***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[SmoovySmoov]

Evra officially off to juventus

Good riddance.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Maradona warming up. Awesome.

Much to my dismay, that song was the soundtrack to my first year living in Germany, 1986. The scars are permanent.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Klinsmann played in this game. He said all the German players stopped and watched him warm up . That is the very definition of legend status

http://www.socceramerica.com/article/53912/klinsmann-recalls-maradonas-live-is-life-warm-u.html

 

[The Gator]

Maradona warming up. Awesome.

No right foot, would not bang

 

[NewlyRetired]

What a mess :(

Six players from Shakhtar Donetsk refused to return to Ukraine for the club’s new season as fighting continues in Donetsk, which is currently in the control of a pro-Russian rebel uprising. Brazilians Douglas Costa, Fred, Dentinho, Alex Teixiera and Ismaily plus Argentine striker Facundo Ferreyra remained in France following a friendly against Lyon on Saturday.

In a statement posted on the Ukrainian club’s Web site, President Rinat Akhmetov warned the players that they would “suffer” if they did not return: “It is true, six team players have not come,” he stated. “I don’t rule out that these players will return to the team quickly, and some of them tomorrow. Players have contracts that they have to abide by. If they do not come, I think, they will be the first to suffer. Each of them has a minimum release clause, which is tens of millions of euros. If someone wants to reduce this amount by a million, then such a decision is our right. There won’t be a clearance sale.”

Meanwhile, Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu blamed the UK-based agent Kia Joorabchian for persuading the players not to return. “It is necessary to explain what happened,” the coach told the Shakhtar Web site. “It is not the players’ desire, it’s their agents’ work. A few hours before the kickoff of the match against Lyonnais, Kia showed up. And after the game, at 2:00 in the morning, he took our players away. The very talented ones: Teixeira, Douglas, Fred. The rest are not so important.”

He added: “[Joorabchian] wanted to do the same to Adriano, Ilsinho, Marlos and Taison. But they refused. His goal is to make the players free agents, just to make money. This is wrong. This is his alibi. He wants to make use of the situation in the country and get the players for free. But they have contracts.”

Shakhtar is currently unable to play in Donetsk due to the fighting, but the Ukrainian soccer federation has yet to rule where it will play home games while the conflict continues.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Sponsored by Mars bars (and crack).

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Love that video...looks like a kid out there having fun.

 

[El Floppo]

Maradona warming up. Awesome.

needs to work on his right.

 

[El Floppo]

Maradona warming up. Awesome.

No right foot, would not bang

 

[El Floppo]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

 

[The Gator]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

He and Ronaldinho could do that with their eyes closed probably

 

[JMon348]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

He and Ronaldinho could do that with their eyes closed probably

Amazing

 

[NewlyRetired]

Well I guess this was obvious but I was so hoping it would be public :( I really hope the English media gets their hands on this report

===============================

Fifa have confirmed that the report into possible ethics violations in the World Cup bidding process by its chief investigator, Michael Garcia, will not be made public.

According to a report on the World Football Insider website, “only the final decision of the adjudicatory chamber may be made public” when the report is finally delivered by the former US attorney Michael Garcia. He has spent more than 18 months investigating claims of ethics breaches and vote trading in the process of awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

 

[El Floppo]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

He and Ronaldinho could do that with their eyes closed probably

Amazing

awesome.

but all within the FFA's ability, IMO.

imagine after popping the ball out of camera-shot, when it came back down he first timed it again straight back up, etc. IMO, catching it on your foot is easier than juggling like I'm describing.

 

[Native]

Well I guess this was obvious but I was so hoping it would be public :( I really hope the English media gets their hands on this report

===============================

Fifa have confirmed that the report into possible ethics violations in the World Cup bidding process by its chief investigator, Michael Garcia, will not be made public.

According to a report on the World Football Insider website, “only the final decision of the adjudicatory chamber may be made public” when the report is finally delivered by the former US attorney Michael Garcia. He has spent more than 18 months investigating claims of ethics breaches and vote trading in the process of awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Are they looking into Russia as well? Imagine if they take the World Cup away from Putin amidst not only ethical breaches but possible war crimes as well.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Well I guess this was obvious but I was so hoping it would be public :( I really hope the English media gets their hands on this report

If private e-mails proving bribery became public you'd think a report shown to dozens (hundreds?) of FIFA delegates would find its way out as well -- sooner or later.

 

[Steve Tasker]

What a mess :(

Meanwhile, Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu blamed the UK-based agent Kia Joorabchian for persuading the players not to return. “It is necessary to explain what happened,” the coach told the Shakhtar Web site. “It is not the players’ desire, it’s their agents’ work. A few hours before the kickoff of the match against Lyonnais, Kia showed up. And after the game, at 2:00 in the morning, he took our players away. The very talented ones: Teixeira, Douglas, Fred. The rest are not so important.”

Joorabchian has a long history of confusing and shady dealings.

Joorabchian stepped down as president of Media Sports Investments in June 2006.[24] It was reported at the time that Joorabchian retained an investment in Tévez and Mascherano, whose economic rights were described as being owned by MSI.[24] A subsequent Premier League investigation revealed that in February 2006 rights in Tévez had been transferred to MSI (company id: 05218027) and a second company, Just Sports Inc.,[25] while Mascherano was jointly owned by Global Soccer Agencies and Mystere Services Ltd.[26][27] All four companies were represented by Joorabchian.[4]

In August 2006 the two players joined West Ham in the English Premier League. Pini Zahavi assisted in the transfers,[11] revealing to the press that he stood to make money if the players were a success in England.[28] Zahavi had an association over a number of years with Global Soccer Agencies, owners of a half share in Mascherano.[26]

Zahavi also suggested that he had the idea for Joorabchian's proposed takeover of West Ham itself, "Was it my idea? Yes it was," Zahavi said.[28] Joorabchian had investigated the possibility of a takeover of the club the autumn before Tévez and Mascherano moved to West Ham, promising to make £100 million available for new players in a £200 million deal valuing the club and its debts at £75 million.[29][30] The takeover floundered when it proved impossible to agree a valuation for the club[29] but the possibility was revived following the Tévez/Mascherano transfer.[31] Patarkatsishvili announced that he was considering becoming involved in the bid.[31] In the end no offer resulted and the club was sold to a consortium headed by Eggert Magnusson.[32]

Although the capture of Tévez and Mascherano was reported[24] as a major coup for West Ham, the third-party ownership of the players proved highly controversial.[33] At that time the practice was permitted as long as the investing party exercised no influence over the club's playing or transfer policy.[34] It has been reported that Joorabchian in fact retained the power to transfer either player at any time during their contracts.[35]

In April 2007 West Ham was fined a record £5.5 million by the Premier League for entering into third-party contracts whose existence they did not reveal in the knowledge that, in the words of the Premier League's findings, "the FAPL at the very least may not - and in all probability would not - have approved of such contracts".[36] When Tévez was instrumental in West Ham's avoiding relegation at the end of the 2006-7 season the position was legally challenged by the relegated club, Sheffield United, on the ground that Tévez should have been ineligible to play. The claim was eventually settled out of court in March 2009 with West Ham paying Sheffield United £20 million over five years.[37]

In August 2007 Carlos Tévez moved from West Ham United to Manchester United. The deal was subject to a protracted dispute with West Ham claiming that the player was registered to them and contracted until June 2010.[40] The Premier League insisted that negotiations should be "done directly" with the club who should receive the fee for any transfer.[40][41] Joorabchian maintained that MSI and Just Sports Inc retained the economic rights to the player and that the deal had been negotiated with the "knowledge and permission" of West Ham.[40] In a statement issued on behalf of MSI Joorabchian said that West Ham had "consistently provided private assurances while at the same time making contrary statements to the public at large".[42]

Asked for a ruling by the Football Association and the Premier League, FIFA judged that the matter should be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. MSI and Just Sports Inc then issued a writ in order to "compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tévez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties".[43]

The threat of action in the High Court was avoided by a settlement that saw West Ham receive a fee of £2 million for Tévez's registration.[41] Joorabchian later claimed that West Ham agreed to return the money with additional legal costs bringing the total to £2.6 million, apparently contradicting the club’s claim to the Premier League that they would be the beneficiary of the fee.[44]

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

He and Ronaldinho could do that with their eyes closed probably

Amazing

awesome.

but all within the FFA's ability, IMO.

imagine after popping the ball out of camera-shot, when it came back down he first timed it again straight back up, etc. IMO, catching it on your foot is easier than juggling like I'm describing.

I can confirm after seeing Gator's skills.

 

[Native]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

He and Ronaldinho could do that with their eyes closed probably

Amazing

awesome.

but all within the FFA's ability, IMO.

imagine after popping the ball out of camera-shot, when it came back down he first timed it again straight back up, etc. IMO, catching it on your foot is easier than juggling like I'm describing.

I can confirm after seeing Gator's skills.

 

[The Gator]

there's a video somewhere of maradonna doing what I used to call "moon" juggling- one touch popped up as high as you could go. he was banging it WAY up high, and not moving at all... just amazing stuff.

He and Ronaldinho could do that with their eyes closed probably

Amazing

awesome.

but all within the FFA's ability, IMO.

imagine after popping the ball out of camera-shot, when it came back down he first timed it again straight back up, etc. IMO, catching it on your foot is easier than juggling like I'm describing.

I can confirm after seeing Gator's skills.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Well I guess this was obvious but I was so hoping it would be public :( I really hope the English media gets their hands on this report

===============================

Fifa have confirmed that the report into possible ethics violations in the World Cup bidding process by its chief investigator, Michael Garcia, will not be made public.

According to a report on the World Football Insider website, “only the final decision of the adjudicatory chamber may be made public” when the report is finally delivered by the former US attorney Michael Garcia. He has spent more than 18 months investigating claims of ethics breaches and vote trading in the process of awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Are they looking into Russia as well? Imagine if they take the World Cup away from Putin amidst not only ethical breaches but possible war crimes as well.

When hear that Russia has the next World Cup her first concern was for Poland.

"He went after Ukraine after the Olympics were over, look out Poland after the World Cup!"

 

[Sebowski]

I forgot to mention in my Xolos Report how many times the Mexican announcers referred to Robben. First dive of the game they said he was just doing his Robben impression. Then the ref missed a PK and the announcers called it the Robben effect since they are being cautioned to watch for diving like Robben. They called another guy out for Robbening later in the game. Mexicans are not going to forget that dive for a very long time.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Well I guess this was obvious but I was so hoping it would be public :( I really hope the English media gets their hands on this report

===============================

Fifa have confirmed that the report into possible ethics violations in the World Cup bidding process by its chief investigator, Michael Garcia, will not be made public.

According to a report on the World Football Insider website, “only the final decision of the adjudicatory chamber may be made public” when the report is finally delivered by the former US attorney Michael Garcia. He has spent more than 18 months investigating claims of ethics breaches and vote trading in the process of awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Are they looking into Russia as well? Imagine if they take the World Cup away from Putin amidst not only ethical breaches but possible war crimes as well.

The last sentence says they were looking into both Russia and Qatar.

I fear what I have always feared.

"after reviewing the detailed and prolonged investigation, FIFA has determined that there is not enough evidence of wrong doing to affect the status of Russia or Qatar hosting 2018 and 2022 respectively"

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man City is holding a free training session at Sporting Park tomorrow in KC.

There is a tv double header on Wednesday night

ESPN2

Friendly SPORTING KC-MANCHESTER CITY (live), 9 pm.

FOX SPORTS 1

Friendly LA GALAXY-MANCHESTER UNITED (live), 11 pm.

 

[El Floppo]

I forgot to mention in my Xolos Report how many times the Mexican announcers referred to Robben. First dive of the game they said he was just doing his Robben impression. Then the ref missed a PK and the announcers called it the Robben effect since they are being cautioned to watch for diving like Robben. They called another guy out for Robbening later in the game. Mexicans are not going to forget that dive for a very long time.

pooor, poooooor Mexicans.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I forgot to mention in my Xolos Report how many times the Mexican announcers referred to Robben. First dive of the game they said he was just doing his Robben impression. Then the ref missed a PK and the announcers called it the Robben effect since they are being cautioned to watch for diving like Robben. They called another guy out for Robbening later in the game. Mexicans are not going to forget that dive for a very long time.

pooor, poooooor Mexicans.

It is also a bit hypocritical considering they don't mind taking a flop when they need to.

 

[El Floppo]

I forgot to mention in my Xolos Report how many times the Mexican announcers referred to Robben. First dive of the game they said he was just doing his Robben impression. Then the ref missed a PK and the announcers called it the Robben effect since they are being cautioned to watch for diving like Robben. They called another guy out for Robbening later in the game. Mexicans are not going to forget that dive for a very long time.

pooor, poooooor Mexicans.

It is also a bit hypocritical considering they don't mind taking a flop when they need to.

helloexactly.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

When I think of the new era of exciting Brazilian football, I think of Dunga (who played [edit: Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva at CM at the same time). Not a very deep bench of coaching talent over there.

 

[The Gator]

When I think of the new era of exciting Brazilian football, I think of Dunga (who played Thiago Silva and Gilberto Silva at CM at the same time). Not a very deep bench of coaching talent over there.

Where do I send my u14 and FM resume?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Yeah, one would obviously think they'd hire somebody who would get them towards more attacking/creative soccer. Guess not.

 

[The Gator]

Yedlin Scouse propaganda

 

[CletiusMaximus]

"Cristiano, Bale + Rodríguez cost Real Madrid around €265M: more than what Ajax have spent on transfers (€232M) since their founding in 1900."

new era of football

 

[El Floppo]

"Cristiano, Bale + Rodríguez cost Real Madrid around €265M: more than what Ajax have spent on transfers (€232M) since their founding in 1900."

new era of football

wow. :sobering:

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Real Madrid's 3rd kit w/ dragon design watermark

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bsw8WHuIUAAY7ht.jpg:large

I thought about it for a few seconds, and have decided I'm against.

 

[Slapdash]

Real Madrid's 3rd kit w/ dragon design watermark

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bsw8WHuIUAAY7ht.jpg:large

I thought about it for a few seconds, and have decided I'm against.

Really trying to get Chinese fans here.

 

[Christo]

@JamesPearceEcho: Loic Remy flying into Boston tonight to undergo medical and complete his £8.5m move from QPR. #LFC

Thanks, Christo

Joey Barton says he shouldn't let the door hit him on the ### on the way out.

 

[Christo]

@JamesPearceEcho: Loic Remy flying into Boston tonight to undergo medical and complete his £8.5m move from QPR. #LFC

Thanks, Christo

I like this move. Low risk (cost) and high upside.

I hope he doesn't see the field for a single CL game.

 

[Christo]

Real Madrid's 3rd kit w/ dragon design watermark

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bsw8WHuIUAAY7ht.jpg:large

I thought about it for a few seconds, and have decided I'm against.

What's next, wolves howling at the moon?

 

[Slapdash]

Real Madrid's 3rd kit w/ dragon design watermark

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bsw8WHuIUAAY7ht.jpg:large

I thought about it for a few seconds, and have decided I'm against.

What's next, wolves howling at the moon?

This would be a great shirt for Wolves

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barca and RM both seem to be way to keen to pay huge money for a guy coming off one good year/tournament, jettisoning some pretty good guys in the process, see: Sanchez, Alexis. Ozil, Mesut.

 

[Native]

Barca and RM both seem to be way to keen to pay huge money for a guy coming off one good year/tournament, jettisoning some pretty good guys in the process, see: Sanchez, Alexis. Ozil, Mesut.

Co, Is

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barca and RM both seem to be way to keen to pay huge money for a guy coming off one good year/tournament, jettisoning some pretty good guys in the process, see: Sanchez, Alexis. Ozil, Mesut.

Co, Is

Him too. Good Lord.

Good for Hah-Mez, I guess. Get that money.

 

[The Gator]

@JamesPearceEcho: Loic Remy flying into Boston tonight to undergo medical and complete his £8.5m move from QPR. #LFC

Thanks, Christo

I like this move. Low risk (cost) and high upside.

I hope he doesn't see the field for a single CL game.

PM me your address, I'll buy you a Remy #7 jersey*.

*the yellow one

 

[The Z Machine]

Real Madrid's 3rd kit w/ dragon design watermark

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bsw8WHuIUAAY7ht.jpg:large

I thought about it for a few seconds, and have decided I'm against.

So you're saying they are trying to market their brand in China, eh?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Maybe it's a watermark to prevent forgeries?

 

[Native]

Does Borussia Dortmund have any real footballing ambitions? They sell Lewandowski and Gotze to the arch-rivals in succesive years. Now theyre going to offload one of the best young defenders in the world (Mats Hummels, 25 y/o) to Manchester United for a whopping 16m pounds. Thats Fabio Borini money. Why do it? They cant possibly need the money with the largest attendance in all of Europe and regular champions league football.

Can Mjolnirs or one of the other Bundeliga higher-ups explain this to me like I'm David Moyes and its my first transfer window?

 

[The Gator]

Does Borussia Dortmund have any real footballing ambitions? They sell Lewandowski and Gotze to the arch-rivals in succesive years. Now theyre going to offload one of the best young defenders in the world (Mats Hummels, 25 y/o) to Manchester United for a whopping 16m pounds. Thats Fabio Borini money. Why do it? They cant possibly need the money with the largest attendance in all of Europe and regular champions league football.

Can Mjolnirs or one of the other Bundeliga higher-ups explain this to me like I'm David Moyes and its my first transfer window?

@BVBfansFF: Klopp when confronted with the Hummels rumours: "did they also say €20m?" *laughs* "when papers mention such numbers you know it's garbage."

 

[Native]

Does Borussia Dortmund have any real footballing ambitions? They sell Lewandowski and Gotze to the arch-rivals in succesive years. Now theyre going to offload one of the best young defenders in the world (Mats Hummels, 25 y/o) to Manchester United for a whopping 16m pounds. Thats Fabio Borini money. Why do it? They cant possibly need the money with the largest attendance in all of Europe and regular champions league football.

Can Mjolnirs or one of the other Bundeliga higher-ups explain this to me like I'm David Moyes and its my first transfer window?

@BVBfansFF: Klopp when confronted with the Hummels rumours: "did they also say €20m?" *laughs* "when papers mention such numbers you know it's garbage."

Yeah I read that after. Still, it makes you wonder.

 

[Bonzai]

Does Borussia Dortmund have any real footballing ambitions? They sell Lewandowski and Gotze to the arch-rivals in succesive years. Now theyre going to offload one of the best young defenders in the world (Mats Hummels, 25 y/o) to Manchester United for a whopping 16m pounds. Thats Fabio Borini money. Why do it? They cant possibly need the money with the largest attendance in all of Europe and regular champions league football.

Can Mjolnirs or one of the other Bundeliga higher-ups explain this to me like I'm David Moyes and its my first transfer window?

No way this happens. Where are you seeing this?

 

[Native]

Does Borussia Dortmund have any real footballing ambitions? They sell Lewandowski and Gotze to the arch-rivals in succesive years. Now theyre going to offload one of the best young defenders in the world (Mats Hummels, 25 y/o) to Manchester United for a whopping 16m pounds. Thats Fabio Borini money. Why do it? They cant possibly need the money with the largest attendance in all of Europe and regular champions league football.

Can Mjolnirs or one of the other Bundeliga higher-ups explain this to me like I'm David Moyes and its my first transfer window?

No way this happens. Where are you seeing this?

Twitter is reporting it and rebuffing it simultnaeously.