Football news

The Asian Football Confederation has suspended its chief Mohamed bin Hammam for 30 days over fresh corruption allegations in a new blow to the under-fire Qatari’s efforts to clear his name.

Bin Hammam, 63, has been fighting charges he tried to buy FIFA delegate votes in campaigning to unseat the world body’s long-standing president Sepp Blatter in a leadership election last year.

The scandal earned him a FIFA life ban from football and he was provisionally replaced after nine years as president of Asia’s soccer governing body pending appeals.

Toon return suits Carroll – Shearer

Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer believes returning to Tyneside would be a “great move” for striker Andy Carroll.

Liverpool turned down the Magpies’ bid to re-sign the 23-year-old on loan over the weekend, but are willing to listen to offers for a permanent transfer.

And Shearer reckons heading back to the north-east could be the best option for Carroll.

“Andy is an England forward and is a very good footballer. I can fully understand why Newcastle are in for him and I think it would be a great move.”

No concerns on PSG move – Verratti

Marco Verratti believes the Italian contingent at Paris St Germain will help him settle at the Parc des Princes.

Verratti, 19, is set to join PSG having played a key role in Pescara’s promotion to Serie A.

Although there are language issues for the teenager to address, he is confident his countrymen in the French capital will make it a smooth transition.

“In life, you have to make choices and this kind of proposal may never come again so I could not say no to PSG,” he said.

“The fact there are Italians there makes it easier for me in terms of the language. Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest coaches in the world and I am very happy to work with him.”

Vidic and Smalling to start season

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has confirmed skipper Nemanja Vidic and fellow defender Chris Smalling will be fit for the new season.

Vidic has been missing since rupturing cruciate ligaments in December, whilst Smalling required a groin operation that ruled him out of contention for Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad.

“Vidic will start the season, I am sure of that,” said Ferguson.

“He is still at the level of doing good amounts of training but not in the competitive sense that the others have done so it was pointless bringing him out in South Africa.”

Miller completes Vancouver move

Scotland captain Kenny Miller has joined Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps from Cardiff City.

Miller becomes the Canadian franchise’s third designated player after signing an undisclosed contract, subject to international clearance.

“I’m delighted to be making this move to Major League Soccer and Vancouver White-caps FC,” Miller told his new club’s website.

“I have heard many great things about the club and the city of Vancouver, and have been impressed by the standard of MLS.”

Malta striker Etienne Barbara is also on the books of Vancouver Whitecaps.

Japan girls get cheaper seats

Japan’s world champion women footballers have kicked up a fuss after being left in economy class while their male colleagues lived it up in business on a flight to Europe for the Olympics.

The gold medal hopefuls flew in premium economy on the Paris-bound Japan Airlines flight while the nation’s under-23 men’s team – medal outsiders – sat up front on the same plane.

“I guess it should have been the other way around,” World Cup heroine Homare Sawa, 33, told the Japanese media.

“Even just in terms of age, we are senior,” she said, with a smile.

Behrami delight at Napoli switch

Valon Behrami is delighted that he and Fiorentina team-mate Alessandro Gamberini have completed a move to Serie A rivals Napoli.

Reports said that Napoli and Fiorentina reached an agreement on Monday which will see Behrami and Gamberini figure for the Partenopei in the up-coming season.

“It’s a great feeling to join such a great club,” the 27-year-old Behrami told reporters.

“I’m really proud to be playing at Napoli next season.

“Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a very direct guy and someone who has great objectives.

“That’s infectious as I now want to think big too.”