Seven-time French champions Monaco yesterday claimed new rules announced by the French Football League forcing them to run their financial affairs from France threaten the club’s future.
The LFP’s board of directors on Friday voted to approve new regulations which will allow only “clubs whose effective place of management is in France” to participate in Ligues 1 and 2 from the start of the 2014-15 season.
AS Monaco benefit from the Principality’s low tax laws while their competitors in France are facing much stricter laws, including a new millionaire’s tax which will impact the ability of clubs to attract top talent.
The club stated their intention to appeal against the decision.
Wiese receives team-mates support
Tim Wiese’s Hoffenheim team-mates have spoken out in support of the former Germany goal-keeper who has been told to train alone after being dropped from the first team.
Wiese is no longer able to train with his first-team colleagues after being kicked out by coach Marco Kurz following recent indiscipline.
However, he has received support from some of his fellow players.
“Tim has certainly made mistakes, but I don’t think the way he is being treated is correct,” said captain Sejad Salihovic. “He has achieved a lot and he is one of the best goalkeepers around.”
Germany call up midfielder Bender
Germany coach Joachim Loew called up midfielder Sven Bender for their 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to Kazakhstan on Tuesday after Bastian Schweinsteiger was ruled out through suspension, the team said yesterday.
Schweinsteiger was booked in their 3-0 win against Kazakhstan in Astana on Friday after scoring the opening goal and is suspended for one game.
The win saw Germany go five points clear of second-placed Sweden in Group C with 13 points from five matches.
Borussia Dortmund’s Bender missed Friday’s game with flu.
Dempsey gives US win in blizzard
In a heavy snow storm at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the United States battled to a 1-0 win over Costa Rica with Clint Dempsey’s 16th minute goal securing victory in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The US’s decision gain an advantage over the Central Americans by playing in a cold climate and at altitude, looked in danger of back-firing and causing a major logistical headache but despite the snow blowing for 90 minutes, the game was able to be finished.
The Costa Ricans, though, were furious at the end of the game and officials said their federation would protest to FIFA about the referee’s decision to continue with play in heavy snowfall.
Norwich agree deal for Van Wolfswinkel
Norwich City have agreed a deal to sign Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel from troubled Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon on a four-year contract.
The 24-year old former FC Utrecht and Vitesse Arnhem player is set to arrive at Carrow Road on July 1. Norwich did not disclose the transfer fee but British media said the deal was worth about eight million pounds ($12.19 million).
“Ricky’s profile is a perfect fit for us - he’s young, ambitious and a proven goalscorer,” Norwich manager Chris Hughton told the Norwich official website (www.canaries.co.uk).
Clark buoyed by Zlatan shut-out
Ireland defender Ciaran Clark will take big confidence from shutting out striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Sweden’s star striker, who scored four goals against England last November, endured a frustrating night as Ireland claimed a creditable goalless draw in their World Cup qualifier in Stockholm.
Aston Villa centre-back Clark said: “He is a big, strong guy and his technical ability is unbelievable.
“Managing to keep a clean sheet away from home is obviously a brilliant result.
“I am sure it will give the whole back four, and everyone else, confidence going into the next game.”
Viola to offer Ljajic new deal
Fiorentina are planning to offer a new contract to Serbian midfielder Adem Ljajic.
The young midfielder’s future with La Viola looked bleak after he was involved in a brawl with former coach Delio Rossi last season.
However, Ljajic seems to have won over the club’s fans, netting six goals in Serie A this season.
“We are preparing a great team for next season and getting ready now because the transfer market has to be planned out,” general manager Sandro Mencucci said.
“Our objective is to strengthen the squad, not to change it. We have an excellent rapport with Ljajic’s agent and there are no problems on the horizon. We will soon reach an agreement that satisfies both parties.”