Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was shocked to learn of a search of the French Football Federation (FFF) offices in relation to criminal proceedings against him.
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) had searched the FFF offices in connection with the criminal proceedings against Blatter after opening an investigation into the Swiss in September last year on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and alternatively misappropriation following a suspected payment of CHF 2million to ex-UEFA president Michel Platini.
Both Blatter and Platini have since been banned from all football-related activities, although the former is also facing criminal charges.
As part of that investigation, the French Financial Prosecution Office searched the FFF …
Germany s defensive line is a cause of concern ahead of the World Cup in Russia, according to Jurgen Kohler.
Joachim Low s side are backed among the favourites to retain the title secured in Brazil four years ago, although the world champions have lost seasoned campaigners at the back.
Philipp Lahm and Per Mertesacker have both retired since glory in 2014, with Bayern Munich duo Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels now the more experienced players of Low s defensive ranks, but Kohler is not convinced.
I simply miss the consistency. If central defence does not play at the highest level, it will be difficult for any team, the 1990 World Cup winner told T-Online.
I have the impression that many players are no longer used to leading duels.
Especi…
Fulham surprised many by winning promotion to the Premier League from the Championship last season. However, their success is not that surprising considering that boss Slavisa Jokanovic has previous of winning promotion, having previously guided Watford to the top-flight in the past, only to leave the Hornets.
The Cottagers needed heavy recruitment in the summer to have a squad of players, as their squad was tiny prior to a raft of new arrivals this summer.
One of those new arrivals was Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who arrived on a permanent deal after impressing at Craven Cottage on loan in the second half of last season.
Already proving vital to Fulham
Mitrovic proved crucial in the Cottagers winning promotion to the top-flight, scoring 12 goals in 20…
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a philosophical message on Instagram after opting to skip the FIFA awards ceremony, where Lionel Messi was named the Best Men s Player.
Ronaldo finished third behind Messi and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, but decided not to attend the ceremony in Milan on Monday.
The 34-year-old has been ruled out of Juventus Serie A clash against Brescia on Tuesday due to an adductor injury.
After the awards ceremony, Ronaldo posted a philosophical message on Instagram.
Patience and persistence are two characteristics that differentiate the professional from the amateur, he wrote.
…
Bruno Fernandes has hailed Jesse Lingard for his spectacular form with West Ham and feels he has been the best player in the Premier League for a spell this season.
Lingard joined West Ham on loan from Manchester United in January having not featured in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since the start of the campaign.
He has racked up nine goals and three assists in 13 matches since his move, earning a return to the England squad in the process.
Fernandes has been thrilled to see Lingard thrive, saying everyone at United is delighted for him.
If you see Jesse, I think Jesse, at the moment, if you watch the last 10 games, has been top, top, top level, Fernandes said to Inside United magazine.
For me, if you watch the last 10 games, h…
Manchester United made a splash in the final hours of transfer deadline day, bringing in Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles and agreeing a deal with Atalanta for Amad Diallo, while Arsenal spent big on Thomas Partey.
The Premier League giants had been criticised for their lack of activity in the transfer market after only bringing in Donny van de Beek from Ajax ahead of the new season.
A 6-1 humiliation to Tottenham on Sunday seemingly sparked the Old Trafford boardroom into action a day later, though, with the club sealing an eye-catching move for Cavani, who had been unattached after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
The Uruguay international has signed a one-year deal with the option to extend for another 12 months and joined Telles in th…
Market: Athlone Town double chance
Odds: 4/7 @
Looking to extend on their play-off charge this weekend, Athlone will welcome Wexford to town on Friday night.
Starting with the hosts, while Athlone might have suffered late heartbreak away at the Finn Harps earlier in the week as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, Dario Castelo’s men have continued on an eye-catching flurry. Sat in the driving seat to punch another play-off ticket this season, the Town are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 straight matchups across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to April 5th. Signing off May with a stellar 1-0 victory against title contenders Cork City, Athlone have also gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. In fact, Friday’s …
Brandon Williams explained his decision to hug Christian Eriksen during Norwich City s recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford was pure instinct following the Dane s ordeal.
A video clip went viral on Saturday after a comical and heart-warming moment between Williams and Eriksen, who initially looked set for an angry tussle.
Eriksen grappled with Williams in an attempt to halt a Norwich attack, and the two players fell to the floor in a pile.
Williams reaction suggested anger as he appeared about to pin the midfielder down, but upon realising who it was he was tussling with, he instead gave Eriksen a hug – the latter s confused smile as he got up said it all about the amusing exchange.
Four days on, Norwich defender Williams has spoken publicly about his gestur…
Steve Bruce refused to be critical of his Hull City side after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
Mohamed Diame and Abel Hernandez cancelled out Alexis Sanchez s opener at the Emirates Stadium as Hull looked set for a first win over Arsenal since 2008.
However, Alexis jinked past a host of Hull defenders to set up Danny Welbeck to snatch a point for the hosts at the death.
It capped an ultimately frustrating day for the visitors, who saw Steve Harper and Michael Dawson go off injured with arm and ankle injuries respectively after Nikica Jelavic sustained a knee injury in the warm-up.
However, Bruce was pleased with the point and highlighted Alexis quality as a key factor in Arsenal gaining a draw.
If I m be…
Former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died aged 79, the Premier League club have announced.
Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74.
City said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee.
It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
— Manchester City (@ManCity)
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to se…