Palermo could soon play in a new stadium and with millions of euros to spend on new players as club supremo Maurizio Zampa-rini revealed he is in talks with Arab investors on the selling of shares in the Sicilian club.
The news was confirmed by Ahmub Zubeidi, of Ama Group.
“The objective is to bring business worth millions over the next five years. The second is to find investors for Palermo so within three years we can bring help to win the Scudetto,” he said.
“There will be investments on Palermo worth €100m-€200m over three years.”
Pulis fumes at Huth red card
Tony Pulis has indicated Stoke will appeal against Robert Huth’s sending off in the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland. Huth was shown a straight red in the 45th minute at a wintry Britannia Stadium following his sliding challenge on David Meyler.
The decision left Pulis enraged and asked after the game if he planned to appeal, the Potters boss said: “We will see. I think we definitely will.
“Robert committed himself and then pulled out of the challenge, and he hasn’t touched the kid at all. The disappointing thing for me is the reaction of the player. It is something I think the PFA should really get to grips with.”
Reus apologies
Bor. M’gladbach forward Marco Reus apologised after missing a chance in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg which could have taken his side up to second.
Reus appeared to be caught in two minds whether to shoot or pass with only the keeper to beat.
He scuffed the ball wide as Gladbach failed to find a breakthrough. He admitted he was taking responsibility.
“I didn’t notice that the keeper had run up with me... what I wanted to do is shoot into the corner with the outside of my boot, but I didn’t manage it,” he said.
“That was a gilt-edged chance that I had to take... therefore I am very sorry for the team.”
Tevez guests at Palermo farewell
Carlos Tevez was a guest but did not play in his former Argentina team-mate Martin Palermo’s farewell match in Buenos Aires late Saturday.
There had been reports that Manchester City striker Tevez had agreed to play in the benefit game for Boca Juniors favourite Palermo at the Bombonera stadium.
Palermo retired last year, and the 38-year-old striker was feted by many former team-mates.
However, Tevez limited his appearance to a half-time salute to supporters of the club where he began his career as a teenager, who responded by chanting, “Leave the English and come back here”.
Rossi hopeful
Giuseppe Rossi, currently nursing a serious knee injury, is optimistic he will be ready to play for Italy in the Euro 2012 finals. The Villarreal striker played a key role in the Azzurri’s qualification but snapped his ligaments and is set to be out for several more weeks.
“It is three months since my operation and things are proceeding okay,” he said.
“My knee is strong but I’m trying not to look too far into the future.
“If there are no complications, then I hope to play the last five or six games of the season. Of course, then I’ll have to convince the coach that I can help out Italy at Euro 2012.”
Gary Neville calls for guidelines
Gary Neville has called on the FA to produce a clear set of rules regarding the sanctions England players might face if charged with criminal offences.
The FA on Friday stripped John Terry of the England captaincy as he is facing a charge of racially aggravated abuse.
Neville branded the FA’s ac-tions as inconsistent.
He said: “Everyone should deplore racism, but how are we to judge which offences justify removal of the captain’s armband?
“I’m not in favour of it, but if the FA introduced a rule that anyone charged with a criminal offence could not play for England until their case had been resolved, at least, everyone would know where they stand.”
Pienaar back in the groove
Everton manager David Moyes believes that Steven Pienaar has already settled in as he begins his second spell at Goodison Park.
The South African winger returned to Everton on loan for the rest of the season last week, just 12 months after leaving for Tottenham.
The former Ajax player was outstanding in the 1-1 draw at Wigan. Everton have struggled for goals but Moyes is sure that Pienaar, 29, will have a major impact.
“Steven Pienaar came back and looked as if he hadn’t been away,” Moyes said.
“He was involved in a lot of bits where we looked as if we were on the verge of making things happen... Steven Pienaar played really well.”