Talks between the Korea FA and Bert van Marwijk over the national team coaching job have broken down and Korea will now turn their sights to other candidates.
The Dutchman had been the KFA’s top pick to fill the role left vacant by Hong Myung-bo, who resigned in July following South Korea’s woeful World Cup campaign in Brazil.
Local media reported that tax issues had been a major factor in the breakdown of the contract talks, while the 62-year-old had also said he wanted to spend more time back home in Europe than in South Korea if he took the job.
Millen wants Crystal Palace job
Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen said he wanted the job on a full-time basis after his resilient team made Arsenal scrap all the way before snatching a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Palace, rocked by the surprise departure of manager Tony Pulis on Thursday, looked set to take an unlikely point until Aaron Ramsey grabbed the winner in stoppage time.
“I’d like to continue, I enjoy being in charge,” Millen said. “Whether it’s the right time or not I’ll speak to the chairman soon.
“If the chairman felt it was right for me then I would sit down and talk to him about it.”
Bundesliga could get goal-line tech
Goal-line technology could yet be introduced in the Bundesliga this season, according to the general manager of the German Football League (DFL) Andreas Rettig.
The DFL has previously rejected calls for the introduction of the kind of technology which was seen as a success at the World Cup.
However, Bayern called for a rethink after they benefitted from a valid goal not being given against them when they beat Dortmund 2-0 in the Cup final last season.
Having seen the technology used successfully in Brazil, Rettig and the DFL are set to perform an about-turn on the issue.
“We’re going to put the issue up for vote again in December,” Rettig told Sport1 television.
“There is now a positive tendency towards its introduction.”
PSG chief calls for Brandao ban
Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has called for Bastia forward Brandao to be banned for life after he appeared to headbutt Thiago Motta in the tunnel following PSG’s 2-0 win at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Brandao could be seen on video footage lunging towards the Italian midfielder after the match, and PSG said Motta had suffered a broken nose.
Al-Khelaifi called for Brandao, 34, to receive a “lifetime ban”.
“This is very serious,” he said. “It cannot be overlooked. It gives football a very bad image. I hope the Bastia player who did this will be very seriously punished.”
Three clubs chasing Benatia signature
Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all reportedly stepped up their interest in Roma defender Mehdi Benatia.
The Moroccan has been at the centre of transfer speculation all summer following a contract dispute with the Giallorossi.
Sky Sports reported yesterday that Benatia was already on a flight to Manchester in order to complete his €30m move to United.
Chelsea are also in the running for the £24m-rated Moroccan international, but yesterday German channel Sport 1 and SportBild both insist Bayern Munich director Michael Reschke is flying to Italy for advanced negotiations with Roma.
Bayern had are stepping up their interest after Javi Martinez has been ruled out for seven months with a knee injury.
Moreno excited by Reds switch
Liverpool’s new signing Alberto Moreno is delighted to have joined the Anfield giants from Sevilla this summer.
Moreno completed formalities at the club’s Melwood training ground on Saturday although he was not registered in time to figure in his new side’s Barclays Premier League opener against Southampton yesterday.
Moreno has been a Reds target for some time and was pulled from Sevilla’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Real Madrid last week when the extent of Rodgers’ interest became apparent.
Moreno told Liverpoolfc.com: “Liverpool are the best club in England and I couldn’t waste a chance to come and play for them.
“I spoke with Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa and told me I can grow a lot here as a footballer as this is a massive club.
“I hope to give my best and do all I can to help.”
Gundogan on comeback trail
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says he is happier than he has been in a long time as he closes in on a return to action.
The 23-year-old missed practically the whole of last season due to a troublesome back injury. He has had to put his return back several times, but now he can see the end of his injury agony on the horizon.
“I’ve not been as happy as I am now in a long time,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to be able to train with the team again, even if I’m only restricted to running exercises.”