Football Officials Charged By FIFA

The cats are being let out of the bags now.

FIFA has charged 16 football officials representing Caribbean nations.

They are as follows:-
David Hinds, Mark Bob Forde (Barbados)
Franka Pickering, Aubrey Liburd (British Virgin Islands)
David Frederick (Cayman Islands)
Osiris Guzman, Felix Ledesma (Dominican Republic)
Colin Klass, Noel Adonis (Guyana)
Yves Jean-Bart (Haiti)
Anthony Johnson (St Kitts and Nevis)
Patrick Mathurin (St Lucia)
Joseph Delves, Ian Hypolite (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
Richard Groden (Trinidad and Tobago)
Hillaren Frederick (US Virgin Islands)

I thought bribery happens within government or political enrivonment or in certain white collar crimes. Just for the sake of obtaining certain positions in FIFA, some people will go to the extent of bribing others.

Does this involve the bribing of these officials to manipulate the controversial selection of FIFA World Cup host?

I have already highlighted this in my previous blogposts of Never Before In World Cup Venue Selection and Scandals Involving World Cups 2018 & 2022.

Australia is just waiting to sue FIFA for losing out in the selection of being a World Cup 2022 host. To cover their costs, I supposed, in entertaining the FIFA officials or football officials from other nations plus costs incurred to prepare for the bid. In the end, Australia had spent up to Aust$46 million to FIFA.

I wonder who will be arranging to fix the winner for the coming World Cups.
Tags: FIFA, Caribbean, Caribbean Footballl Officials, World Cup 2018, World Cup 2022

Never Before In World Cup Venue Selection

Apparently a lot of people throughout the world is still quite upset about the selected venues for the coming Word Cups to be held in Russia and Qatar.

Never before, as far as I can remember, that there was so much of hoo haa in previous World Cup venue selection.

Argentine Football Association ("AFA") president Julio Grondona has to deny publicly that AFA didn't receive any payment of US$78.4 million (of bribe you mean?) that swayed his decision to vote for Qatar. That amount of money was rumoured to assist AFA out of their financial crisis involving the domestic Argentinian football league.

Somehow my blogpost on Is World Cup 2010 Fixed? is widely read in Argentina as it's being pasted in their football forums.

FIFA's general secretary, Jerome Valcke, then had to dismiss that there were many complaints about the World Cup voting procedures and that it wasn't transparent. Did it happen in previous World Cup venue selctions to this extent?

Just when you thought that everything's over now and that the respective host nation is to pick up from here and move forward in planning for a great World Cup.

Suddenly, Michel Platini - the UEFA President and Sepp Blatter - the FIFA President, suggested for calls to change the World Cup dates for Qatar from the summer period to the 'winter' period. They are saying that the footballers may not be at their best if they were to play in the heat of up to 50 celsius degree. That was the main point that shocked every football fans in the world.

Why choose them in the first place then if the summer heat was the main issue? I thought I read that Qatar has came out with excellent plans that stadiums will be air-conditioned and that the football pitch surroundings would be created with cooling effects. Now they are saying that it's too hot in the summer?!?!?!?!?!

What's the problem now?

The winter in the Middle East is normally around December to February with January being the 'coldest'. Are we saying that the 2022 World Cup will be played in year 2023 then?

If Qatar had submitted a World Cup bid detailing their plans to hold a 'winter' World Cup in the Middle East, would it have a significant effect on the voting exercises.

Now that Michel Platini has also called for the 2022 World Cup to be played at several Middle East countries at the same time, it has totally put the voting process into a disrepute. How can the venue be changed at this point of time? All this should have been highlighted in the bid and to be decided by the 22 FIFA executive committee members (another 2 committee members had been kicked out due to bribery scandals prior to the voting exercise) and not by two said individuals (Michel & Blatter) who have the loudest voice in the football arena.

Are we also saying that Qatar has to engage architects / engineers to review all the new stadiums again to accommodate the 'winter'? Do you need to switch on the air-conditioners during 'winter'?

Or that this 'winter' World Cup was actually in FIFA's mindset all this while even prior to the voting exercise? You tell me!

Not only that the architects / engineers have to amend the stadiums' drawings but all the football associations and football clubs in the world have to change their football schedules just to accommodate this so-called 'winter' World Cup.

Imagine the resources that are going to be wasted throughout the world.

Related post - Is World Cup 2010 Fixed?
Related post - Scandals Involving World Cups 2018 & 2022

Tags: World Cup Venue, Russia, Qatar, Argentine Football Association, Julio Grondona, World Cup Scandal, Michel Platini, Sepp Blatter, Winter World Cup

Scandals Involving World Cups 2018 & 2022

In my blogpost of 18 May 2010 entitled "Is World Cup 2010 Fixed?", I have read elsewhere and put it that the World Cup 2010 could be fixed and that Spain will advance all the way to the finals. Exactly what was being predicted and Spain won eventually!

Recently, the Sunday Times reporters went undercover and approached a number of FIFA committee members to gain advantage for a certain country (the reporters assumed the representation for USA) in the upcoming voting day on 2 December 2010 for the right to host the World Cup 2018 and World Cup 2022.

Unfortunately, the undercover reporters secretly recorded two of the conversations and I think FIFA's top officials are in a daze in handling this awkward situation.

Al Jazeera news clip for your viewing on the reported scam -


Two of those recorded conversations involved Amos Adamu of Nigeria and Reynald Temarii of Tahiti. It has been shown that both of them are willing to 'sell' their votes in return for some financial rewards.

Amos personally requested for £500,000 and Reynald requested for £1.5 million but to benefit a sports academy. Both have been suspended by FIFA for 3 years and 1 year respectivelt coupled with a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs and 5,000 Swiss Francs accordingly. Suspension only? I would have kicked them out indefinitely as there was hard rock evidence.

The best part is Temarii has told the undercover reporters that two other bidding countries have approached him too withto figures of between £10 million to £12 million. Now, who could be the other two countries??????

In other words, there are lots of lobbyists out there hunting down those FIFA executive committee members (22 of them to be precise but minus 2 now) who have the voting rights right now up to 2 December 2010. The right to host the World Cup will involve billions of dollars and the spin-offs it could create in a particular country's economy during the World Cup month. What is £10 million compared to the billions to come?

I thought all this vote buying scandals happen during political elections but it's really a disease that even football is not spared.

FIFA has suspended four more officials after their names have been named in Sunday Times' investigation of the scandal. They are as follows:-
1. Slim Aloulou - FIFA dispute resolution chamber (suspended 2 yrs; fined £6,300)
2. Ahongalu Fusimalohi - General Secretary of Tonga Football Association (suspended3 yrs; fined £6,300)
3. Amadou Diakite - FIFA referees committee (suspended 3 yrs; fined £6,300)
4. Ismail Bhamjee - Honorary member of Confederation of African Football (suspended 4yrs; fined £6,300)

Another two persons named are former FIFA executives, namely Michel Zen-Ruffinen (former FIFA General Secretary) and Michel Bacchini (former FIFA tournament director) where punishments would be meted out in due course. These two fellas' crime were that they were able to tell the undercover reporters who amongst the 22 FIFA executive committee members that could be approached.
All these fellas are holding influential positions and they could have manipulated previous World Cups without us knowing.
Now, you tell me who's gonna win the bid to host the two World Cups? Russia has been rumoured to host the World Cup 2018 since May 2010, before the start of the World Cup 2010.

Who are the bidders for the World Cup 2018?
1. Belgium & Netherlands
2. England
3. Russia
4. Portugal & Spain

Who are the bidders for the World Cup 2022?
1. Australia
2. Japan
3. Qatar
4. South Korea
5. United States

You just never know that they may as well decide who will win the World Cup 2014 to be held in Brazil. Your guess is as good as mine.

Related post - Is World Cup 2010 Fixed?
Tags: Football, Soccer, World Cup 2018, World Cup 2022, FIFA, Sunday Times, Amos Adamu, Reynald Temarii, Voting Scandal, Bribery, World Cup Votes, FIFA Suspension

Man Utd To Be Banned in Malaysia?

At the look of it, it won't be long that Manchester United will be banned in Malaysia if the muslim cleric in the state of Johore has his ways.

An adviser to a state of Johore's religious council stated that there are certain football jerseys that muslims shouldn't wear. Reason given (as extracted from Star) - it is as if Muslims are worshipping and exalting the symbols of other religions. Islam does not compromise on this matter, regardless of whether it is worn for fun, fashion or sport especially when it displays images of crosses, liquor brands and devils.

Try googling for this sentence "Muslims warned against wearing 'devilish' Man Utd jersey" and you'll get about 7,990 results. This piece of news travelled round the world after it was published in Malaysia.

I know that Liverpool couldn't come into Malaysia due to their main sponsorship with Carlsberg. With that sponsorship being changed to Standard Chartered Bank now, Liverpool fans in Malaysia can look forward to seeing them playing in Malaysia during the summer break.

My hope is to see Man Utd vs Liverpool in Malaysia. I believe that the police will have to segregate the opposing fans for real this time.

Man Utd coming to Malaysia again? Bad news now ..... sigh

Nothing against that comment made by the religious council adviser. Even in the christianity circle, I have heard of some people questioning our filial peity towards God when we wear the Pagoda brand singlet. The Pagoda symbol is somehow linked to Buddhism.

I had been 'ridiculed' before by friendly christian friends when their english football team that they support lost to Man Utd. They will quote "they are the red devils and you support them?".

People will have their own thinking and mindset. You can't change it.

Importantly, you know it yourself. I have been supporting Man Utd since 1981 and it's the team that I support, not the devils ....... hehe.

By the way, maybe someone from that religious council can write to Turkish Airlines, MTN (Kuwaiti owners), STC (Saudi Telecom) and Tri Indonesia to withdraw their sponsorships as they are the official sponsors for Man Utd.

At one time, even Malaysia's AirAsia and Ministry of Tourism were one of the many sponsors for Man Utd. As I have heard, Man Utd is quite selective on their sponsors and there's a queue actually just to have your brand name being displayed.

It seems that the football teams of Brazil, Portugal, Serbia, Barcelona and Norway may not be encouraged to be supported as the crests on the football jerseys carry images of the cross.

And should muslims or christian employees resign from their companies where bosses or main shareholders profess religions not of their own? The answer simple is very simple actually. Only human beings make it difficult.
Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Football Jersey, Red Devils, Religion

Wayne Rooney & John Terry to Star in a Movie

With England out of the 2010 World Cup, their footballers (also regarded as superstars now) have been roped in by the movie industry to star in a new movie. It's based on a true story and most of us may know the storyline as well.I'm sure you would agree on the movie title which fits the actual storyline too. Enjoy it!
Tags: Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Fabio Capello, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Robert Green, Out Of Africa

It's Here, the World Cup 2010

It's here, the 4 years of waiting for the next World Cup. South Africa will be the host for this World Cup 2010 and the first to be held in the African continent.

The controversial football manufactured just for this world cup, dislike by the goalies. We will see its effect in the next 1 month.

The stadiums were completed on time.

One day, I'll be amongst the World Cup spectators. That's my dream but unfortunately, it won't be this World Cup.

And even more unfortunately, the safety for fans is one of the main talking points there.

3 Greek football players had their monies stolen from their hotel rooms and journalists covering the World Cup from China have been robbed at knifepoint. Earlier, Spanish and Portuguese journalists were robbed off their equipments.
Reading: Greek players, Chinese reporters robbed

Starting tonight, I'll be having sleepless nights (my own doing of course) ...... for 1 month.

It'll be the start of many new excuses or the resurgence of some excuses not used since the last World Cup to be used to support their absenteeism.

As the World Cup commences, the following people will be the ones not happy with it:-

* Mothers, wives, sisters, girlfriends - unless they like football, the next 1 month is the month that they will be deprived of attention or the tv will be occupied from 7.30pm to 4am.

* Bosses - they will have workers with panda eyes walking around like zombies. Many MCs will be submitted in order to recover from the "no-sleep days".

* Restaurant / cafe / mamak - those owners that don't have TVs in their premises will cry because customers will flock to those that put up big white screens.

Any more poor fellas I missed out?

Related post - Is World Cup 2010 Fixed?
Tags: World Cup 2010, South Africa

Is World Cup 2010 Fixed?

Lord Triesman is now the former chairman of the English Football Association and England's 2018 World Cup bid team as he has resigned from both of the positions.

This resignation came after he has revealed that Spain will be getting Russia, who didn't qualify for the coming World Cup 2010, to 'buy' some referees in next month's World Cup to be held in South Africa.

Why is Russia being so accommodating in helping Spain?
It seems that both Spain and Russia are putting up a bid to host the World Cup in the year of 2018. Spain was alleged to have offered Russia that Spain will pull out of the race provided Russia helps to settle with some of the referees in next month's World Cup. That Spain will also support Russia's bid and will help to obtain votes from the Latin Americans to support Russia as well.

This puts the World Cup 2010's integrity into a big question - has the World Cup 2010 been fixed?

Does Lord Triesman know something that we all don't know?
Was Lord Triesman a whistleblower in this case?

Lord Triesman was actually entrapped by a former aide of his during his posting with the government. This traitor former aide of his somehow sold the recordings of the personal conversation to Mail on Sunday newspaper. Lord Triesman not knowing the entrapment spoke from what he knew already or from his heart. His recorded conversation was released to Mail on Sunday, after a few other publishers had been approached possibly on price tag issue, and published publicly.

Well, the former aide was rumoured to be his 'mistress', Ms. Melissa Jacobs. Poured out everything not knowing she will betray him. It seems that this girl has a second batch of recordings yet to be released. Presumably looking for a higher price tag since the first batch of recordings have fetched an unsurmountable worldwide interests.

The English Football Association even tried to get a High Court injunction to prevent the article from being published.

There goes everything, maybe even English Football Association's chance to host the World Cup 2018. Melissa Jacobs not only destroyed Lord Triesman's reputation but a multi-millions of potential businesses if England was to host the World Cup 2018. English fans of this era/generation may have been robbed of their chance to witness the best show on earth right at their doorsteps. You can say thanks to her.

Personally, Lord Triesman shouldn't be put on trial here as I expected the FIFA to act and investigate further on his purported claim. It will be a disaster if what he claimed was true. Anyway, FIFA's Ethics Committee has requested English Football Association to provide a report on what was alleged by Lord Triesman.

Your World Cup 2010 might be fixed! So, don't put so high hope for your favourite team as the winner could have been decided waaaaaaay before the first ball is kicked in South Africa. Spain to progress all the way to the finals? Let's watch!

Now, let me guess who will host the World Cup 2018. Will FIFA's 24 executive committee members decide on Russia? We will see!

Reading: FA chief Lord Triesman accuses Spain and Russia of bid to bribe World Cup referees - Mail On Sunday
Tags: World Cup 2010, World Cup 2018, English Football Association, Spain, Russia, South Africa, Lord Triesman, FIFA Ethics Committee, Mail on Sunday, Melissa Jacobs

New Sponsorship For Cardiff FC

Cardiff City FC has just gotten a new owner who has bought a 36.7% stake. That stake's worth about £6 million.

Of all people, this new owner comes from Malaysia - Chan Tien Ghee. He said to be the business partner of Vincent Tan, one of the richest men in Malaysia, where both are mentioned to have collaborated to buy the Welsh football club.

Both of them became the first Malaysians to own an English football club. This is a rich man's game. Another top Malaysian businessman - Tony Fernandes, the owner of the low cost carrier - Airasia and Lotus F1 team, just missed out on West Ham recently.

Cardiff City will not worry about new sponsorships for the next few years to come. Why is that so?

Vincent Tan's vast business empire in Berjaya Group has a number of businesses that could sponsor Cardiff City and guess how the football jersey will look like next season.

Suprised?

Got the jersey design from another blogger.

Cardiff City is to play Blackpool for a place in the Premier League next season. It will be a good £6 million investment if it wins that ultimate play off finals.
Tags: Welsh Football Club, Cardiff City FC, Berjaya Group, Chan Tien Ghee, Vincent Tan, Blackpool, Football Jersey Design

Malaysia Finished Behind Laos

"Malaysia Finished Behind Laos" - when I saw that headline in the online news, I got a very good feeling that it was related to football. True enough, it was. How devastating!

If you think that it was alright because it was just the Under-19 team representing Malaysia, please bear in mind that this group of players (if they are the best) would be representing Malaysia for as long as they can play. So, don't think of World Cup qualifications for the next 10 years???????

Hopefully they can spot a few other talented players over the years to beef up this squad.

How can Malaysia's football development be so poor? Whose fault? Our future doesn't look bright at all. Foundation is always the main thing.

If you were to say 'please give them a chance', I would tell you to follow up with the on-going Under-20 World Cup being held in Egypt. Look at who has qualified for this World Cup tournament.

Of all countries, Laos? And kudos to Laos for the fantastic results knowing the fact their resources/facilities are way below what Malaysia can provide for their team.

Why am I bothered with this football progress since it's so poor? I'm passionate about it since young and would love to see my own country being up there. That's why! Not just because I like to ridicule.

Reading: Malaysia finish behind Laos - Star
Tags: Laos, Football, Soccer, Under-20 World Cup

Observations at Man Utd Match

Can't watch the first match due to body system breakdown after coming back from overseas. As Manchester United was staying in put in KL for a few more days, another match was arranged last minute. Yahooooooo at least can watch.

Was sick on that Monday but forced myself and drove over to the Bukit Jalil football stadium at 3pm and bought the tickets. Two counters were opened at the green ticket area and only five persons in front of me.

At first, I thought of giving up after reading the Monday Star newspaper that showed a long queue on Sunday afternoon where fans queued for long long time to purchase their tickets. Well, never try never know. So, I was rewarded.

When I reached home, I was planning on the route to the stadium. Seremban highway - out! Through Sri Petaling - out! From Puchong - out! I have to squeeze through an unknown route (not known to many) that is via OUG to Bukit Jalil via Vista Komanwel condos. I parked there and walked slowly for about fifteen minutes to the stadium. No jams.

Reached the stadium car park compound at 7.15pm and it was already full ...... knew it. When I was there at 3pm plus to buy the tickets, people are already hanging around the entrance gate and cars were streaming into the car park. Beat that.

The atmosphere there was fantastic ...... all red and not only ladies prefer red nowadays. There are exceptions hehe.

Lots of people were still queueing up for the tickets to the re-match. Bought mine at RM58, a steal from Saturday's match ticket prices.

Even the police joined in the atmosphere of feeling red. They sent their riot police squads in red trucks and buses.

Got a seat the second tier of the stadium. First tier went to those fellas that were at the entrance gate at 3pm plus. They must have been burnt by then.

Manchester United's Asia Tour 2009 being shown on the screen.

This was the crowd at 7.30pm. Already half full.

The Malaysian national team players came out first for their warm up and they received a great applause from the fans.

But when this Man Utd team just came out from the tunnel, the stadium almost came down with the thunderous greeting from the fans.

When the team acknowledged the crowd, the crowd went wild.

Man Utd going through their usual warm up for a match. Seen warming up were three referees for the match, dressed in red track suits.

While both teams were warming up, the crowd got themselves excited by doing the Mexican wave.

By 8.45pm, both teams came out with loud cheers from all supporters. At long last, my butt was getting upset with me for sitting so long on a hardened plastic chair.

Only one guy in front was smoking away, he was happy, but others frowned at him because lots brought their kids along. Very inconsiderate. I saw many smokers actually got out from their seats to walk up further for their ciggy but not this fella.

Kick-off at almost 9pm after the Crown Prince of Pahang state and Sir Bobby Charlton were introduced to the football players.

At one point, I noticed that the reporters/cameramen were all crowded at Malaysia's goal area. Why ah?

When I turned to the opposing's goal area, even the goalie was missing.

He backtracked a short while when Malaysia started to attack but it didn't work out. Maybe that's why the lesser number of reporters/cameramen on this side of the field. Must be boring for them.






At the end of the match, you'll be thankful that you have parked far away from the stadium. At 7.15pm, there were lots of parking attendants directing the cars here and there.

After the match, all the attendants disappeared totally leaving the poor car owners struggling to get out of the car park compound.

There were more than a dozen of other lines cutting into this line of cars trying to leave the car park. It took me a slow fifteen minutes walk and another ten minutes to reach home.

I wonder what time did the last driver got home? Hopefully he won't get into trouble with his wife which happened to another guy in the first match held on Saturday, when he reached home at 2am. What happened? He got stabbed!

Another eight years to wait before Man Utd comes round this corner of the earth? Or I'll be at Old Trafford witnessing it from its stand?
Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Asia Tour 2009, Bukit Jalil Football Stadium, Football, Soccer

3 English Clubs To Sue Man Utd

When you fail, you blame someone else and sue them in the process for causing your own failure. This will be the highest calling of blaming other people.

The media has hyped that three relegation threatened English Premier League clubs, notably Middlesborough, Newcastle, Sunderland are reported to be doing that. For one whole football 2008/09 season, they have 38 league matches to play. With one match left, two of this three teams could be relegated if they fail to win their last match.

But what has it got to do with Man Utd?

Man Utd is scheduled to play Hull City, another relegation threatened team. In that case, why should you worry when the champion is surely going to beat a lowly team. The thing is Man Utd may not play with their top players who are being safe for the coming Champions League Final on 27 May 2009.

If Man Utd fails to beat Hull City, it may cause two of the said three clubs to be relegated as Hull City's points and goal difference are slightly better.

The said three clubs, as mentioned by the media, may sue Man Utd if they fail to field a full-strength team which is a requirement in accordance with the English Premier League law.

I always believe in this following story:-

I have a good news and a bad news for you. Which one do you want to hear?

The good news first ........

The good news is your future is in your hands.

What about the bad news then?

The bad news is your future is in your hands.

It goes to say that your future / destiny is in your hands and you can't blame others if you fail to do anything about it.

By the way, the football chiefs of the respective three English clubs have denied involvement of court proceedings and that such news were created by the media to boost their sales.

Whom do you believe?

Reading: Relegation-threatened trio dismiss Man Utd suit - Soccernet
Tags: Middlesborough, Newcastle, Sunderland, Manchester United, Man Utd, Hull City, Soccer, Football, English Premier League

Man U's The Champ Again

Took this picture when it was shown on TV. Nobody can sue me for stealing any pictures hahaha.

Manchester United is the champions again for the third year running.

Gary Neville, the team captain, hoisted the Barclays Premier League cup.

Some people (you know who you are) will find this posting sickening. This post is really personal. If you are supporting other English clubs, be forewarned.

Now, that Man Utd has matched Liverpool's 18th English championships, there are Liverpool fans saying that it took Man Utd 20 years to match it.

Some Liverpool fans are saying that Man Utd is still behind Liverpool in terms of the 5 European championships won by Liverpool.

They only want to compare in areas where they are better? FA Cups not counted?

When Liverpool beat Man Utd 4-1 at Old Trafford, I saw a Liverpool fan stating that Liverpool's the best team as they beat the title holders in a facebook comments section. I responded by saying that "please look at the table" where Man Utd was still top of the table.

This fellas got offended and commented further "some people are soooooo stupid ...... this is what we called bragging rights ..................... some people just don't get it".

Very offended indeed but I put in my comments in response to that ....... hehe. I stated "Precisely mate, this is what I'm bragging about, that Man Utd is still top of the table inspite of the result". You could hear a pin drop after that.

When Liverpool was winning and catching up with Man Utd, everything was ok. When Man Utd wins, I can hear Liverpool fans saying that Man Utd's match has been bought or sold ?!?!?!??!?!

That's what I like about football. To Manchester United, well done!

Next interesting match will be in Rome. As of now, I have found many Liverpool fans throwing their Liverpool jerseys away and putting on Barcelona's jersey for the upcoming Champions League finals on 27 May 2009.
Tags: Manchester United, Man U, Man Utd, Liverpool, Barclays Premier League, FA Cup, Barcelona, Champions League Finals

Man Utd Asia Tour 2009

Manchester United has announced their Asia Tour 2009 and will be travelling to East Asia, known for its fabulous fans, in the coming summer.

I can't wait to see them playing again in Kuala Lumpur. The last time they came was in year 2001 where they played against the Malaysian national football team. Man Utd won 6-0. Could have been more but it was more of an exhibition match lah. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the main draw this time.

Hopefully they will have the match at Bukit Jalil stadium on 26 July 2009. This stadium could fit in at least 78,000 people. It will match Old Trafford's capacity at 76,000. In their last visit, there were 67,000 people in the stadium and the atmosphere in the stadium was absolutely amazing.

The atmosphere will certainly be much more exciting when compared to Chelsea's visit to Kuala Lumpur in the last summer as Man Utd is a well supported club in Malaysia. Even two of friends are Liverpool supporters went along with me for the Man Utd's match last time.

However, my wish is to see both Liverpool and Man Utd coming to Malaysia for a match. This will be a cruncher and it could generate the same atmosphere as if it was played in England.

The Man Utd match will definitely bring in lots of people from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Now, my fingers and toes are crossed as I'm hoping that I'll be in Kuala Lumpur during that period.

Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Asia Tour 2009, East Asia

Sweet Victory for Man Utd

On Sunday morning right after church service, bumped into another guy who's a Chelsea supporter. What else can come out from our mouth when two of us meet up? Football, of course. His remark - Man Utd lost to Derby, a lower division team, during the week and what more this is Chelsea.

Haha ....... I haven't sms him yet and neither has he.

I read about Jose Bosingwa's (Chelsea's right back player) remark in his pre-match interview. He said that he has inside knowledge to stop Ronaldo. I was not surprised as they play for the same country, Portugal. Halfway through second half, Bosingwa was substituted by Juliano Belletti. Rightly because two goals came from his section. I wonder what inside knowledge he has.

I went to the nearby mamak restaurant to catch some football atmosphere. Big match such as this would normally pack the restaurant. True enough and I got a place about 15 feet away from one of their giant TV. Noticed that a number of customers were wearing the Man Utd jersey.

With a number of near misses, the wait for the first Man Utd goal was really too much for us to bear (can't sense any Chelsea supporters around). Moreover, when it went in it was disallowed. A heart attack situation. From the a corner kick, the ball was directed by Cristiano Ronaldo into goal and majority of the customers clapped and made some noise only to realise in few seconds later that it was disallowed.

In the next few seconds, the corner kick was re-taken and somehow, somehow ..... it met with Nemanja Vidic's head and went straight into goal again. It was meant to be Man Utd's goal no matter what. This time the crowd at the restaurant went wild and celebrated high decibels shouts.

The next two goals from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov were clinical finish. All players worked hard for this game. I can't believe that Park Ji Sung could still command a first eleven in the team till today. A memorable game with Man Utd winning 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Liverpool, we are coming!

My Liverpool friends told me this earlier despite Liverpool's certain lousy games - "please look at the table". They are just reminding me that no matter how bad they have played, they are still on top of Man Utd in the English Premier League table.

This was the same comment mentioned by two Arsenal friends during the opening season. Will history repeat itself for Liverpool?
Tags: Man Utd, Chelsea, Football, Soccer, English Premier League, Old Trafford, Jose Bosingwa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Park Ji Sung

Mad Football Business in Manchester

The city of Manchester in England is known for its industrial sector and partly made famous by the Manchester United football club (the club I support). That's the red part of the city. Wherelse the 'bluer' part of the city where Manchester City football club is located has not tasted football success for the last 20 years or so.

Manchester City's name has caught the attention of many football fans throughout the world when Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, one of the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government, has purchased a majority interest in Manchester City from the deposed former Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.

That surprising transaction has allowed a large inflow funds into Manchester City's coffer and allowed Mark Hughes the opportunity to buy the best football players that he wanted. In this scenario, I really doubt that he has any say in the signing of football players. I'm very very sure that it would be the Abu Dhabi owner's football fantasy game (just like those online or pc game - e.g. Football Manager 2009).

They have the money to splash around to buy whoever they want. Rumours are rife that Chelsea's owner's, Roman Abramovich, wealth is nothing compared to this Abu Dhabi oil magnate, heard that it was £12 billion compared to £550 billion.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the main person behind the scene, would be telling the management team in Manchester City to go for certain football players of his liking.

After snatching Robinho's from Chelsea, a list has been produced naming another eleven football players to make up a dream team that has been of interest to this Sheikh royalty:-

City Dream Team
1. Gianluigi Buffon Italy's World Cup-winning goalkeeper who plays for Juventus
2. Daniel Alves Brazil right back, signed by Barcelona for £24 million from Seville this summer
3. Rio Ferdinand Manchester United and England centre back and the “best defender in the world”, according to Sir Alex Ferguson
4. Fabio Cannavaro Real Madrid defender and 2006 Fifa World Player of the Year
5. Philipp Lahm Bayern Munich and Germany left back
6. Cristiano Ronaldo United forward and arguably the best player on the planet
7. Steven Gerrard Liverpool's captain and inspiration
8. Cesc Fàbregas Dynamic Arsenal and Spain midfield player
9. Ronaldinho Two-times Fifa World Player of the Year now at AC Milan
10. Kaká Milan's Fifa World Player of the Year
11. Fernando Torres Liverpool striker who won Euro 2008 with Spain

How much is ADUG willing to pay for the superstars? Just look at the picture and it will tell you that their cash register is almost bottomless.

Will the respective football clubs' owners be able to reject such money? Will the owners cash in to such offers? With such transactions, it's more of buying instant success.

Valencia has mentioned today that if Manchester City was interested to snatch their David Villa, they have better be ready with £121 million to trigger the buy out clause. With this kind of money pouring into the football system, it will definitely trigger price inflation on football players. I would be sure that more multi-billionaires will be jumping into England to buy up the remaining English Premier League teams ....... to the extent that the Everton management team has voiced out for it. Big boys' toys????

Reading: Football and films fuel Abu Dhabi's brand building dream - Telegraph UK
Reading: Sheikh's £500m dream team - The Sun

Tags: Football, Soccer, Manchester, Manchester United, Manchester City, Sky Blues, England, Eastlands, Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi United Group For Development And Investment, ADUG, English Premier League, Mark Hughes, Thaksin Shinawatra, Roman Abramovich, City Dream Team, Sheikh

Wealth of European Football Clubs

Not all European football clubs are as wealthy as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan or Inter Milan. Most football clubs are unable to match the funds found in the bottomless pit that these few mentioned clubs have.

No matter what, existing football still have to fight for their survival in the respective leagues. The Board of Directors of each football club will stretch their means in getting the right players in order to for the club to perform better and thus, getting promotion and hope to alleviate their tight financial situation.

In Romania, a second division club, UT Arad, wasn't able to negotiate for cash payment for their defender, Marius Cioara. All UT Arad could get from the other club, a fourth division club, Regal Horia, was just 15 kilograms of meat. The best thing is that Marius Cioara somehow went back on his decision to play for Regal Horia.

I don't know what sort of contract Marius has signed off but he has decided to change his career. He's flying off to Spain not to play for another football club but to find a job in agriculture or construction industry.

Now, Regal Horiato is really in deep problem. They are without the player they have signed and lost their one week supply for food for the team. Will those six top European teams I mentioned earlier face such a situation? That's the vast difference found in European clubs.

Reading: Romanian player sold for a chunk of meat - ESPN Soccernet
Tags: Football, Soccer, Romania, UT Arad, Regal Horia, Pro Sport, Marius Cioara

Predictions for Euro 2008

One of my colleagues said this "How come there are no predictions for this Euro 2008?". I did my predictions for the last World Cup 2006 while I was stucked in Sudan then. Have you been reading my blog all this while?

Here goes ............... after watching all the teams playing one match each:-
Group A - Normally the host country do stand a chance to progress to the next round but it won't be this time for the unfortunate Switzerland. Not ending up at the last place is already a good account for the team.

Turkey's qualification is not a fluke and the country has been performing well internationally since their superb World Cup 2002 third placing. That was history. Now, it's a different ball game.

My bet is on both Portugal and Czech Republic. Not because Portugal has two Man United players but Cristiano Ronaldo will make a difference in the team as he's on a stampede now. If Portugal is able to pull themselves together with this young and matured team, they will top the group. Last four within their range?

Meanwhile, Czech Republic will have to beat Turkey to grab the second spot. Losing Tomas Rosicky to injury and with Pavel Nedved, a good playmaker, not being selected this time will hamper their run in.

Group B - Austria, a team that last qualified for a major football tournament was way back in the World Cup 1982 held in Spain. That was my first World Cup on seen on TV. They are in this tournament owing to them being one of the host. So, mediocre teams still could play in a major tournament by hosting it ............ hehe

Poland's tall and well-built players will be a good advantage for them but they lacked top class players in their side.

Croatia, did well to disappoint many english football fans, will be a team to watch. They could be a tournament dark horse just like what Greece did in Euro 2004. They should grab the second spot in the group.

Germany, always strong with their team tacticals and strategies, will once again pose as a strong challenger to qualify for the finals. To top their group and advance all the way to the last four, possibly the finals.

Group C - Wow, on the night of selecting which four countries were to be placed in this group, I'm sure that the head coach would have suffered a heart attack. Even though the name of Romania may not ring a bell to many non-football fans, they are still packed with many good football players but alas their group is packed with three other better teams. Chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals is actually quite dim unless they produce shocking results.

France is in the midst of many adjustments with reliance on a number of veteran players. Veteran players' fitness are a doubt there. The younger batch of players do not seem to have enough big stage experience. I would say lacking the required punch.

Italy's defence is always their stronghold but losing Fabio Cannavaro, the team captain and main centreback, would hamper their football campaign here. Hopefully they get to drink the winner's champagne in the end but it's quite a big hope indeed. Qualifying as a second placed team is a bonus with France giving a strong challenge.

Netherlands or still being referred to as Holland, always a favourite in whichever major tournament owing to the superstars in their ranks. Sadly, after witnessing the trio of van Basten, Gullit and Rikjaard dominating Euro 1988, we have not seen another Holland team of such calibre. Somehow, this team could change the scenario with an equally strong players in all positions. Last four candidate too?

Group D - What's the chances of the defending champions in this tournament? As Greece has been placed in this group, I would rate their chances being nil. Haven't been impressive in their qualifying rounds. I could see many veteran players still in the team and they are not young anymore. Their role could just be the spoiler in this group, causing one of the other three teams to miss the quarter-finals.

Sweden has to rely on the old Henrik Larsson again? Knew that he did quite well in his brief spell with Man United but this is a tournament where you need to be at your peak. Most of their players are overseas based and heavy football seasons may cause fatigue on their older in age players, thus under-perform.

I do not know why I had a feeling that Russia could still qualify after being thumped by Spain. They just have the right kind of players, young and hungry for football success. Having a Russian team that had just won the UEFA Cup last month does provide a positive boost for Russian football. One of those days that their team is being rated on the high side.

No doubt that Spain will qualify from this group unless they commit suicide on their own. In all the previous major tournaments, I have always ranked them highly. Reason was because in each of the tournament, their team was always packed with superb players. Same goes with this team. Who would dare to turn their eyes away from a strikeforce comprising Fernando Torres, David Villa with Fabregas, Xavi and Iniesta giving full support just right behind the duo. Definitely a last four candidate.

So much for my predictions.
Tags: Euro 2008, Euro 2008 Predictions, Football Predictions, Football, Soccer, UEFA, Austria, Switzerland

Man United - Champs in England and Europe

The save by Edwin Van der Sar that won the UEFA Champions League for Manchester United. Another cup to be placed in their trophy laden cabinets back at Old Trafford. Marvellous, superb, fantastic, what more can I say for this team. Some of my friends just couldn't accept the fact that Manchester United is the champions of England and Europe again.

Now, let's see who will be leaving Chelsea in weeks to come. Even the match commentators did mention that there will be a major revamp in staff & players. For a start, looks like Avram Grant will be looking for a new job soon. Rumours said that Didier Drogba (esp after that straight red card in this morning's match), Frank Lampard and Andrei Shevchenko could have new suitors.

Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Man United, Man U, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Moscow, Luzhniki Stadium, Old Trafford, Edwin Van Der Sar, Chelsea, Avram Grant, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Andrei Shevchenko, Football, Soccer

Why Is Peter Crouch So Expensive?

Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, who plays Peter Crouch sparingly has slapped a price tag of £15million on him. Peter who is seeking for first team football may want to ply his trade elsewhere if he was guaranteed first team football (presumably in the Premier League as well).

Football club managers who have an eye on Peter were shocked with the value placed by Liverpool. Since Rafa doesn't need him badly, why wouldn't a manager offload him cheaply and off the payroll as well.

There's definitely a reason for it ....................
Reading: Benitez slaps £15million price tag on Crouch - Soccernet
Reggie Lee's drawing sourced from today's Star Football pullout
Tags: Football, Soccer, English Premier League, Peter Crouch, Rafa Benitez, Liverpool, Football Club Manager, Reggie Lee