Tag Futebol

The official broadcaster of the Champions Trophy, Star, has written to the ICC outlining its concerns regarding the uncertainty over India’s participation in the tournament

Nagraj Gollapudi04-May-2017The official broadcaster of the Champions Trophy, Star, has written to the ICC outlining its concerns regarding the uncertainty over India’s participation in the tournament and the consequences that could have on advertising revenue.In the letter to ICC chief executive David Richardson, Star said it needed clarity so that it could reassure advertisers who had paid money to buy space during the Champions Trophy, but were now worried that India would pull out.It is understood that Star asked the ICC to make a public statement to clear the air and state how it was trying to resolve the situation. Though the tone of the letter was not alarming, the ICC top brass is making sure Star’s concerns were dealt with. It is understood Richardson called up ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, who said he would speak to the broadcaster himself.In 2014, Star had won broadcast rights for 18 ICC tournaments between 2015 and 2023 in a deal understood to be worth in excess of $2 billion. The eight-year contract included two World Cups in 2019 and 2023, two Champions Trophies in 2017 and 2021, and two World T20s in 2016 and 2020.The uncertainty over India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy stems from the BCCI missing the April 25 deadline to send its squad to the ICC. The BCCI said at the time that the delay was due to “operational” reasons, but the issue is also linked to the board’s unhappiness over events at the ICC Board meetings in April.At the ICC Board meetings, the BCCI was outvoted overwhelmingly by other ICC members and the new constitution, governance changes and financial model was approved. The BCCI’s biggest grouse was with the financial model, because according to the new one it stood to receive a significantly smaller share of ICC revenue. Since then there has been talk of the BCCI using the Champions Trophy as a bargaining chip to get a greater share of the financial pie.However, a day after Star sent the letter to the ICC, the committee of administrators appointed by the Supreme Court of India to supervise the BCCI sent an email to the board’s acting secretary asking it to convene a selection meeting immediately to pick the squad for the Champions Trophy.The BCCI is expected to take a final decision at a special general meeting (SGM) in Delhi on May 7. A part of the board, including its acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry, was in favour of revoking the Members Participation Agreement (MPA) signed with the ICC.If the BCCI does revoke the MPA, then India will not be able to play any ICC tournaments until 2023, when the cycle of rights held by Star end.The CoA, however, made it clear to the BCCI that the vote at the SGM needed to be unanimous, and if any decisions that were not in the “interests of Indian cricket” were taken, it would ask the Supreme Court to intervene.

Andre Russell’s lawyer has defended the allrounder in the wake of a one-year ban issued by an independent anti-doping tribunal and has said they are exploring the possibility of filing an appeal

Nagraj Gollapudi31-Jan-2017

Calling his client a “clean athlete”, Kingston lawyer Patrick Foster has said he “disagrees” with the one-year ban imposed on West Indies allrounder Andre Russell by an independent anti-doping tribunal on Tuesday. The tribunal found Russell guilty of failing to file his whereabouts three times in 2015. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, three misses within one year amounts to a single failed dope test.Immediately after the three-member tribunal delivered its verdict in Russell’s home town Kingston, his lawyer Foster issued a media release, stating there was a “possibility” of an appeal being filed.”Mr Russell and his legal team are carefully reading and reviewing the ruling as regards the next steps and the possibility of an early appeal of the decision of the Panel’s ruling,” Foster said. “While we respect the ruling, we respectfully disagree with it and are very disappointed that the Panel saw it fit to impose a one-year ineligibility period.”During the hearings that took place last year, Russell’s legal team had contested the allegation levelled against the player that he was “grossly negligent” about filing his whereabouts despite several reminders. That allegation was made by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) through a case filed last March.Just as he had stressed during the hearings, Foster said on Tuesday that his client has never violated any doping rules. “Throughout his career as an international and domestic T20 cricketer, Mr. Russell has been tested on many occasions by various anti-doping agencies/bodies in several countries pursuant to WADA guidelines and he has never registered an adverse analytical finding.”Foster pointed out that the tribunal itself in its ruling seemed to have agreed with Russell’s conduct. “We note that in the ruling, the Panel states that they believe, ‘…in the instant case the Respondent athlete as per the evidence heard, has not displayed a pattern of last minute Whereabouts Changes or other conduct which raise a serious suspicion that the athlete was trying to avoid being available for testing….’ This aspect of the Panel’s decision we wholeheartedly agree with.”Foster said that Russell would continue to adhere to the rules even as he decides his next step on whether to challenge the verdict.”Mr. Russell is a clean athlete who seeks to uphold the integrity of Cricket. He respects and makes every effort to be compliant with the rules of sport generally, cricket and to comply with anti-doping rules and procedures. Our client will continue to cooperate fully with JADCO and WADA.”

West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca has already accepted a proposal to return to Italy, just a year after his £30m move to London.

How many goals has Scamacca scored?

Scamacca was an incredibly exciting prospect before making his move to West Ham last year. The Italian striker scored 16 goals in Serie A last year for Sassuolo, earning himself an expensive move to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has struggled however since his move, failing to replicate his success with just three goals in 16 Premier League appearances last season. The forward performed to a higher level in West Ham's Conference League triumph, scoring three in seven.

Scamacca began life at the London Stadium in a promising way, scoring four in his first 13 games. This early season form prompted captain Declan Rice to laud the striker with praise.

“I can tell you now he’s going to be unbelievable,” Rice told talkSPORT. “He‘s going to be really, really special." West Ham's captain passionately exclaimed "he’s just on another level".

The Italian has made 11 national team appearances so far, with zero goals there to his name, showing the forward could struggle to perform under major pressure.

Due to his poor season, Scamacca now appears set on a return to Serie A, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness. The report adds that AS Roma are the club most interested in the forward, due to Tammy Abraham being injured for the foreseeable future.

Scamacca is also reportedly extremely keen on the move with it being stated that he ‘has already accepted the proposal to return’ to his home country.

It is believed the Hammers aren't interested in a loan move and would prefer a clean break, but if no sale transpires a loan could indeed happen. It is believed a positve season on-loan could benefit West Ham too.

Will West Ham replace Scamacca?

West Ham would likely need to replace Scamacca if they lose him. His departure would leave them short up front with just an ageing Michail Antonio and injury prone Danny Ings in the ranks.

According to The Daily Mail, West Ham have identified Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres as their primary striking target.

The Swedish striker is valued at £25m, and it is thought there are at least four Premier League sides in the hunt. The 25-year-old scored 21 Championship goals last season while also contributing ten assists as he fired Coventry to the play-off final.

Gyokeres is an incredibly exciting talent and could be a huge upgrade for West Ham on the current options available to David Moyes.

تحدث محمود فتح الله، لاعب الزمالك السابق، عن الصفقات التي تعاقد معها مجلس إدارة القلعة البيضاء، خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الماضية.

وقال فتح الله في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الماتش”، على قناة “صدى البلد”: “انضمام عبد الله السعيد لـ الزمالك مُفيد جدًا لأنه لاعب كبير، وكان يريد أن ينتقل للقلعة البيضاء، والأخير مُفيد للاعب لأنه ناد جماهيري كبير”.

وتابع: “عندما يتم بناء فريق جديد يجب أن يتوافر فيه مجموعة كبيرة من اللاعبين صغار السن، ومعهم 4 أو 5 لاعبين عندهم خبرات، الزمالك تعاقد مع 11 صفقة في مركزين فقط، أنا كنت أرى تدعيم الفريق بـ6 صفقات في مراكز مختلفة”.

طالع أيضًا | هشام نصر يحسم الجدل حول إمكانية بيع زيزو وشرط واحد لضم رمضان صبحي إلى الزمالك

وأضاف: “كيف لا يتم التعاقد مع مدافع أو ظهير أيسر، كان ممكن يتم التعاقد مع صفقات أقل في مراكز أكثر، لكن حدث العكس، وممكن في بداية الموسم المُقبل الزمالك يفسخ تعاقد 5 أو 6 لاعبين من الجدد، لأن سيتم تصفيتهم ولو هناك مدرب جديد قادم أو جوميز استمر سيكون له طلبات”.

واختتم: “كل الصفقات جيدة ولو اجتهدوا سيظهرون في الزمالك، الفريق كان يحتاج لاثنين من المدافعين الثقال”.

يذكر، أن الزمالك تعاقد مع كل من، الأوغندي ترافيس موتيابا ومحمد عاطف من فريق طنطا ومهاب ياسر من الداخلية، والفلسطيني ياسر حمد، وزياد كمال من إنبي ومحمد شحاته من طلائع الجيش وسيف جعفر وعبد الله السعيد من بيراميدز وأحمد حمدي من مونتريال الكندي وناصر ماهر من مودرن فيوتشر.

Aston Villa are targeting Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap after his relegation to the Championship, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

Who could Villa sign this summer?

Unai Emery's side enjoyed a rip-roaring finish to the 2022/2023 Premier League season, winning 10 league games and losing just twice since early March.

Their exceptional form in the latter stages saw them finish seventh and qualify for the Europa Conference League, and it's now Villa's task to build upon that and back Emery in the summer transfer market.

According to recent rumours, Villa appear to be targeting central midfield signings, with Fulham's Joao Palhinha, Southampton star James Ward-Prowse and Leicester City's Youri Tielemans linked most recently.

The Villans want to strengthen in defence as well, with Villarreal star Pau Torres, a player who Emery knows well, being repeatedly mentioned by the press.

Arsenal's Kieran Tierney is another player garnering Villa's interest as they look to shore up their back line, with talkSPORT's Crook now saying they're targeting Bella-Kotchap from Southampton too.

Writing for talkSPORT, the journalist says Emery and co are eyeing a move for the German as he pushes for a move away from the south coast. Southampton are apparently bracing themselves for a bidding war over Bella-Kotchap, as clubs in Italy and Germany are in the mix as well.

It will apparently cost interested sides around £30 million to prise the centre-back away from St. Mary's, but little else is said on whether Villa believe this is a price worth paying.

Who is Armel Bella-Kotchap?

The 21-year-old, who has two caps at international level for Germany, arguably stood out as one of the Saints' shining lights last season during their relegation campaign.

As per WhoScored, he finished the season as Southampton's third-best performing player by average match rating – having made their second-highest rate of interceptions per 90 in that time.

Speaking last August, Saints legend Francis Benail raved over Bella-Kotchap's impact on BT Sport (via The Daily Mail).

"He is one of five or six players that have had an instant impact," said Benail.

"What we've been seeing is maturity beyond their years. He takes up great positions and recognizes danger."

Journalist Felix Keith has called the starlet defender "exceptional" for some of his performances last campaign, and for £30m, he'd come to Villa Park with plenty of potential at just 21.

This could be a move worth exploring for Emery.

West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, according to a new update.

Has Gallagher struggled this season?

The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent spell on loan at Crystal Palace over the 21/22 season, but once it was done and dusted, he returned to Stamford Bridge. The hope was that he would take his Eagles form with him to the Blues, but he found it difficult to be a regular throughout last season.

Gallagher only started 18 of Chelsea's 38 league matches, coming off the substitutes' bench another 17 times, but just three goals and one assist came his way, compared to eight and three respectively at Palace last term respectively.

For that reason, it could be that the Englishman leaves the Blues on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window, in order to be a key starter elsewhere. It doesn't look as though there are a lack of clubs showing an interest in him, which is where West Ham come into play.

Could West Ham sign Gallagher in the summer?

According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, the Hammers are in the mix to sign the £40m-rated midfielder before the beginning of next season:

"Gallagher is not believed to have done enough this season to convince the Blues hierarchy that he ill be a part of their long-term plans.

"West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace, where he had a successful loan spell, have all been alerted to the possibility of signing the £40million-rated midfielder."

Gallagher could be an excellent signing by West Ham this summer, helping partially fill the likely void left by Declan Rice, who looks almost certain to move on and join one of the Premier League's powerhouse clubs.

Granted, the Chelsea man is a more attack-minded player than Rice, but he possesses both technical quality and a very strong work ethic, having enjoyed an 84.5% pass completion rate and averaged 1.3 tackles per game in the league this season. At 23, he is also still such a young player and he could benefit so much from starting every week, maturing more as a footballer and not growing stagnant, as could potentially be the case at Stamford Bridge.

Former Blues manager Graham Potter called him "fantastic" during their time together at the club, while six caps for an England team brimming with top-class midfield talent further highlights what a talented player he is, and why West Ham would be wise to make a move for him.

أكد ماوريسيو بوتشيتينو، المدير الفني لفريق تشيلسي، رغبتهم في تحقيق الفوز ضد ليفربول في مباراتهما المرتقبة غدًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي.

وتأتي تلك المباراة بعد أيام من إعلان يورجن كلوب رحيله عن صفوف ليفربول، نهاية الموسم الحالي.

وسُئل بوتشيتينو عن الأمر، حيث رد في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية: “لقد حان الوقت بالنسبة له للإعلان عن الوضع، اللاعبون محترفون، اللاعبون يريدون الفوز، لا أرى أنه سيكون هناك موقف سيؤثر على الأداء”.

وأضاف: “بكل تأكيد ستكون مباراة خاصة بالنسبة له، سيظل الأمر مميزًا دائمًا حتى النهاية، في كل مرة يلعبون فيها في الأنفيلد، سيكون هناك احتفال دائمًا من قِبل الجماهير تجاه كلوب لمنحه كل الحب الذي يشعرون به ناحيته وهو يستحق ذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كلوب يحسم الجدل حول إمكانية مغادرة محمد صلاح وفان دايك ليفربول بعد إعلان رحيله

وواصل: “لكننا نفكر في الذهاب إلى هناك والفوز بالمباراة، آسف، لكننا لا نريد أن نكون جزءًا من الاحتفال”.

وأردف: “بعد بضعة أشهر في المنزل، سيبدأ كلوب في مرحلة افتقاد الدورات التدريبية واللاعبين، عندما تكون في جزء آخر من حياتك، تبدأ في افتقاد الجزء الذي كان مهمًا حقًا بالنسبة لك”.

واستمر: “إنه مدرب وشخص سأفتقده، أحب مشاهدته على خط التماس والفريق الذي يدربه، آمل أن يغيب لبضعة أشهر فقط، ربما لمدة عام واحد، ثم يعود بعد ذلك”.

ScorecardJamie Porter followed four false starts with a wicket•Getty Images

England bowling prospect Jamie Porter survived a serious bout of the yips to help Essex keep Leicestershire firmly in check at Chelmsford.Porter pulled out in his delivery stride four times in a row as he attempted to bowl the third ball of his fifth over.Even when he did release the ball at the fifth attempt, the final steps to the crease were short and stuttering. Two balls later, however, he rapped Paul Horton on the pads and had the opener lbw for 19. The 23-year-old’s celebration was akin to Stuart Pearce exorcising his demons after netting a penalty in the shoot-out against Spain at Euro 96.Porter was helped through his nightmare by words of encouragement from veteran seamer David Masters standing at mid-on. He bowled a sixth over in his opening spell before returning later, claiming a second wicket, and finishing with figures of 2 for 61.Masters said: “There is not a lot you can say when someone runs in and they don’t know what to do, and he’s run in three or four times. He said to me, ‘Hod, I don’t know what’s happening’. I said, ‘Just relax, chill’.”He had a hard day today and that is part of cricket and part of the learning experience. It’s not all about running in and knocking people over – he’s had a lot of that. He’s been getting lots of wickets and bowling really well. He will learn from that.”But taking the wicket was perfect for him – he said he’d had it planned all the time!”I haven’t had anything like that in my career, so it’s sometimes hard to understand. It’s a little bit of a mental block sometimes, worrying about things. But he overcame it out there and I take my hat off because that is quite hard to do. He could quite easily have chucked the towel in.”There are a lot of people who have had it, but he is a strong lad, a strong character, and he’ll be fine. He had a bad day. He bowled a lot of no-balls and he struggled. But we all have days when we struggle. It’s a good learning curve for him; it’ll be good for him going forward.”Porter had been mentioned in dispatches as a future England bowler when he followed a memorable first season in the county game – when he took 50 wickets – by adding 28 more in his first six Specsavers County Championship matches this summer.But it was the tight and parsimonious bowling of Masters and Ravi Bopara that prevented Leicestershire racing away and overhauling Essex’s first-innings total. Both bowlers claimed three wickets, Masters for just 33 runs from 19 overs, Bopara for 43 in 21 overs.From the high point of 128 for 1, Leicestershire lost their last nine wickets for 115 runs in 43 overs. That they got within 25 runs of Essex’s total was thanks to a 135-ball 74 by opener Angus Robson. His third half-century of the season included 10 fours.Porter’s had been the last Essex wicket to fall at the start of the day’s play. Clint McKay sent two of his stumps flying with the 17th ball of the morning to finish with figures of 4 for 47 and Essex all out for 268.After the departure of Horton, Angus Robson and Neil Dexter put on 88 for the second wicket in 25.2 overs without due alarm and with some crisp hitting.Dexter was first to go for 33 from 72 balls when Matt Quinn ripped out his off stump soon after lunch. Robson was fourth man out when he top-edged Masters to James Foster.In between Leicestershire captain Mark Cosgrove had become the first of three victims for Tom Westley at second slip, steering the ball straight into his hands as if giving him pre-match catching practiceAadil Ali wafted outside off stump to give Westley a second catch, and Ned Eckersley completed the trio as Westley fell backwards to give Masters his third wicket.Mark Pettini, making his first appearance at Chelmsford since moving to the Midlands last year, batted pleasantly for 80 balls, six fours and 36 runs before he fell lbw to Bopara.Five runs later, Bopara accounted for Ben Raine, caught behind. McKay then scooped Porter to Dan Lawrence at point, which is where Rob Taylor perished soon after, to wrap up the Leicestershire innings.Essex lost Nick Browne in negotiating 11 tricky overs at the end, bowled by McKay for 8. But Jaik Mickleburgh and nightwatchman Quinn saw them through to the close.

A key feature in Celtic's recent rise during the Ange Postecoglou regime has been experienced goalkeeper, Joe Hart, with the veteran gem having enjoyed a real career revival at Parkhead over the last 18 months or so.

Having been cast out by Tottenham Hotspur after enduring a difficult few years following his Manchester City exit in 2018, the former England number one was "down on his luck" prior to joining the Old Firm giants in the summer of 2021, as per pundit Alex McLeish.

As it has proved, however, the Shrewsbury native has proven himself a "really great signing" having been "transformed" in the green and white jersey, as per McLeish, having kept 43 clean sheets in 97 games for the Hoops to date.

Now 36, however, and with just over a year to run on his existing deal in Glasgow, it could well be time for the Scottish champions to consider finding a long-term replacement for Hart this summer, with pundit Frank McAvennie having already predicated that the ageing 'keeper will be a "backup next year".

Postecoglou and co could have potentially identified a dream successor to the 75-cap ace in the form of Liverpool rock, Caoimhin Kelleher, with reports last month having suggested that the Bhoys are among the clubs interested in the Republic of Ireland international.

While the suggestion is that the 24-year-old could cost as much as £30m if a permanent deal is to be agreed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that a loan exit could be on the cards, with the £10k-per-week man looking for "regular minutes" elsewhere.

Would Kelleher be a good signing for Celtic?

Although Kelleher has been forced to play second fiddle to Brazilian superstar, Alisson, at Anfield in recent years, the Cork native has been handed the chance to impress in cup competitions of late, racking up 20 appearances across all fronts since his debut back in 2019.

The 6 foot 2 ace was notably a vital figure in the Merseysiders' Carabao Cup success last season after featuring four times in the competition, notably starting and starring in the shootout victory over Chelsea in the final, having netted what proved to be the winning penalty.

Although chances have been few and far between for the emerging ace of late, the young stopper has certainly made a strong impression on manager Jurgen Klopp, with the German hailing him as "exceptional" after saving three penalties in the League Cup win over Derby County earlier this season.

The Irishman was also praised as an "exceptional goalkeeper" by national team boss Stephen Kenny, albeit with the ten-cap ace seemingly in need of more regular game time if he is to establish himself as the first-choice pick for his country, ahead of Southampton's Gavin Bazunu.

As such, a move to Paradise could be just what is needed for young Kelleher to finally be able to blossom as the starting pick at a club, with that possible swoop allowing Postecoglou to acquire an ideal replacement for the ageing Hart in his side.

A potential priority this summer for Newcastle United appears to be the signing of a new central midfielder, with manager Eddie Howe currently short on quality depth in the centre of the park.

Amid that need for a new recruit, there have been claims that the Magpies are taking an interest in Manchester United's Scott McTominay, with the 26-year-old – who has started just eight league games this season at Old Trafford – said to be valued at around £40m.

The Scotland international was given the chance of a potential audition ahead of a future move to St James' Park during the Premier League encounter between the two sides at the weekend, albeit with the 6 foot 4 brute failing to impress on the day, having been 'absent for large spells of the game', according to GOAL's Peter McVitie.

With supporters likely to have doubts regarding the signing of a player who has been branded "not good enough" for his current side by pundit Roy Keane, the hope will be that Howe and co look elsewhere for a possible midfield solution.

The Magpies may well have found the ideal figure who can make them forget all about McTominay in the form of Southampton skipper, James Ward-Prowse, with Football Insider reporting last month that the 28-year-old could depart St Mary's if the south coast side suffer relegation.

The report adds that the Tynesiders are among the top-flight clubs who have sent scouts to watch the England international in action of late, with the long-serving Saints star said to also be up for grabs for around £40m.

Should Newcastle sign James Ward-Prowse?

The obvious benefit of bringing in Ward-Prowse would be the playmaker's quality from dead-ball situations, with the Portsmouth native an undoubted "set piece master" – as per broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos – having netted 17 free-kicks in his Premier League to date, just one shy of record holder David Beckham.

That stunning record has ensured that the 5 foot 8 maestro has an overall goal tally of 47 goals and 36 assists in 334 top-flight games in his career thus far, while McTominay, by contrast, has just 11 goals and three assists in 139 league outings at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ward-Prowse's superior creativity is also showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 13% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, while McTominay ranks in just the bottom 16% in that regard.

The differing quality between the pair is also laid bare by the fact that the Southampton man averages an impressive 2.2 key passes per game and has created seven big chances in the league this season, while the Man United academy graduate has averaged just 0.2 key passes and created only one big chance.

Equally, despite possessing a smaller frame it is also Ward-Prowse who comes out on top in a defensive sense as he has averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game as a marker of his ball-winning prowess, while McTominay has averaged just 1.5 and 0.6 for the same two metrics, respectively.

As has been evidenced above, the Saints star is clearly something of an all-rounder due to his ability to effectively impact proceedings at both ends of the pitch, while the Old Trafford dud is hardly gifted in either department, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst writing of his performance at the weekend:

'Still mired in an identity crisis at club level. It was unclear if McTominay was supposed to defend or attack and he barely did either.'

That damning assessment should set alarm bells ringing among the Newcastle hierarchy, with Howe surely needing to plump for the gifted Ward-Prowse instead this summer.