Mourinho Not Bothered with the Media

October 29, 2008

Jose Mourinho, an Inter coach is in Italy for months but is already receiving so much controversy and less respect from the local media of the country. He also discussed about the on going economic crisis which might affect the soccer community.

In an interview, Jose Mourinho claims he is confused why he is not earning the respect of the media even with his achievements over the past years.

But in spite of the situation, Mourinho is not bothered at all. What is important for him is to work hard for the good of the sport soccer even if it will cost him his pay check. He believes that he can do some great things which will later gain the respect of the media.

He understands the culture of the people in the country and he will assure everyone that no matter what the people say about him, it will not stop him in working hard for the good of the soccer community.

In a press statement, Mourinho explains, “I am not an expert, but I understand enough to know that this is a serious matter. I don’t know if there are reasons to be afraid. But I would accept getting less money, if it were for the good of everyone else.”

MLS Players Suspended

October 29, 2008

Jeff Parke of the NY Red Bulls made his public apology Saturday after being suspended for 10 games from Major League Soccer because of taking up a certain substance which is banned by the league.

A substance called androstatriendione and boldenone metabolites were positively found with both Parke and Jon Conway during a routine check up. According to the two, they bought the supplemental vitamin in a local store.

Parke admits he was careless that he had not consulted the proper team personnel before taking those vitamins. He also said that he is willing to take full responsibility of his acts and hopes that it would serve as a lesson to other players.

It was the first time that an MLS player has been suspended due to a banned substance. There has been no official statement from Conway since the suspension has been released.

Juan Carlos Osorio who is the coach of Red Bulls was really shocked when he heard the suspension. He reiterated that both players are sorry for what happened but they didn’t intend to embarrass anyone and it was an honest mistake which they have accepted.

With the suspension, both players are not allowed to play in any competition within the 10 game suspensions. In addition, each of the players would be fined 10% of their basic salary.

Maradona Willing to Coach Argentina

October 29, 2008


The legendary Diego Maradona showed interest in becoming a coach of Argentina after Alfio Basile resigned from the team. Maradona said that he would be happy and willing to be of service to the national team if he would be given the chance.

Beside Maradona, other possible candidates for the position include Miguel Angel Russo, Sergio Batista, Diego Simeone and Carlos Bianchi.

If Batista will be chosen, Maradona might have a post as an assistant or maybe an adviser. Both of them have worked together during the 1986 World Cup. Another one who might be part of Batista’s team is Jose Luis Brown.

Maradona however admits that Batista and Brown have more experience than him.
Maradona was also sorry about the resignation of Basile which has been caused by poor performances of the team. Maradona said that situation must have been given attention.

Basile resigned a day after Chile has beaten Argentina in a qualifier round for the World Cup.

Mandela Believes Soccer has the Power to Unite Nations

October 29, 2008


Nelson Mandela is one of the most prominent personalities in the history of the African nation. He has devoted so much effort in order to achieve democracy and unity for the African people. He has been an advocator and a leader of human rights, worked for the poor and have fought for the rights of every citizen of the country.

As he celebrates his 90th birthday, the soccer community together with people of South Africa extends their gratitude to the man who had made so much sacrifice for the sake of his countrymen. He is not only an advocator for humanity but also supports sports. Mandela believes that soccer has the power to unite people without racial discrimination.

Mandela played a major role in ensuring South Africa to be awarded the privilege to host the most important event, the FIFA World Cup 2010. Even with his medical condition, he travelled all the way to Switzerland to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup host country announcement which was held May 2004. When he heard that South Africa was chosen as the host country, he was very happy and smiled with tears of joy.

Mandela recognizes that sport can be powerful enough to help to promote reconciliation, peace and unity among nations.

Italy’s Best Soccer Players joins Pope Benedict XVI in a Bible Reading

October 29, 2008

Two of the Italy’s famous soccer players join Pope Benedict XVI in a marathon reading of the bible which will be seen on Italian national television. This will be a historical event in Vatican that a pontiff will read a chapter of the Holy Bible on television.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite or simply Kaka of AC Milan together with Nicola Legrottaglie of Juventus will be reading some chapters of the Bible as part of the marathon reading. Kaka was once nominated in 2007 as European footballer of the year.

The marathon reading will commenced on the 5th of October which will be lead by Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope will read from Genesis which is the first book in the Old Testament. The readings will be followed by many people including the cardinals, politicians, businessmen, workers and athletes.

The two Italian soccer players will be joined by many other celebrities in the movie industry.

The marathon reading will end on the 10th of October with a final reading by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State.

Guatemala Coach Resigned

October 29, 2008


Another resignation has occurred with the international soccer community. The team of Guatemala was left without a leader when Ramon Maradriaga resigned from his responsibility. Maradriaga left the team even with a good chance for Guatemala to be qualified for the World Cup.

Guatemala managed to gain five points after they were able to finish five matches which only a semi final match in Group One is remaining. Guatemala has only requires to beat Trinidad and Tobago in order to move forward ahead.

Officials of the Guatemala national soccer association have not yet disclosed on the reason of Maradriaga’s resignation as coach. There has been no decision yet as to who will lead the Guatemala team to complete their chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Government Assures Commitment for the 2010 World Cup

October 29, 2008


The whole world is on close watch with the preparation of South Africa on the 2010 World Cup. Though there have been changes in the Executive body of country, there would be no negative effect on the scheduled event.

South African President Kgalema Motlanthe assured that his governance will not in any way disrupt any on going efforts in preparation for the biggest event in the country. President Motlanthe assured the governing body of the 2010 World Cup and the whole world that the government will do all necessary steps in order to make the event a success. The President mandated several various government agencies to work hand in hand in order to ensure that all preparations and deadlines should be met for the very special event. He also calls on all citizens of South Africa to do their part for the event.

The government believes that the 2010 FIFA World Cup will bring glory to the whole African region and would surely help to elevate the status of the nation in the international community.

From Soccer to Riches

October 28, 2008

Soccer has always been the all time favorite among other sports and the best players and coaches in this sport has been receiving so much popularity as well as good fortune from the payoffs they receive.

The highest paid soccer player is David Beckham. His earnings increased to about 80% which composed of salary and endorsement contracts since he joined the LA Galaxy. This made him on top of Ronaldinho of Barcelona whose income remained at £19.2 million.

Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of the Manchester United became 3rd and 4th highest paid players. Messi’s income is £18.3 million while Ronaldo’s is £15.5 million.

Jose Mourinho is the highest paid coach with an income of £23.1 million. Next one is Fabio Capello followed by Alex Ferguson.

Here is the top list of the highest paid soccer players.
1. David Beckham - £24.7 million
2. Ronaldinho - £19.2 million
3. Lionel Messi - £18.3 million
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - £15.5 million
5. Thierry Henry - £13.4 million
6. John Terry - £11.1 million
7. Michael Ballack - £11 million
8. Ronaldo - £10.7 million
9. Kaka, Milan - £10.3 million
10. Steven Gerrard - £9.4 million

This only shows how popular the sport really is.

Free Tickets for Stadium Workers of the 2010 World Cup

October 28, 2008

As part of the preparation of South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, the official stadium to be used for the event is currently undergoing major makeover to accommodate more numbers of audiences.

South African construction workers are working hard to meet the deadline.

As part of recognizing the effort and hard work of the stadium construction workers, FIFA decided to provide each worker free two tickets for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The announcement was made by Sepp Blatter, FIFA President. Blatter said, “I have good news for the workers. We have decided, with the Local Organizing Committee, to offer about 20,000 workers two free tickets each to the stadiums where they are working. It’s a merit to the workers in recognition of their work in preparing for 2010.”

Blatter explains that the free tickets will come from the 120,000 complimentary tickets which are intended for South African residents.

Frederic Kanoute Injured

October 28, 2008

Action packed games have been on going for weeks for the battle of being qualified for the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa.

International teams clash between the best of the best just to be able to participate in the biggest on earth this 2010. Players will do whatever it takes for their team to win the matches.

In a battle against Chad for a qualifier for the World Cup, sriker Frederic Kanoute of the Sevilla had injuries which make him unfit to play for his team for three weeks. Attending physicians confirmed that the injury is serious and needs more time to cure and advice the player to stay out of the games until advised.

With Kanoute’s medical condition, Sevilla is in a very crucial situation having no striker available since other strikers including Arouna Kone, Javier Chevanton and Luis Fabiano are not available.

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