Fan's 'monkey gesture' probed

                                     
London's Metropolitan Police Force announced on Thursday they had launched an investigation after a Chelsea supporter was photographed apparently making a racist gesture towards a black Manchester United player.
The picture, published in several British newspapers, was taken during Chelsea's dramatic 5-4 League Cup win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and appeared to show a fan making a monkey gesture at striker Danny Welbeck.

Spain tops October edition of FIFA ranking while Nigeria is 63rd

 

The October edition of the world FIFA ranking puts Nigeria as 63rd in the world while Spain is first, Germany second and Portugal third.

Super Eagles player, Victor Moses, fathers a baby at 21

 
Nigerian Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses has joined the league of fathers. He became a father on Thursday morning when his girlfriend gave birth to a baby boy, Brentley.
He wrote on Twitter: “Really proud to announce I’m now a dad! Brentley Moses born this morning 3.960kg all healthy thank God! Fanx for your support.”
This caps off what has been a tremendous week for the 21year old; a full Chelsea debut, first goal for Chelsea and now, fatherhood.
He’s expected to be in the Chelsea squad for their trip to the Emirates to take on Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick off.

Mikel | Can he be as committed in a Nigeria shirt?

 

The issue of whether Chelsea’s Mikel Obi has a place in the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles continues to be a bone of contention amongst football fans, coaches and administrators in Nigeria.
There are insinuations that his absence was deeply felt in the last match against Liberia and it is no more news that the pressure exerted on Stephen Keshi has paid off as the Chelsea midfielder has been included in the squad for the return leg against Liberia on October 13 in Calabar.

Fergie eyes Pep or Jose as his successor

 

As he collected another three points on a day he was embroiled in a controversy with a player 50 years his junior on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson’s fire looked at Liverpool like it was burning as strong as ever.
Yet away from the pitch, the Scot's focus is no longer fixed solely on leading Manchester United back to the summit of the Premier League or snaring a third European crown of his reign - but also on putting in place a cast-iron succession plan that will see the club succeed long after he decides to call it a day.

Mikel leads Eagles' battle against Liberia in Calabar

John Obi Mikel has staged a dramatic but much expected return to the Super Eagles squad as Coach Stephen Keshi named him among the 15 foreign-based players that would confront the Lone Stars of Liberia in the last leg of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier slated for Calabar on October 13.

Barcelona set to open contract talks with Xavi

AFP

Ivan Corretja, Xavi's agent, has revealed that Barcelona are ready to open contract talks with the influential midfielder.

The Spain international's current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2014, and the Catalans are eager to hold on to the 32-year-old beyond the expiry date of his current deal.

"Barcelona have informed us of their intention to open talks over the extension and improvement of Xavi's current contract," Corretja stated to Esport3.

"They want Xavi to remain part of Barcelona's first team and this is the right moment to open negotiations. His contract expires in 2014, so waiting until the end of the season would be too late.

"We have always reached an agreement on previous occasions and have never had problems. The most important thing for Xavi is to know that the club still count on him. I don't expect any problems."

Xavi has made well over 600 appearances for Barca since making his official first team debut in August 1998. He also scored the important opener against Granada on Saturday to ensure they maintained their 100 per cent record in La Liga.

Obafemi Martins plans to score 20 goals for Levante this season

Levante

Forgotten Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins popularly called ‘Obagoal’ and weapon of mass destruction has set a goal target of 20 goals this season as he hinted that he is ready to help modest La Liga side, Levante into the top echelon of the league.
Martins scored the winner for Levante in the 87th minute as the Valencia-based side came from a goal down in the first half to defeat Real Sociedad in La Liga and take all three points.

The Nigerian forward came on as a substitute in the 46th minute to make his debut after terminating his contract with Russian side Rubin Kazan and completing his move to Spain last Thursday. He took a pay cut to resurrect his career in Spain. And Martins spoke to Goal.com from Spain after his perfect debut in La Liga.
“I am very happy, I am even the happiest man in the world scoring in my first debut for Levante,” Martins told Goal.com.
“All I need to say is special thanks to God and my friends and family who encouraged me to join Levante. And I hope to score more goals if I am given the chance.”
Martins also spoke on his relevance to the Super Eagles under Stephen Keshi, for whom he is yet to play. He hinted that he is always ready to play for the national team, even the Africa Cup of Nations Cup second leg qualifier against Liberia next month.

“This is the time Keshi needs me. I want to score for Keshi in Calabar.
“I am fit and ready to go, and not scared. I want to help the Super Eagles qualify. With the help of the home-based and other professionals, we shall qualify,” he concluded.

Culled from goal.com.

Wembley could host Euro 2020 final

London's Wembley Stadium could host the climax of the 2020 European Championship Finals, CNN has learned.

UEFA president Michel Platini is keen to revolutionize the tournament by holding matches across several European cities rather than just one or two countries.

Platini is understood to have held talks with FA chairman David Bernstein last week about the semifinals and final being held in English capital.

John Terry retires from England duty over Ferdinand hearing

 

Former England captain John Terry has announced his retirement from international football.

The defender, who has won 78 caps, was cleared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game.
But the Chelsea star, 31, still faces a Football Association disciplinary hearing over the matter on Monday.
Terry said the FA's decision to pursue charges against him meant his position with England had become "untenable"

Announces his retirement from England duty after 78 caps 

Terry was cleared of abusing Ferdinand following the culmination of his trial on 13 July but was subsequently charged by the FA two weeks later for using alleged "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" towards the QPR defender during October's game at Loftus Road.

The court heard accusations Terry had insulted Ferdinand, describing him as "black" and using extreme sexual swear words.
The prosecution had to prove beyond reasonable doubt Terry had used the words in an insulting manner, which it could not.
However, the FA, whose charge includes an alleged "reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Ferdinand", only has to prove its case "on the balance of probabilities".
The defender telephoned England manager Roy Hodgson to inform him of his decision before he released his statement on Sunday evening.
The FA said they would not be commenting on Terry's retirement.
Terry, who had two separate stints as England captain, played in the 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Moldova on 7 September. He made his debut in a 2-1 friendly victory over Serbia and Montenegro in 2003.
Terry was appointed as David Beckham's successor as England skipper in 2006 but was stripped of the position in 2010 following allegations he had an affair with then England team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

He was re-appointed in March 2011, but the FA relieved him of the role again in February, a decision which precipitated the departure of manager Fabio Capello.

In a statement, Terry said: "I am today announcing my retirement from international football.
"Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honour. I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision. I want to wish Roy and the team every success for the future.
"I am making this statement today in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel the FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.
"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support.
"I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps. I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with.
"I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career."
England face a pair of World Cup qualifiers next month. First they welcome San Marino to Wembley on 12 October and then, four days later, meet Poland in Warsaw.