Bolivia have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after losing four World Cup qualifying points for fielding an ineligible player.
Bolivia beat Peru 2-0 at home then held Chile 0-0 away in the first week of September but FIFA’s disciplinary committee awarded 3-0 walkovers to their opponents’ in each case.
FIFA ruled that Bolivia had fielded Paraguayan-born Nelson Cabrera when he was ineligible to play. Bolivia have already lost an appeal to FIFA itself.
Lack of goals hurting Sunderland’s Borini
Sunderland’s Fabio Borini believes his lack of goals this season is down to manager David Moyes using him in different positions across midfield due to an ongoing injury crisis at the club.
Borini’s preferred position is central striker, a role that has been filled by veteran Jermain Defoe, who has 14 goals so far, while Borini has been deployed in a supporting role.
“I need the goals, but more than anything I need to play every week and to know what my role is because it has changed so many times,” said the Italian, who has scored just once since returning from a four-month injury layoff in December.
“The fact that the squad is thin is a problem for the manager, but as far as I am concerned I need to adapt to what the team needs.”
Man. United eye cup treble – Valencia
Manchester United’s League Cup triumph over Southampton has boosted their belief that the Premier League giants have the ability to add both the Europa League and the FA Cup to their trophy haul this season, right-back Antonio Valencia said.
United have a tricky two-legged last-16 Europa League clash against Russian side Rostov this month and they face formidable Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter-final on March 13.
“This is the mentality that we have. We are thinking about these three trophies. I think we can do it,” Valencia said.
“We have to realise we are Manchester United and that we can go on to win these three trophies.”
Edson released from jail pending appeal
A Brazilian court has ruled that the son of Pele must be released from jail and allowed to fight an almost 13-year prison sentence for drug-related charges while free.
Edinho, turned himself in to police last week to serve a sentence that was reduced from 33 years to 12 years and 10 months.
A judge with Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice ordered he be freed on Wednesday.
A former goalkeeper with Pele’s old club Santos, Edinho was found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering in 2005 but has been fighting the charges ever since.
‘Lisbon Lion’ Gemmell dies at 73
Former Celtic defender Tommy Gemmell has died the age of 73, a few months shy of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 European Cup final against Inter in which he scored the equaliser, helping the Scottish club to a famous 2-1 victory.
The Lisbon Lions, as the team were known following their victory, were the first British side to be crowned champions of Europe. Gemmell also scored in the 1970 final against Feyenoord in Milan, which Celtic lost.
During his 10 years at Celtic, the left-back won six Scottish League titles, three Scottish Cups, four League Cups and the European Cup. He was also capped 18 times for Scotland.
“Everyone at Celtic is deeply saddened by the loss of Tommy, a true Celtic giant and a man who gave the club so many years of his life in an illustrious football career,” Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said.
Podolski to join Japan’s Kobe
Former Germany forward Lukas Podolski will move to Japan at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who was part of his country’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, is currently with Turkish side Galatasaray but announced on Instagram yesterday that he would join Vissel Kobe in the summer.
He said: “It’s not a decision against Galatasaray, it’s a decision I made for a new challenge, and I will explain more when the time is right. But right now my only focus is helping Galatasaray and our fantastic fans!”
Afellay signs new Stoke City deal
Stoke City midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is looking forward to putting his injury problems behind him after signing a new contract.
The Holland international, who missed eight months in 2016 with a serious knee ligament injury, has committed his future to the club until 2019 with his new deal.
“I’m very happy,” Afellay, who joined the Potters in 2015 from Barcelona, told the club’s official website.
“From the first day I came to the club I felt at home and I’m looking forward to the future and to doing good things with this club.
“I hope we can continue to progress and develop.”