900,000 ($1.1 million), surpassing the previous world record of £685,000 paid by Bay FC for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

The 24-year-old was unveiled on the pitch by the Women's Super League champions ahead of Sunday's game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real," Girma told Chelsea's website.

"There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here, the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It's a top environment to learn and grow in."

Girma becomes Chelsea Women's boss Sonia Bompastor's first signing of the January transfer window.

She was targeted by Bompastor after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that could rule her out for the rest of the season.

The fee eclipses the previous British record set when Chelsea signed striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante for £384,000 a year ago.

Girma played every minute of the United States' victorious Olympic campaign in Paris last year and was also named US Soccer's female player of the year in 2023.Chelsea head of women's football Paul Green said: "Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career." Chelsea sign Girma in reported world record deal for female footballer

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Neymar says 2026 World Cup will be his last

BRAZIL - Neymar said that the 2026 World Cup will be his last adding he was confident that Brazil would qualify for the finals in North America.

"I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it," the 32-year-old attacker, who has not played for Brazil in more than a year, told CNN.

He also told the American news network in the interview published on Tuesday that he would not rule out reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at U.S. club Inter Miami.

"Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible," Neymar said at an award ceremony in Dubai.

Brazil have struggled in South American World Cup qualifying.

After 12 of the 18 rounds, they are fifth in the 10-nation group. But the top six are guaranteed places in the World Cup and Brazil are five points ahead of Bolivia in seventh.

"I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young," he said. "We're not in a position where we would like to be."

"I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup," Neymar said.

Neymar started Brazil's first four qualifying games but went off injured at half time as they lost to Uruguay in October 2023. After knee surgery he was out for a year.

He returned for his Saudi club Al Hilal with two brief appearances in October and November but injured a hamstring and has not played since. He said he is targeting the World Cup.

"I want to be there, I'm going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team."

He will be 34 by the time the competition in the USA, Canada and Mexico, kicks off.

He could play in the United States before then. Al Hilal will appear in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States in June where Miami, with Messi and Suarez, will also be competing.

"They are my friends." said Neymar, who also played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. "We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio."

"I'm happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises."When the news came out that I was leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn't have this option." Neymar says 2026 World Cup will be his last

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Japan hammer Indonesia to edge closer to World Cup spot

JAKARTA - Japan hammered a hapless Indonesia side 4-0 on Friday, extending their lead at the top of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and edging them closer to an eighth consecutive spot at football's premier spectacle.

Despite several early scares in front of more than 70,000 fans in Jakarta, the Blue Samurai eventually carved open a home team filled with European-born players before teaching them a footballing lesson.

Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada cut past a defender in the 35th minute and squared the ball across goal, with Indonesia's Justin Hubner being credited with an own goal as he tried to stop striker Koki Ogawa from tapping in.

That broke more than half an hour of stubborn Indonesian resistance in heavy rain before Japan took their foot off the brakes, doubling their lead just five minutes later when Monaco's Takumi Minamino smashed in a low shot off the left upright.

Sporting Lisbon's Hidemasa Morita capitalised on a mistake by Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes before substitute Yukinari Sugawara smashed in a fourth to seal the thumping.

Japan are now at the top of Group C by seven points at the halfway stage of the third round of Asian qualifying for 2026, all but guaranteeing them a World Cup berth bar an astonishing collapse.

Japan will go away to China on Tuesday knowing that another win would almost cement their World Cup place, while Indonesia face Saudi Arabia, who are fighting for second joint on six points with Australia and China.

Just the top two seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with third and fourth forced into another round of Asian qualifying.

Defeat consigned Indonesia to the bottom spot in the group of six, and three points off a coveted top-four spot.

It was the hosts who missed the most glaring chances in the first half.

The best came when striker Ragnar Oratmangoen was put through on goal in the ninth minute, but he delayed his strike and fired it straight at Japan's goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki.The misses proved costly as Japan showed their class, cruising to an easy win in the second half as Indonesia tried in vain to nick a consolation goal. Japan hammer Indonesia to edge closer to World Cup spot

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Ruthless Japan beat China to move to brink of World Cup qualification

A ruthless Japan moved to the brink of qualifying for their eighth straight World Cup after beating old rivals China 3-1 away on Tuesday.

Headers from Koki Ogawa and Ko Itakura put runaway group leaders Japan two goals up at half time before Lin Liangming pulled one back for China early in the second half.

Ogawa snuffed out China's hopes of a comeback with his second of the game six minutes later to silence the crowd of 45,000 in Xiamen.

Loud booing greeted the Japanese national anthem before kick-off and the game was briefly stopped in the first half when a fan invaded the pitch.

"It was tough at times and we knew that the opening goal was going to be key," said Dutch-based striker Ogawa.

Japan were playing their first senior international in China in nine years and there is a long history of rivalry between the two countries.

There was a heavy police presence outside the Xiamen Egret Stadium, where about 750 Japan fans were expected to be in attendance.

"All the players got us this win today," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.

"The players on the pitch, the players on the bench and those that weren't on the bench today -- it was down to their energy that we won."

The convincing victory gave Japan five wins and a draw in Asian qualifying Group C and took them to within touching distance of a place at the 2026 World Cup.

The top two teams in each of the three groups will reach the showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Second place in Group C is wide open after Indonesia stunned Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Jakarta with Marselino Ferdinan scoring either side of half time.

It left Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and China all on six points ahead of the Socceroos' visit later Tuesday to Bahrain, who have five.

- Short-lived joy -

Japan made several changes to the team that beat Indonesia 4-0 on Friday with Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada among those dropping to the bench.

Ogawa opened the scoring in the 39th minute, planting a firm header past goalkeeper Wang Dalei direct from a corner.

Japan doubled their lead just before the half-time whistle and again it came from a corner.

Koki Machida flicked on Junya Ito's delivery and Itakura was unmarked at the back post to nod the ball home.

Despite being behind China gave a much-improved performance after losing 7-0 to Japan in Saitama in their opening group game.

The hosts pulled a goal back three minutes after the break.

Xie Wenneng cleverly dummied Wei Shihao's pass and Lin slotted the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

China's joy lasted just six minutes before Ogawa headed in another Ito cross to restore Japan's two-goal cushion.

Japan are home to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in their next fixtures in March, with the World Cup within grasp.

"These last two games were difficult as we expected, but it was really positive to get two wins," said Itakura."There are lots of things we need to improve but it was positive and we'll get ready for the next games." Ruthless Japan beat China to move to brink of World Cup qualification

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Football legend Bhaichung Bhutia supports Mothers Against Vaping to combat threat of new-age tobacco devices on children

New Delhi, (IANS) ‘Mothers Against Vaping’, a united front of concerned mothers combatting the promotion of New-Age Tobacco Devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs and similar devices among Indian children and youth, on Tuesday announced that Bhaichung Bhutia revered as the torchbearer of Indian football will be supporting their critical cause.

Bhaichung Bhutia's endorsement adds substantial weight to the cause of Mothers Against Vaping. His involvement is anticipated to amplify the impact of the cause, shedding more light on the escalating problem of new-age tobacco device usage among the country's youth. This collaboration aims to raise awareness, garner support and foster a collective effort to protect the well-being of the younger generation from the hazards of these devices.

Bhaichung Bhutia, nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper due to his remarkable shooting skills in football, spoke about the need to highlight the menace of vaping and e-cigarettes among children, and said, “I have been working with children to nurture future football talents and it is a great feeling to see their spirit on the field. So for me, it is very disheartening that children and youngsters are falling prey to these harmful habits.”

“At an age where our children should be immersed in an environment that nurtures their dreams and aspirations, it is sad to witness the havoc that these new-age tobacco devices are wrecking on their health and ultimately their lives. The efforts of Mothers Against Vaping in raising awareness about this vice is truly commendable and I wholeheartedly extend my support to them, so that the well-being and future of our younger generation are secured.”

As per Mothers Against Vaping, the rising addiction among children to new-age tobacco devices is fuelled by the aggressive efforts of big tobacco companies to establish a new market and cultivate future consumers. These companies employ various tactics, including social media advertising, designing electronic devices with sleek technology and eye-catching aesthetics and introducing enticing flavours like strawberry or bubble gum to appeal to children. This alarming trend poses a significant risk of addiction, as e-cigarettes and other such devices can serve as gateway devices, potentially leading users to more harmful substances such as cocaine and heroin.

Despite the comprehensive ban imposed by the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019, e-cigarettes and similar new-age devices continue to proliferate in the country, posing a grave threat to children and the youth. The usage of vaping and e-cigarette devices has been linked to various harmful effects, ranging from extensive lung damage to environmental harm through improper disposal.In response to the urgent concern posed by the proliferation of new-age tobacco devices, Mothers Against Vaping has been dedicatedly working to raise awareness and illuminate the troubling reality associated with these products. The group is actively seeking support and action from influential figures, parents, educators, influencers and policymakers. The overarching goal is to create an environment where these modern devices are excluded from our society, ensuring they are entirely out of reach for children and youngsters. Football legend Bhaichung Bhutia supports Mothers Against Vaping to combat threat of new-age tobacco devices on children | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Managing Productivity During Euros 2024: HR Strategies

As anticipation builds for the Euro 2024 football tournament, set to take place from June 14 to July 14, 2024, HR teams across the continent are gearing up to tackle the challenges of maintaining productivity and staffing levels amidst the excitement.

With matches scheduled predominantly on weekdays, employers recognise the need to proactively manage potential disruptions to the workday while also accommodating employees’ enthusiasm for the event.

Strategies for HR Teams:

• Flexible Working Hours: Implementing flexible working hours and staggered shifts to allow employees to watch key matches without compromising on work commitments.

• Remote Work Opportunities: Encouraging remote work on match days to strike a balance between work and viewing, facilitated by robust technology infrastructure.

• Viewing Areas: Designating specific areas within the workplace for employees to watch matches during breaks, fostering team bonding and morale.

• Productivity Management: Setting clear expectations regarding work output and leveraging project management tools to track progress and ensure accountability.

• Engagement Activities: Organising football-themed events and competitions to engage employees, offering prizes or incentives to boost participation. Additionally, providing alternative activities for employees who are not interested in Euro 2024, such as wellness workshops, team-building exercises, or volunteer opportunities.

• Communication: Keeping employees informed about any changes to work schedules or policies during Euro 2024 and fostering open communication to best support their engagement with the tournament while maintaining productivity.

In addition to these strategies, Adrian Lewis, Commercial Director at Activ People HR, emphasises the pivotal role of HR software in navigating staffing challenges during events like Euro 2024. Lewis states,

“HR software can be invaluable during events like Euro 2024. With features for managing annual leave and trigger points to prevent office levels from dropping too low, HR teams can efficiently navigate staffing challenges while accommodating employee preferences during this exciting time with Activ People HR.Furthermore, with the tournament serving as a platform for team building and employee engagement, companies are seizing the opportunity to foster a sense of camaraderie among staff members. By organising viewing parties, themed competitions, and other Euro 2024-related activities, employers are not only supporting their employees’ passion for football but also strengthening bonds within the workplace. Managing Productivity During Euros 2024: HR Strategies

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Messi grabs late leveller for Miami at Galaxy

LOS ANGELES - Lionel Messi scored a last-gasp stoppage time equalizer as Inter Miami escaped with a 1-1 draw at the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

The Galaxy dominated for long stretches of the game and had taken the lead in the 75th minute through Dejan Joveljic.

But the home side ended the game with ten men after midfielder Mark Delgado was sent off for a second yellow card in the 87th minute.

Jordi Alba then combined with Messi down the left, the Spaniard delivering a killer pull-back into the path of Messi who, at full stretch, found the target with the outside of his left foot.

It was a rare moment of impact from Messi who had been mostly ineffective in the game where Miami, with seven starters over the age of 30, struggled with Galaxy's tempo.

Miami had all four of their former Barcelona stars in their starting line-up with Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez alongside Messi.

But it was the Galaxy's former Barca player, 24-year-old Spaniard Riqui Puig, who was the dominant player on the field, especially in the first half when the California side had a series of chances.

Confident on the ball and incisive in his passing, Puig was dictating play but he should have given the home side the lead in the 13th minute from the penalty spot.

The lively Joseph Paintsil, a recent signing from Genk in Belgium, had been pulled down in the box by Busquets but Puig's low free-kick was well-saved by Drake Callender.

The Miami keeper then produced fine saves to keep out efforts from Paintsil and Puig and apart from a deflected Messi effort which was parried by Galaxy keeper John McCarthy, Miami created little.Busquets and Suarez looked particularly off the pace and with their contributions limited, Messi received little space or service. Messi grabs late leveller for Miami at Galaxy

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What the David Beckham documentary tells us – and what it doesn’t – about controlling parents in sport

In the Netflix documentary Beckham, the footballer is asked how he coped with the abuse of his entire country after the 1998 men’s football World Cup. David Beckham responds:

I was able to handle being abused by the fans […] because of the way my dad had been to me.

A poignant scene shows Beckham’s mother Sandra struggling with how hard his father Ted was on their son. Ted’s shouting often brought David to tears. When asked if he was too tough on David, Ted says:

No […] if I told him how good he was, then he’s got nothing to work at.

Throughout the documentary, Ted’s behaviour is rationalised by Ted and even Beckham himself as necessary to support David’s sporting trajectory. But David also said he was scared of his father’s feedback and felt compelled to practise for hours every day.

Other athletes with similar stories include Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi and Australian Jelena Dokic.

Too often, controlling behaviour by parents is portrayed as necessary for success as an athlete. But the evidence shows this idea is false. In fact, such an approach can be detrimental to both a child’s chances of sporting success and their wellbeing.

And it’s not just a problem with elite sport; our research shows it’s also occurring with community sport.

What we found

Our research found about one in three people we surveyed said they’d experienced abuse by a parent during their time in Australian community sport.

Psychological abuse by parents was reported by just under a third of our respondents, and included behaviours such as:

• excessive criticism

• insults and humiliation

• excessively training to extreme exhaustion/vomiting

• ignoring a child following a sport performance.

The controlling and abusive behaviours described above have been consistently normalised by parents, coaches and sporting organisations as being necessary to create “mentally tough” athletes ready for high-level competition.

However, there is no evidence abusive and controlling behaviours have a positive impact on performance.

Instead, there is ample evidence to indicate it:

• harms children’s confidence and self-esteem

• increases competition anxiety

• leads to sport dropout

• is associated with depression and anxiety.

Research shows when adults in community sport use what’s known as an “autonomy-supportive approach” – in which young people are empowered to make their own decisions and have their feelings validated – children can be more self-motivated.

An experiment at the 2012 Olympic Games found coaches with a more supportive approach achieved higher medal tallies than those who did not.

Most of this evidence has focused on coaching, but given many parents act as coaches for their children, these findings remain relevant.

There is no evidence abuse improves performance of children in sport. Shutterstock

Putting children’s experiences first

There is no evidence that controlling or abusive practices improve children’s performance in sport. But even if there was, sport performance should not be valued above a child’s health and wellbeing.

These behaviours would not be tolerated in different environments, such as workplaces or schools.

It’s time to move on from this debate in sport. So where to from here?

The sport system is complex, and while it’s easy to think it’s just a few problematic people, the reality is these practices have been normalised for generations.

Parents are repeating patterns from their own experiences and mirroring practices they see as normal in elite sport. There is no quick fix.

But we can all play a part by reflecting on our own behaviours and considering how we can prioritise children’s experiences and wellbeing.

Parents should focus on fun, learning new skills, enjoying the moment, and being part of a team so their kids can get the most out of the games they love.

Despite Beckham himself suggesting it was all worth it, the evidence suggests he was successful in spite of the high-pressure home environment, not because of it.

Mary Woessner, Lecturer in Clinical Exercise and Research Fellow, Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Victoria University; Alexandra Parker, Professor of Physical Activity and Mental Health, Victoria University, and Aurélie Pankowiak, Research Fellow, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Football legend Diego Maradona passed away at his 60

By : Sentinel Digital Desk: Argentina football legend, Diego Armando Maradona passed away at Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina due to heart attack on Wednesday. The legendary footballer died at 60. He breathed his last at his residence just two weeks after having surgery on a blood clot in his brain. Maradona's lawyer confirmed the demise of the iconic former Argentinian footballer Maradona last appeared in public on his 60th birthday last Friday before his side's league match against Patronato. Also Read - Team India's woes in ODIs continue The former Napoli, Barcelona, and Boca Juniors player has been experiencing frequent periods in hospital for the past several years, often due to his playing career as well as his extraordinary lifestyle. It has been said that he was fighting a battle with drug and alcohol addiction. Maradona was hospitalized last week and underwent an emergency operation to remove a blood clot from his brain. Source: Sentinelassam

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Sourav Ganguly's Football Memories

"Sourav Ganguly crop" by Sourav Ganguly.jpg: Hashir Milhan derivative work: Legolas2186 - Sourav Ganguly.jpg. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Commons.

Watch Atlético de Kolkata co-owner Sourav Ganguly speak about his childhood memories of football, watching Mohun Bagan & East Bengal play against each other, and much, much more. Source: Article 

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Eleven Indian Candidates pass AFC A-Certificate Coaching Course!

Eleven Candidates have passed the AFC 'A'-Certificate Coaching Course which was held in Kolkata from March 14 to April 9, 2014. Twenty Candidates had appeared in the Course which was conducted by Vincent Subramanium from Singapore and Lim Kim Chon of Malaysia. 

The following is the list of successful Candidates who passed the Course Passed Candidates: 

• Raman Vijayan
• Langam Chaoba Devi
• Prasanta Chakrabarty
• Kundan Chandra
• Shankarlal Chakraborty
• Subroto Dutta
• Mridul Kanti Banerjee
• Arun Saha, E.S. Shyam
• Tarun Dey
• Biswajit Bhattacharya
• Pro-Pass Candidate: D. Manivannan 

Source: Article

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TV viewing breaks records in first 2014 FIFA World Cup matches

Television coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup broke a whole host of viewing records during the first round of group matches in Brazil, highlighting the growing popularity of the competition and football around the world. Opening matches set new audience highs for 2014 all over the world as fans watched in record numbers in countries such as Brazil, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Argentina, France, the Netherlands, Croatia and Italy. An all-time high was set in the French-speaking part of Belgium. The viewing figures also revealed an impressive increase in the United States, Canada and Australia, where the World Cup is helping to drive interest in the game to new levels. ESPN's coverage broke audience records for men's World Cup matches in the United States. 

Some of the key figures include:

• 42.9 million watched Brazil and Croatia on Brazilian channel TV Globo, the highest sports broadcast of 2014
• England and Italy's opener attracted 14.2 million on BBC1 in the UK and 12.8 million on RAI 1, the highest TV audiences in both countries in 2014 
• 34.1 million watched Japan play Côte d'Ivoire on Japanese channel NHK, twice the size of the next biggest sports broadcast of 2014
• Germany’s win over Portugal reached 26.4 million on ARD in Germany, the biggest 2014 TV sports audience
• 11.1 million watched the USA vs Ghana match on ESPN in the United States – a record high for ESPN's coverage of men's FIFA World Cup matches

"These record-breaking figures show just how popular football and the FIFA World Cup are across the world, from Japan to Argentina," said Niclas Ericson, Director of FIFA TV. "We are seeing highly encouraging growth in interest in markets such as the United States and Australia." "The FIFA broadcast production of all World Cup matches makes this competition truly global and accessible for fans all over the world. It therefore plays a crucial role in supporting FIFA’s core mission to develop football everywhere, and for all." FIFA, which had a net cost of about USD 150 million on the broadcast production at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is investing heavily again this year to ensure that football fans everywhere receive the very best viewing experience of 2014 World Cup matches in Brazil. FIFA has agreed arrangements with more than 160 main Media Rights Licensees for TV around the world, meaning all global territories are able to access the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In total, FIFA has approximately 700 licensees across TV, mobile and broadband, and radio for the FIFA World Cup. Source: Arunava about Football

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Nike - A Retrospective of Brasil's Yellow Jersey from 1998!

Here a look back from 1996-2014, Nike's designs for the most iconic uniform in sport: the Brazil national team kit since they have been kitting the Selecao. The yellow jersey. Called Amarelinha or Little Yellow One, the home shirt for the most successful football team in the world of football represents the exuberant pride of the nation and is as recognizable as the country's flag. "Football is so ingrained in Brazil, it dissolves into the culture. It's hard to capture the meaning of the relationship between Brazilians and the sport," says Peter Hudson, former Creative Director who worked on Nike football apparel for seven years. "I think you have to go to events, be at a match, look players in the eye on the starting line to really appreciate what it means." The Brazil national team home jersey wasn't always yellow. It took a devastating defeat in the 1950 final at home to initiate a color scheme change. After wearing white and blue for half a century, the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) debuted a new kit in yellow, green and blue — the colors of Brazil's flag — in 1954. The design was the result of a national competition, and the new colours stuck. Nike started making kits for CBF in 1997, after signing on as the team's official apparel sponsor the year prior. Here, a look inside the process of creating Brazil's national team home kit for the major competitions of 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Source: Article

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Diego Maradona slams FIFA corruption, demands action

Argentina legend Diego Maradona lashed out at "bribes" within FIFA, demanding action against those involved in corruption claims linked to Qatar's World Cup bid, in remarks published Sunday.

"There are huge bribes" in the world football governing body, UAE-based Maradona told Abu Dhabi daily, Al-Ittihad, AFP reports. "Those behind them must be held accountable, especially in regards to the latest events related to awarding Qatar the 2022 World Cup. "Where has this money gone, who received it, and why," must all be investigated, he said, adding that he had repeatedly denounced, "in vain, cases of bribery within FIFA." Qatar is facing growing pressure over its hosting of the 2022 World Cup after fresh allegations over the role disgraced former top football official Mohammed bin Hammam played in its bid. Last week, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper said it had obtained millions of emails, documents and bank transfers showing that bin Hammam paid over $5 million (3.67m euros) from slush funds to win support in the bidding process. FIFA completes its probe Monday into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, won by Russia and Qatar, chaired by former US attorney Michael Garcia. "I hope football would go back to being a fun game away from bribery and corruption," said Maradona, who will be present at the World Cup in Brazil as a commentator for a Venezuelan television channel. "It is unfortunate that there are footballers within FIFA such as (UEFA president Michel) Platini, who have surrendered" to such irregularities, he said. Platini has attacked The Sunday Times for seeking to "tarnish" his reputation by drawing him into the corruption claims against the Qatar World Cup bid. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing. The choice of Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup shocked many observers due to its searing heat in the summer. Source: The Voice of Russia

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World Cup injuries: Ronaldo 'cursed', England's Ox waits

What are the prospects of crocked superstars recovering in time for the tournament in Brazil?

The World Cup is just days away but, as they prepare to take part in the greatest show on earth, the superstars of the game and the fans live in fear of the tournament-ending injury. The perils of the training camp and the World Cup warm-up are well documented. England fans will remember the saga of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney's broken metatarsals in the build-up to major tournaments, and between now and 12 June every hamstring tweak or stubbed toe among the game's elite will be greeted with hysterical medical assessments of their chances of being fit for Brazil. Some stars, including England's Theo Walcott and Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdez were ruled out months ago, others like Radamel Falcao only found out recently, and for those who remain, the race to be fit is well and truly on:

5 JUNE

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid and Portugal
• Injury: Tendinosis in knee / thigh strain / cursed by witch doctor
• When injured: Ongoing problem (first cursed in Feburary)
• Due back: Unknown
• Prospects: Doubtful for opener.

There are fears that the world's best player will miss Portugal's crucial opening game against Germany on 16 June, and could even be ruled out of the entire tournament. The Real Madrid superstar was beset by niggling injuries towards the end of the Spanish season (see below), but on Wednesday the Portguese camp confirmed that he was suffering from tendinosis in his left knee as well as a thigh strain. Ronaldo has not played since the Champions League final on 25 May and has been training separately to the rest of the squad at their base in New York. Although the thigh strain is ongoing, news of the knee problem represents a new concern. Tendinosis is caused by long-term wear and tear and can take months to recover from, according to the BBC. But that may not be the worst of Ronaldo's problems. A Ghanaian witch doctor called Nana Kwaku Bonsam has taken credit for the Portuguese player's injuries and says he has beem "working on him" since February in order to rule him out of the match against Ghana on 26 June. Ronaldo's injuries "can never be cured by any medic" he says.

• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal and England
• Injury: Knee ligament damage
• When injured: Friendly against Ecuador
• Due back: Unknown
• Prospects: Waiting on test results

The Arsenal winger, who has been out of action since April, appeared to pick up yet another injury during England's warm-up against Ecuador on Wednesday, when an opposing player rolled onto his ankle, causing his leg to give way. Oxlade-Chamerlain clutched his knee and looked glum as he was helped off the pitch. After the game manager Roy Hodgson refused to speculate on the extent of the injury, but confirmed that the 20-year-old would have to undergo a scan on his right knee. "I'll have to wait until I know the extent of the injury before making any other comment," said Hodgson. Oxlade-Chamberlain has a bad track record with injuries and has only just recovered from a groin problem, he also missed much of last season after damaging ligaments in his left knee on the first day of the campaign.

• Robin Van Persie: Man United and Netherlands
• Injury: Groin strain
• When injured: Friendly against Wales
• Due back: Soon
• Prospects: Good

The Netherlands striker was taken off at half time in the warm-up fixture against Wales, after appearing to suffer a groin problem. The 32-year-old said he had come off as a precaution. "I wouldn't call it an injury," he explained. "It built up during the game so I decided it was sensible to come off." Manager Louis Van Gaal said he thought his captain would be fit for the game against Spain on 13 June. "He has a little injury and I think it is better that you don't risk a bigger injury playing the second half," he said.

3 JUNE

• Radamel Falcao: Monaco and Colombia
• Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament
• When injured: January
• Due back: June
• Prospects: Ruled out

The Colombian striker finally lost his race to be fit for the World Cup finals days before the tournament got underway. The 28-year-old striker was part of Colombia's initial 30-man squad for the finals in Brazil despite not having played since January. However, he was not on the final 23-man list handed into Fifa on 2 June. His absence is a hammer-blow for Colombia, who were considered one of the tournament's dark horses. The striker tore his ACL playing for Monaco in a cup game against Chasselay in January. The initial prognosis was that he would miss the tournament, but the striker had other ideas. Falcao's injury was similar to the one that sidelined Theo Walcott and came nearly three weeks after the Arsenal man was hurt. But despite making what looked like a miraculous recovery, coach Jose Pekerman was forced to accept that he would not be able to play a "meaningful" role for Colombia.

• Franck Ribery: Bayern Munich and France
• Injury: Back
• When injured: Ongoing problem
• Due back: Unknown
• Prospects: Doubtful

Fears are growing in France that talisman Franck Ribery may not be fit for the tournament in Brazil because of a long-standing back problem. The injury restricted the winger to just 18 Bundesliga starts for Bayern Munich last season. He has missed both France's warm-up games against Norway and Paraguay amid concerns that he will be forced out of the French squad. He has been included in the final 23-man squad, but if he is unable to play in France's final warm-up match against Jamaica on Sunday his participation in the tournament will be in serious doubt.

• Riccardo Montolivo: AC Milan and Italy
• Injury: Broken leg
• When injured: Word Cup warm-up vs Ireland
• Due back: August
• Prospects: Out of the tournament

The AC Milan midfielder suffered a fractured tibia in his left leg during a World Cup warm up game against Ireland at Craven Cottage on Friday. The injury came just 13 minutes into the match when he was tackled by Reading centre-back Alex Pearce. The challenge did not appear dangerous but as Montolivo was stretchered off he reportedly told team-mates: "It's broken". The creative midfielder will be missed by Italy, but they have ready made replacements in Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi.

• Luis Suarez: Liverpool and Uruguay
• Injury: Knee
• When injured: World Cup training
• Due back: Mid-June
• Prospects: Possible

Suarez could be the biggest casualty of the summer if he is ruled out of the tournament, but he appears to be winning his race for fitness and was included in Uruguay's final squad for the tournament. He even texted some England players to warn them he would be fit. The striker twisted his knee in training on 21 May and an MRI scan revealed menicus cartilage damage. He has undergone keyhole surgery and now faces a race against time to be fit for Uruguay's opening games against Costa Rica and England. He is expected to be out for anything from three to six weeks.

• Diego Costa: Atletico Madrid and Spain
• Injury: Hamstring
• When injured: Champions League final
• Due back: Late-May
• Prospects: Hopeful

The Brazil-born Spanish forward limped out of the Champions League final after failing to overcome a hamstring problem. Costa broke down despite visiting 'miracle doctor' Marijana Kovacevic in Belgrade in an effort to be fit for the final. Worryingly, it is not an unusual problem for Costa. "It is feared that the painful spasms Costa has been suffering with which could curtail his blossoming career," says the Daily Telegraph. However, Costa insists he will be ready when the action begins in Brazil and expects to play a part in Spain's warm-up against El Salvador in Washington this week.

• Kolo Toure: Liverpool and Ivory Coast
• Injury: Malaria
• When injured: On trip to Abidjan Due back: Unknown
• Prospects: Good

The Ivorian was struck down with the disease on a trip to his homeland before joining the rest of the squad in Dallas. The defender was first infected with the mosquito-borne disease while an Arsenal player in 2008. On that occasion he needed hospital treatment, but this time he has been able to join his team mates in the US. 

• Luis Montes: Club Leon and Mexico
• Injury: Broken leg
• When injured: World Cup warm-up vs Ecuador
• Due back: Later this year
• Prospects: Out of the tournament.

The midfielder scored in Mexico's 3-1 win over Ecuador in Texas on Saturday, but ended the night in hospital after a coming together with opponent Segundo Castillo. The injury looked gruesome at the time and was later confirmed that he had a broken tibia and fibula and the player will be out for several months. The 28-year-old midfielder was a key member of the Mexico side.

MAY

• Neymar: Barcelona and Brazil
• Injury: Foot
• When injured: Copa del Rey final, 16 April
• Due back: Mid-May
• Prospects: Hopeful

For Brazil, losing the services of their biggest superstar, Neymar, would have been disastrous, but his participation in this summer's tournament appeared to be in doubt after he picked up an injury to his left foot in Barcelona's season-wrecking defeat in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. However, the prognosis for the 22-year-old has improved since then, and the player came on as a substitute in Barcelona's final match of the season against Atletico Madrid on 18 May. He was out of touch, but he should be fine for Brazil.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid and Portugal
• Injury: Thigh/hamstring
• When injured: Mid-April
• Due back: Late May
• Prospects: Fine 

The world's best player was an unused substitute in the Champions League quarter finals because of a knee problem, but he subsequently missed the weekend fixture against Almeira and the Copa del Rey final with a muscle injury. He then limped off on the final day of the season with a hamstring problem, adding to concerns about long-term niggles. However, Real have confirmed that the Ballon d'Or winner will be fit for the Champions League final, and as long as he survives that game he should be fine for the World Cup. "Real have not indicted how long the ex-Manchester United player could be out for, although Spanish media reports claim he will only be sidelined for a couple of weeks," reports the BBC. 

• Sami Khedira: Real Madrid and Germany
• Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament
• When injured: November
• Due back: May
• Prospects: Fine 

Another victim of the dreaded ACL tear, Germany star Khedira broke down in November and underwent surgery. He returned to the Real Madrid side at the end of the season after six months out and seems certain to make it to Brazil.

APRIL

• Jack Wilshere: Arsenal and England Injury: Broken foot
• When injured: Early March
• Due back: Early May
• Prospects: Good

Wilshere has had a torrid time with injuries in his short career, and his hoodoo struck again when he was on England duty in a friendly against Denmark. After initially being given the all clear it was later discovered that he had a broken bone in his foot, and was ruled out for the foreseeable future. But the midfielder resumed training this week and manager Arsene Wenger hopes he will play before the end of the season. Arsenal need him and so do England. He even went as far as to announce that the player would be available for England when Roy Hodgson announces his squad on 13 May. However, Wilshere's record and the Gunners' apparent inability to properly rehabilitate their injured players mean that nothing should be taken for granted. Source The Week UK

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Nike - The Heat is On in Brazil!

Football played in Brazil this June and July could see temperatures around 25°C (77°F), with at least 10 matches pushing 30°C (86°F). For athletes playing 90-minute matches in these conditions, keeping cool is crucial to performance. Nike's 2014 national team kits have been designed with optimal cooling solutions to give athletes a leg up in these conditions and help them stay cool under pressure on the world stage. Key cooling elements in Nike’s National Team Kit system of dress include:

• Sweat-wicking Nike Dri-FIT fabrication
• Dual-knit construction moves sweat away from skin to the outside of the kit where it can evaporate more quickly
• Dual-knit construction features a fabrication that is cooler and softer against skin
• Burn-out mesh at the back of the national team kits and Nike Pro baselayer reduces weight by removing fabric in key heat zones for added breathability
• Laser-cut ventilation increases airflow over the skin
• Nike Pro baselayer options are 16 percent lighter than their predecessors with added cooling and ventilation
• Increased abrasion protection in the Pro baselayer Slider Short match athletes’ sliding patterns with increased breathability and decreased weight. Source: Article

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Sales of Large Premium TVs Rise on Upcoming Brazil World Cup

SEOUL, KOREA - As the Brazil World Cup comes close in mid-June, large-sized TVs over 50 inches, particularly high-resolution UHD TVs, are gaining ever-rising popularity. According to HI-Mart on May 15, the sales of 50-inch-plus large TVs marked a 25-percent growth over the past one month, compared to a year ago, with their share in overall TV sales rising to 45 percent from 35 percent.HI-Mart said that this reflects the potential demand for large TVs ahead of such global sports event. The share of UHD TVs in total 50-inch-plus TV sales, which hovered below 10 percent in the latter half of last year, showed an upward trend starting from early this year. The share of UHD TVs broke the 30-percent mark in March and reached the 40-percent level in May after temporarily dipping to the 20-percent level in April due to the effect of the sinking of the ferry Sewol. Considering that the Brazil World Cup game live casts will continue toward the end of July, the special demand for large premium TVs is expected to increase at least until the end of June. Source: Article

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20th Women's Nationals: Manipur are Queen's of India once more, win 17th title

There was no stopping the Manipur juggernaut as they downed reigning champions Orissa 3-1 in a lopsided summit clash of the 20th Women's National Championship to clinch the Nationals crown for the 17th time here at the Golaghat Stadium in Assam on Monday, May 12. Goals at the beginning of the first and second period from Bala Devi and one from iconic India player Oinam Bembem Devi sealed the issue for the female footballing hotshots. Orissa reduced the arrears in the dying minutes of the tie courtesy substitute Sakina Nesa's close-range prod but it was too little too late for the defending champions. The North Eastern last won the Championship in 2010 with Orissa being the defending champions from 2011 as the championships had not been held for two years. An elated Bembem, who captained the side to the triumph told AIFF Media moments after the final whistle that though the win looked facile, the young girls of Orissa, mostly U-19 and playing for the first time, showed verve and a lot of promise. "It was a good win. I am really happy to end a fairly good campaign on a high but more importantly I would like to point out that the future stars who played in Orissa colours today have a lot of potential." National Team Head Coach Anadi Barua while congratulating Bembem and co added, "It was good to see the Orissa girls fighting till the last minute. They could one and could have added another in added time. This goes to show their spirit. It was always going to be difficult against Manipur. But they were brave and the shoulders never drooped, that’s important." "Coming to the champions, Manipur had the measure of the game from the first whistle. These girls are too experienced to falter. It was a nice experience for the youngsters, I'm sure," Barua added. Manipur indeed took the game by the scruff of the neck from the word go. As routine as attending office on a Monday morning, the red shirts full of National Team players in their arsenal did the job like going through the drills in a training session. But the Orissa girls, all National Team hopefuls, did not cow down amidst stupendous pressure. The defending champions in fact scored a late goal and could have added another which would have brought the match alive in the dying minutes. It took the 16-time champions just three minutes to take the lead. Orissa goalkeeper Sita Sharma failed to judge the flight from Bembem Devi’s cross from the right with Bala pouncing on the loose ball to head home from close. Such was Bala’s confidence that soon after her 31th goal of the campaign, the player of the tournament tried a cheeky dink on the half volley with the ball landing on the roof of the net. The U-19 girls of Orissa were finding life difficult against their senior counterparts who made light work of their five-man midfield deployed specifically to thwart Manipur’s aplomb in the final third. The red shirts doubled their tally without fuss. A low cross inside the area by winger Mandakini Devi saw Bembem stab home with an expertly placed first-time finish. The match was 20 minutes old and Orissa – who had stormed into the Finals much like their opponents – were at sixes and sevens. Manipur went into the break with a 2-0 lead. The second half started as the first with Manipur all over their rivals, raiding Orissa's citadel without mercy. Of one such move, Mandakini – enjoying field day at office – squared for Bala inside the area leaving the 23-year old goal-poacher with the easiest of tap ins to notch up her brace and 32nd goal of the tournament. Orissa though showed great character to still look for the elusive goal and their doggedness paid dividends in the injury time. Substitute Sakina slammed home Subha Prava Rout’s through-ball that sliced open the Manipur defense. From the next move, the white shirts almost scored another. Subha Prava was in the thick of things here missing a gilt-edged chance from six yards. Source: Article

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Manchester City claims second Premier League title in three seasons

Manchester City secured a second Premier League title in three seasons by defeating West Ham United 2-0 at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. City effectively needed only a point to claim the championship ahead of Liverpool, but goals in each half from Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany meant that they completed their mission with room to spare, AFP reports.

Victory took City's goals tally to 102 - one short of Chelsea's Premier League record from 2009-10 - and made Chilean Manuel Pellegrini the first non-European manager to win an English top-flight title. Liverpool, who led the table with three games to play, finished two points below City in second place after coming from behind to win 2-1 at home to Newcastle United, who had Shola Ameobi and Paul Dummett sent off. David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Aleksandar Kolarov all threatened for City before Nasri put them ahead in the 39th minute, gathering a pass from Yaya Toure and arrowing a 22-yard drive into the bottom-left corner. West Ham striker Andy Carroll deflected a shot from Silva onto the post in first-half stoppage time, before Kompany doubled City's lead early in the second half by stabbing home from a corner. The home fans celebrated with their customary 'Poznan' dance - bouncing up and down with their backs to the game - and then flooded onto the pitch in delight at the final whistle. Liverpool went into their last game of the campaign with a slim hope of winning a first league title since 1990, but they fell behind in the 20th minute when Martin Skrtel sliced Yoan Gouffran's cross into his own net. However, carbon-copy goals by Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge, both of whom volleyed in Steven Gerrard free-kicks, turned the game around in the space of two minutes in the second half. Agger's goal was Liverpool's 100th in the league and made this the first English top-flight season in which two teams have reached that milestone since 1960-61. Source: Article

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Pietersen expresses love for Chelsea

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen expressed his love forPremier League club Chelsea FC here Sunday, and said he is friends with Chelsea stalwarts Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry. "Chelsea is my team. I am good friends with many players in Chelsea, including Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry. I live in Chelsea and train there too. I also underwent rehabilitation in Chelsea when I had my Achilles tendon injury," Pietersen said Sunday. The 33-year-old was at the Ambedkar Stadium here to announce the names of two children who will be the adidas FIFA Fairplay Flag Bearers. Six children, four to be selected from other cities, will head to Sao Paulo to see a World Cup pre-quarterfinal match. With Chelsea currently third in the Premier League standings with 78 points, Pietersen said clinching the title this year will be difficult for them. Manchester City and Liverpool are first and second, both on 80 points, and with only two rounds of matches to go, the club from Manchester look to be the favourites. "It is going to be difficult for Chelsea. With Manchester City winning 3-2 against Everton last night, they lead the standings and are favourites for the title. But Chelsea have already said they are targeting the title next year. You can't win every year," added Pietersen with a smile. The Delhi Daredevils captain also lauded Chelsea manager Jose Mourhinho. "He is outstanding as a manager. He makes the players play their best in the position they are put in and makes them the best in the world too. He takes the pressure off the players," concluded the tall Englishman. Source: Article, Image: flickr.com

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