Monaco have appealed to the French soccer federation (FFF) against a French League (LFP) ruling that would make the club liable to pay taxes in France from June 2014, the principality club’s vice-president said.
Jean-Louis Campora said: “We are determined to assert our rights. It is hard for the League to say that the decision is not aimed at us. In two hours, some have tried to throw away Monaco’s 90 years of participation in French football.”
On March 21, the LFP board ruled that Monaco must relocate their head office to France by the start of June next year, meaning players would pay taxes in France.
Barcelona lose Pedro to injury
Barcelona forward Pedro has damaged a calf muscle while away on international duty and will be out of action for 10 days, the Primera Liga leaders said.
Pedro scored the winner for world champions Spain in a 1-0 victory over France in Paris earlier this week which put them back on top of their group in qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals.
The 25-year-old was already suspended for next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris St Germain, but now misses today’s league trip to Celta Vigo and is a doubt for the visit of Real Mallorca the following weekend.
Bahrain bank buys stake in Leeds Utd
Bahrain-based International Investment Bank has bought a 10 per cent stake in Leeds United from the owners who took over the English soccer club three months ago.
Dubai-based GFH Capital said the deal was part of its strategy of bringing in additional investors to develop the Championship club. It paid £22 million in December to buy out shareholders including Ken Bates, the former Chelsea owner.
There was confusion over the future of the former Premier League club when it emerged last week that GFH Capital’s parent firm had said in its annual report that the club was already up for sale again.
Diaby ruled out for eight months
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby will be out for eight to nine months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in training.
“Following consultations with specialists, Abou will undergo surgery to repair the injury in the near future,” the Premier League club said in a statement.
“Abou is expected to be out for around eight to nine months.”
Frenchman Diaby has been plagued by injuries at Arsenal, missing most of last season with ankle and calf trouble.
In 2006 he fractured and dislocated his ankle.
Donovan targets US team return
United States forward Landon Donovan , returning to soccer after a three-month break from the game, said he hopes to be back with the national team for June’s World Cup qualifiers.
Donovan announced last December that he needed a break from the game, saying he had lost his passion and enjoyment for the sport. But after returning to training with LA Galaxy, Donovan said he was aiming to get back with the US team.
“It has to be my goal,” Donovan, the United States’ all-time leading scorer, said.
“I’d absolutely love to be a part of the national team again going forward and I am itching to represent my country again and to be a part of it.”
Hangeland signs two-year extension
Fulham captain Brede Hangeland has signed a two-year contract extension that ties the Norway defender to Craven Cottage until at least 2015.
Hangeland, 31, has an option for a further year which could see him stay at the London club until the end of the 2015/16 season.
His current deal was due to expire after this term.
He joined Fulham from FC Copenhagen in January 2008 for £2.5 million and has played more than 200 games for the club in all competitions.
“It has taken a long time but we’re there now and I hope the club is happy,” Hangeland told the London club’s official website (www.fulhamfc.com).
Platini opposes Soviet league
Michel Platini is opposed to the resurrection of the old Soviet league, including elite Russian and Ukrainian teams.
“It’s a very difficult issue but I’m not very much in favour of it,” Platini said.
In December, several top Russian clubs including champions Zenit SP, Anzhi Makhachkala and CSKA Moscow unveiled a plan to break away from Russia’s top flight and start a multi-national league of up to 16 teams next year.
“Certain leagues are in deep financial difficulties and it’s a matter of survival for them,” said Platini.
“They want to develop their football and have a better chance to sell their rights. But that is not the case with Russia... Russia is very strong.”