China’s top football official again said his nation should seek to host a World Cup, but with Qatar set to host the 2022 event, the timing of a Chinese bid was not certain.
Qatar’s victory likely means Asia will not be awarded the 2026 World Cup, and a 2030 hosting of the extravaganza by an Asian nation could also hit a snag as the event rotates between continents.
But China’s top football boss Wei Di said he was not put off by Qatar’s upset win and would continue to push for an eventual Chinese bid.
“My determination to bid for the World Cup has not changed, but we must further research when to make a bid,” Wei said.
Vieira frustrated over limited action
Patrick Vieira has voiced his frustration at his limited number of appearances at Manchester City.
Vieira helped City cement a place in the last 32 of the Europa League after playing the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 win over Salzburg.
It was Vieira’s sixth start this season, but the French midfielder is expected to return to the substitutes bench when Mancini’s team entertain Bolton in the league today.
“Am I frustrated at not playing more? Yes, of course, I’m frustrated,” said Vieira.
“But I’m not the only one who is frustrated, I think when you see the squad, of course many players will be disappointed not to play often.
“When I have an opportunity like this, it’s important that I show the manager he can count on me.”
Hoeness stands firm on Dzeko price
Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hoeness has reiterated that Edin Dzeko will not be sold for less than €40m after Real Madrid emerged as contenders to sign the striker.
Hoeness, though, insists Real have not been in contact and is adamant he will not reduce his valuation of Dzeko.
Hoeness told AS: “The price is not a secret – Dzeko is 40 million euros. There are many teams interested in Dzeko.
“We have not received any call from Madrid. I myself met (Real president) Florentino Perez and (director general) Jorge Valdano when I went to the Bernabeu to see Real Madrid-Milan and it was never mentioned.”
Chimbonda free to leave Rovers
Blackburn have told Pascal Chimbonda he can leave the club in the January transfer window.
The 31-year-old, who was linked with West Ham last summer, was at fault for one of Dimitar Berbatov’s five goals in last week’s 7-1 thrashing at Manchester United.
Manager Sam Allardyce said: “We are not going to renew his contract. His determination is to find a new contract and we feel for both concerned it is better to let him see what he can get in January.”
Chimbonda joined Blackburn in summer 2009 after previous spells with Wigan and Sunderland and two stints at Tottenham.
Terry demands more from Chelsea
John Terry has warned his Chelsea team-mates to shake off the poor form that has gripped them in recent weeks as the Blues captain prepares to return from injury against Everton today.
“I think overall defensively, midfield and attack, we’ve not been as good as we should have been.
“That’s because we set our standards so high and started the season so well,” Terry said.
“We have dropped too many points recently. Looking back only two or three weeks ago we were so many points clear and in the goal difference as well. Now both gaps have been closed.
“We need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.”
‘Be red one week, blue the next’
Former Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton believes a groundshare with neighburs Everton should be “seriously considered”.
The British Airways chairman left his role at Anfield at the beginning of this month having completed his task of selling the club to New England Sports Ventures.
“If (a new stadium) is not possible, then in my personal opinion, groundsharing should be seriously considered,” he told an audience of business leaders.
“Fans are understandably emotional about this issue, but this has to be addressed.
“It’s not the case of being red or blue. You can be red one week, and blue the next.”
Juve were in for me, says Sorrentino
Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino has confirmed that he was the subject of interest from Juventus and Genoa during the summer.
“I was close to joining Genoa and Juventus in the summer,” he said. “But then everyone knows how it ended.”
Juve eventually acquired Marco Storari to provide cover for the injured Gianluigi Buffon, while Genoa signed Portugal international Eduardo.
Sorrentino thus stayed at the Bentegodi and has been rewarded for his efforts with a contract extension until 2013.
“I’m happy to continue playing for a club who rejected some important financial offers for me,” he concluded.