Qatari soccer official Saoud Al-Mohannadi has missed the deadline to stand for a place on the FIFA Council despite having his one-year ban overturned, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said yesterday.
Al-Mohannadi, a vice-president of the AFC and Qatar Football Association (QFA), was one of the favourites to win a seat on the Council but was barred by FIFA two days before the election at an AFC extraordinary congress in Goa in September.
“Sauod Al-Mohannadi has not submitted his name to contest an AFC seat on the FIFA Council in the election which will be held on May 8, 2017,” the AFC said.
D’Ambrosio signs new deal
Defender Danilo D’Ambrosio has committed his future to Inter until 2021.
The full-back, who scored Inter’s goal in last Monday’s 2-1 home defeat to Sampdoria, has made over 50 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri since arriving from Torino in January 2014.
A statement published on Inter’s official website yesterday announced the one-cap Italy international had renewed his contract at San Siro ahead of the game at Crotone.
Cole has kidney transplant
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole is recovering in hospital after undergoing a kidney transplant, the club said yesterday.
Cole, who won the treble with United in 1998-99 and scored 121 goals for the club in 275 appearances, had the transplant as part of his treatment for the nephrotic syndrome focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
“Andrew and his family would like to thank the club and fans for their support,” Man. United said on their website.
“They also request that he can continue with his treatment in private, and ask that their privacy is respected.”
Sanchez wants to stay – Wenger
Alexis Sanchez wants to stay at Arsenal despite speculation that he is disillusioned by the club’s failure to challenge for the Premier League title, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday.
Reports in British media say contract talks have been put on hold, but Wenger insists Sanchez, who has a year-and-a-half left on his deal, will be at the club next season.
“Basically, he (Sanchez) wants to stay at the club and it’s down to finding an agreement with his agent,” Wenger told reporters.
“The players first have to see if they are happy at the club, then they have to find an agreement.”
Monaco to rest Falcao
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim faces a selection dilemma over Radamel Falcao as his side bid to extend their three-point gap at the top of Ligue 1 today with victory at Angers.
Falcao has been restricted to two substitute appearances since the end of February due to a hip injury and Jardim could be tempted to save the Colombia international for next week’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.
“He’s making progress,” Jardim told reporters yesterday.
“For Saturday (today) I don’t know if he will be completely ready. We’ll look at his condition.”
Griezmann tired of speculation
Antoine Griezmann admits the continued speculation surrounding his future is becoming “quite tiring” as he stressed he sees himself remaining at Atletico Madrid next season.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has long been linked with a summer move to Manchester United, while Chelsea have also been suggested as potential suitors for a forward who has scored 24 times for club and country this term.
“It’s always the same question and I now don’t know what to say. I find myself repeating myself and I certainly see myself here,” he said.
“I feel it’s an answer that I’ve given so many times now but that very question is quite tiring.”