Once again, sorry for the lack of activity on this blog. I'm still looking to hire some full time writers so bare with me on this one. Secondly, apologies is this post has a rather sombre tone it just feels as if, maybe especially towards the latter end of the year, that its not been a great year for football in general.

Carlos Tevez is in trouble again after being caught on video mocking Manchester City by saying "Fuck them" whilst onstage with Argentine musician Jimenez Rufino Tevez has been frozen out of the limelight at Eastlands after his refusal to come on as a substitute during Manchester City's 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their UEFA [.

• Kop That: 'This is the Liverpool I grew up supporting' Craig Bellamy hails Reds' rejuvenation under Kenny Dalglish http://t.co/XA4zJyFb 23:37:33, 2011-11-21
• Kop That: Web trolls target Hillsborough families http://t.co/LH8Xi683 23:37:28, 2011-11-21
• Kop That: Football fan wins £585k from 86p stake http://t.

MP asks fraud office to investigate World Cup bribery claims

Lord Triesman told a Parliamentary committee there had been "improper and unethical" behaviour by FIFA members

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-11-21 16:52:47 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

FIFA's case against some 15 Caribbean countries began yesterday in the whole bin Hammam/Warner bribery for votes. Caribbean Football Union VP Klass has already been banned for 26mo and slapped on the wrist and been told he was naughty. And by naughty, I mean fined $5000, but when you receive nearly $40,000 in bribes that you never account for, what is $5000?

Carlos Tevez's determination to quit Manchester City has been dealt a fresh blow after Corinthians general manager Edu ruled out any future attempt to sign the Argentine. Tevez is currently suspended from playing for Manchester City after his refusal to come on as a second half substitute during his sides 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich [.

Now, forgive me if I'm wrong here, but I'm happy to see Chucky Blazer retiring at the end of this year from CONCACAF (and FIFA in 2013 after the WC).Some of you may wonder why though. See, Chucky, can I call him Chucky, good. Well, Chucky, he's still a little tainted from that whole bribery before the bribery in CONCACAF that led to the "resignation" of Jack Warner and firing of Mohammad bin
[[ This is a content summary only.

The writing is on the wall for Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez who has become increasingly ostracized following his refusal to play during his clubs' 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich. Premier League managers, international stars, pundits and journalists everywhere have moved to strongly condemn the Argentine's actions and calls for the striker to be punished [.

After his much publicized refusal to play for his club during Manchester City's 2-0 denouement at the hands of Bayern Munich, Carlos Tevez has been left out in the cold by City boss Roberto Mancini. But with City fighting on four fronts, should they really get rid of Tevez – yes or no? How sad [...

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

David Beckham has a few teams circling in the water for his services once his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expires at the end of this MLS season, and Paris-St. Germain is the latest to express an interest.

PSG's sporting director, Leonardo, who worked with Beckham when they were both at AC Milan, addressed the possibility of bringing him to France, saying that "the door is open" and that he "would always consider him.

USMNT

The U.S. Men's National Team lost 1-0 to Costa Rica last night on Rodney Wallace's goal. Here are some roundups:

• Goal.com
• Associated Press
• MLSSoccer.com
• Soccer America

On the bright side: If you're going to lose to a team you should beat, at least have the winning goal be scored by an up-and-coming MLS player like left back Rodney Wallace, whose Portland Timbers visit PPL Park next weekend.

Nicholas Otamendi might have gotten Argentina the win with the match's only goal. But it was Leo Messi all the way and by some distance. He whipped in the corner that led to the centre back's first goal for the Albiceleste. This was Alejandro Sabella's debut and he must have been glad the little maestro was at hand to pull the strings.

Mohamed bin Hammam wants answers.

Bin Hammam, a recent challenger to president Sepp Blatter's throne who was given a lifetime ban from FIFA after being found guilty of bribery by the organization's ethics committee, has yet to receive documentation outlining the reasons for his expulsion.

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- PHOTO COMPILATION FROM CESENA
- QPR's New Strip
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- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general.

Another reason to dissolve CONCACAF?:

ZURICH (AP) -- Caribbean soccer leaders were given 48 hours by FIFA to explain their part in a Trinidad meeting where Mohamed bin Hammam allegedly offered them bribes or face life bans from the sport.

Caribbean Football Union members have been asked for their "truthful and complete" versions of events, FIFA said Tuesday.

STARTERS
Lets all take a moment to remember those in Norway who were killed today by the terrorist attacks in Oslo, and have a good thought for those injured and shaken. Lykke til Norge.
STORY OF THE DAY
Keir Radnedge of the Leader tells us about an investigation by Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy that found that the 3 families who own Milan, Inter and Juventus respectively have spent over 600 Million English pounds in the past 5 years to try and keep their clubs competitive.

Furious Bin Hammam attacks FIFA over 'politically motivated' bribery charge

"There can be no doubt that there has been a campaign waged within certain quarters to ensure that I am seen to be guilty and eliminated from football in the court of public opinion, even before my hearing has started," says former presidential candidate

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-07-21 09:31:29 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Oh no, Mario Balotelli has spoken again. Predictably it is followed by a dash of controversy as the outspoken Italian told wantaway City striker Carlos Tevez that he is replaceable! Tevez has made no secret of his desire to leave Eastlands in a bid to spend more time with his family and two young daughters, [.

STARTERS
Jozy Altidore on Twitter today: "To all my amazing fans, I have indeed agreed to terms to join AZ In holland! Thanks for all the love and the hate it's all making me better!"
-The Technical Director of AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands in none other than former USA national team great Earnie Stewart.

Anyone who follows soccer as passionately as we who populate this site have no doubt been incensed by FIFA. Whether it is the corruption scandals, short-sighted decision making, egomania or selective morality when it comes to issues of race, gender and sexual orientation, we all have our own bone to pick with FIFA.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants Carlos Tevez out of Manchester City as soon as possible!

The City boss is rumoured to be frustrated with the Argentine's flirtation with the Eastlands exit door and has demanded that Tevez be sold in order to prepare for the upcoming season.

Carlos Tevez and Manchester City have become the subject of a Greek match-fixing scandal.

A Greek court is examining evidence that Manchester City's Europa League game against Greek club Aris Thessaloniki in February was the target of an illegal betting scandal.

Jack Warner "hung out to dry", resigns from FIFA - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

The President of the CONCACAF and Vice President of FIFA Jack Warner has stepped down from his role at FIFA three weeks after threatening to "unleash a tsunami" on football's governing body. Trinidadian Warner was implicated in allegations of facilitating bribery within the ranks of the World's most powerful sporting organisation.

Twenty-six years ago, number 23 launched himself from the free-throw line and produced one of the most indelible moments in NBA history. The result was a perfect score of 50, and another early milestone for the kid who would become 'Air Jordan.' Fast forward to this past February. A relatively unknown kid from the Congo also took off from the free-throw line sparking immediate comparisons to Jordan's dunk and ecstatic praise from the commentators.

Welcome back to the State of the States. The plate is loaded this month with MLS in full swing, the Gold Cup kicking off, FIFA corruption scandals with a CONCACAF epicenter, and the transfer window looming. Let's begin with CONCACAF...

Regional Scuffles

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the FIFA infighting and the part the US's own Chuck Blazer, henchman to the regional despot, is playing in said backstabbery, but I'll leave a proper rundown and the explanation of what might be happening and why in the far more capable hands of Grant Wahl.

So I'm taking this chance to get a post out before my internet breaks again (this is the first time in a bit I've had any.)

I took the opportunity to watch Tino play his (correct me if I'm wrong) first Argentina game against Nigeria in Abuja mid-week. The line-up fielded by Los Albiceleste was largely second-string, as most of the first teamers were rested with the Copa America in mind.

After Jack Warner (Pres. CONCACAF) was suspended by FIFA pending full investigation acting Pres. Lisle Austin tried to suspend Chuck Blazer for accusing Warner. Blazer remains as General Secretary as the Pres. does not have the power to choose the Gen Sec.

Now Austin has been suspended, likely for his attempted power grab.

By FRANCO PANIZO

It appears as if corruption is in style this summer.

Amidst the scandals surrounding FIFA and CONCACAF, K-League, South Korea's top soccer league, is dealing with match-fixing and bribery issues of its own. Six players belonging to K-League clubs have already been arrested for receiving money in exchange for trying to fix the outcomes of games, and a former star from the league linked to the scandal was found dead last week after an apparent suicide.

Soccer fans around the world are well aware of the current ethics crisis haunting FIFA. The soccer governing body is beset by allegations of bribery, graft and vote selling. Fans hoping for change from within are severely disappointed with Sepp Blatter posied to continue leading the organization.

Just five months after assuming the presidency of the Puerto Rican Football Federation (FPF), Eric Labrador is in the eye of a hurricane.

This article was written by the premier soccer journalist of Puerto Rico, Esteban Pagán Rivera, and appeared on Monday in Primera Hora.

On Saturday, we indulge in the pleasures of the beautiful game. On Sunday, we wake up with a global headache.
A collective romance with fair play grounds the entertainment value of sporting events. We love the idea of a level playing field, stories in which the best competitor wins, or in which the well-played match is its own reward.

SOURCE: GOAL.COMMay 29, 2011: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has sensationally withdrawn his candidacy from the Fifa presidential elections, which were due to be held on Wednesday June 1.
The AFC supremo was the only challenger to current incumbent Sepp Blatter in the race for the organisation's top job, but with the 62-year-old due to face Fifa's ethics committee on Sunday amid allegations of bribery, he has taken the decision to remove his name from consideration.

SOURCE: GOAL.COMMay 29, 2011: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has sensationally withdrawn his candidacy from the Fifa presidential elections, which were due to be held on Wednesday June 1.
The AFC supremo was the only challenger to current incumbent Sepp Blatter in the race for the organisation's top job, but with the 62-year-old due to face Fifa's ethics committee on Sunday amid allegations of bribery, he has taken the decision to remove his name from consideration.

By ADAM SERRANO

Sepp Blatter has lost his lone competitor for the FIFA presidency.

Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam withdrew his bid to become the president of FIFA just a day before he is to stand before the FIFA ethics committee due to allegations of bribery.

For allll the marbles. Funny (is that the word I'm looking for here?) that on the eve of the biggest club game on the planet, Uncle Sepp is embroiled in a FIFA investigation taking a peek into ignoring allegations of bribery over the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Without knowing much beyond the small morsels we have, I will say this: Vladimir Putin threw his support behind Blatter today.

Mr Mohamed Bin Hammam, President of the Asian Football Confederation and a member of the Executive Committee of the world football boidy, FIFA, expressed surprised at yesterday's accusations of bribery. He rejects these accusations and confirms that they are without substance. The accusations also contain statements according to which Mr J S Blatter, the incumbent FIFA president, was informed

Wow...I'm at a loss for words after reading this. It's like getting your biggest Christmas wish and being fired all in the same day.The great writers over at bigsoccer have made it known that Warner and Bin Hammam are both (as well as several others) now charged with outright bribery of other FIFA officials to secure the CONCACAF votes for the June 1st FIFA President election.

Update: The FIFA Ethics Committee has opened proceedings against Jack Warner and Mohammed Bin Hammam over possible charges of bribery (official FIFA statement). The committee is due to meet (and most likely decide) on May 29th, just a couple of days before the June 1 elections date (and funnily enough, on a Sunday, right after the Champions League final).

The presidency of football's governing body FIFA is set to contested on June 1st, with current supremo Sepp Blatter being challenged by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Mohammed Bin Hammam. With controversies, accusations and scandal in the world game over the last year, who is the right man to bring dignity back into the sport and lead the the organisational committee forward?

LONDON, England The English Football Association (FA) is to abstain from voting in the upcoming FIFA presidential election between Sepp Blatter and Mohamed Bin Hammam, it was announced Thursday. FA chairman David Bernstein said in a statement there were a "range of issues" which made it "difficult" to vote for incumbent Blatter or Asian [.