UEFA Defends Europa League Final Venue

UEFA has defended its decision to host the Europa League final at St Jakob-Park, which has a capacity of 35,000.

The home of Swiss club FC Basel will become the second smallest venue to host the competition’s final when Liverpool face Sevilla there on 18 May.

The executive committee of European football’s governing body made its decision in September 2014.

“Of course, it is impossible to predict in advance which clubs will reach the final,” UEFA said on its website.

“Europe’s largest stadiums are usually selected to host the Champions League final, and UEFA tends to select slightly smaller, top-quality venues for the Europa League final.

“This means UEFA can give more of its national associations an opportunity to host a club final, and gives fans across Europe the chance to experience a major final in their home nation.”

Liverpool have been allocated 10,236 tickets for the final, with Sevilla given a similar amount.

An additional 8,000 went on general sale, with the remainder taken by the local organising committee, national associations, commercial partners, broadcasters and the corporate hospitality programme.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, whose side overturned a first-leg deficit to beat Villarreal in the semi-finals, said he could find “30 million people who want to see the game”.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to play this final but we cannot change the stadium so we cannot think about this,” he said.

“I have been to Basel one or two times, it is a wonderful stadium and a wonderful city.

“It is even worth going there without having a ticket for the game to be around the stadium and enjoy yourself and enjoy life as a Liverpool supporter.”

However, the club has urged supporters who do not have a ticket not to travel to the Swiss city for the final.

BBC

UEFA Defends Europa League Final Venue

Manchester City Stars Ready to Make History

Fernando says Manchester City ‘s players are ready to “write our names in history” tonight when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

Brazilian midfielder Fernando will be charged with the task of anchoring City’s midfield, along with compatriot Fernandinho, the pair facing the challenge of thwarting Cristiano Ronaldo and his marauding Real team-mates.

But Fernando believes City are capable of pulling off a shock by overhauling favourites Real over the two legs of their semi-final and reaching the final at Milan’s San Siro on May 28.

Fernando in action for Manchester City

“It’s a great competition, the best in the world, and we have reached the semi-finals,” said Fernando. “So we want to do our best and try to reach the final, to write our name in history.

“It’s a competition in which every player wants to play, and one everyone wants to win, so I’m pleased to be here.

“It will be difficult against Real Madrid but we also have great players who are in a good moment, and I hope we can surprise them at home and then go and have a great game in Madrid as well.

“The crowd made a great difference against PSG and we hope on Tuesday they can push us through this time as well.”

Fernando has emerged as a key man for City in recent months and has forged an impressive midfield partnership with Fernandinho, providing the platform for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Sergio Aguero to flourish.

Manchester City Stars Ready to Make History

Atletico Madrid Eliminates Barcelona

Atletico Madrid knocked holders Barcelona out of the Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate victory after Antoine Griezmann’s double secured a 2-0 second-leg win at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday.

Atleti edged ahead when Griezmann headed past Marc-Andre ter Stegen on 36 minutes, and the Frenchman added a second from the penalty spot two minutes from time after Andres Iniesta’s handball.

Barcelona were denied a late penalty themselves when Iniesta’s shot appeared to strike Gabi Fernandez on the arm in the box, but referee Nicola Rizzoli awarded a free-kick, which Lionel Messi curled over.

Atletico Madrid, who eliminated Barca at the same stage of the competition two seasons ago, join Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid in the last four, with the draw set to take place in Nyon on Friday.

Atletico Madrid Eliminates Barcelona

Photos: PSG Arrive Ahead of Champions League Return leg

Paris Saint-Germain touched down in England on Monday ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Star of the show Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the rest of the PSG cast landed in Manchester and are pictured arriving at the Lowry Hotel, a favourite stopover of City’s rivals United.

With the Champions League quarter-final poised at 2-2, Laurent Blanc’s side must score at the Etihad to ensure progression to the semi-finals.

Photos: PSG Arrive Ahead of Champions League Return leg

UEFA Europa League: Liverpool Get Dortmund After United Elimination

The quarter finals of the UEFA Europa league draw has been held in Nyon and Jurgen Klopp led Liverpool’s reward for eliminating bitter rivals, Manchester United is a quarter final clash tie against his former side and Bundesliga giants, BVB Dortmund.

Dortmund did the double over premier league club, Tottenham Hotspurs with a 5-1 aggregate score and will be in buoyant mood facing another English premier league in the 1/8th round.

Klopp left the Signal Iduna in the summer of 2014/15 after leading the side to a 6th placed finish after winning two consecutive league titles and can surely expect a warm reception going back ‘home’.

Reigning champions, Sevilla had a Spanish opponent in Ahtletico Bilbao as the defense of the trophy continues in the round of 1/8.

The other pairings pulled some interesting encounters as Braga play Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk while La Liga side Villarreal were drawn against Sparta Prague.

The ties will take place on April 7 and 14.

UEFA Europa League: Liverpool Get Dortmund After United Elimination

Manchester United & Liverpool Charged By UEFA

Manchester United and Liverpool have been charged by UEFA following crowd trouble during the Europa League last-16 second leg at Old Trafford.

Rival fans were seen fighting in the stands, seats were thrown and flares were lit at Thursday’s 1-1 draw, during which five men were arrested.

Both clubs have been charged with crowd disturbances and throwing of objects.

Liverpool, who won 3-1 on aggregate, have been charged with illicit chants and the setting off of fireworks.

The case will be heard by UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body on 19 May, the day after the Europa League final in Basel.

Before Thursday’s match, police had to remove a banner on the M602 motorway in Salford designed to taunt Liverpool fans heading to Old Trafford.

United were not punished by UEFA after some of their fans sang offensive Hillsborough disaster chants during the first leg at Anfield.

Credit: BBC

Manchester United & Liverpool Charged By UEFA

Photos: Arsenal Train Ahead Of Barcelona Clash

English Premier league club, Arsenal have fine tuned their preparations towards their highly impossible task of overturning a 0-2 first leg deficit to Barcelona of Spain in their UEFA champions league clash on Wednesday.

Arsenal failed to register a goal in the first tie as Lionel Messi bagged a brace to virtually end the Gunners hope of making it beyond the round of 16 for the first time in over a decade.

Arsene Wenger and his beleaguered players will look to put in a better showing than their last outing in the FA cup 1-2 home defeat to Watford.

See photos of the Gunners train before enplaning to Catalunya, Spain for the second leg tie.

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Arsenal prepare for Barcelona UCL clash

Photos: Arsenal Train Ahead Of Barcelona Clash

Nana Akwasi Asare Misses Out On Belgium League Trophy

Ghanaian defender Nana Akwasi Asare painfully missed out on the Belgium Pro League trophy after a dramatic final day 1-1 at Charleroi.

The Gent centre back lasted full 90 minutes for the championship chasing side but could not power his side for the much needed three points on a dramatic final day showdown.

Gent headed into the last round of fixtures two points behind table topping Club Brugge but could do little to usurp their eventual champions after been held by Chaleroi.

Club Brugge mastered ten impressive wins in the last eleven fixtures to unseat Gent at the top of the log and capped their deadly form with a vital away triumph at OH Leuvron.

Jose Vossen struck on 65 minutes to all but confirm the championship for Brugge.

Gent missed out on the Belgium cup final showdown after falling at the semis to same Brugge side and saw their UEFA Champions league hope dashed at the Volwaken Arena in Germany at the last eight stages.

Gent needed an equalizer from Brecht Dejagere to force a 1-1 in their quest for the three points that could have won them the 2015/16 Belgium Pro League Championship.

Asare played 28 of the 30 league fixtures for Gent to add to his 14 other cup matches in a hugely involving but trophy less campaign.

Nana Akwasi Asare Misses Out On Belgium League Trophy

Nana Asare Returs But Fails To Assist Gent

Ghanaian defender Nana Akwasi Asare made his come back from suspension for table topping Gent on Friday as they handed their title advantage to back to Club Brugge.

The 30 year old centre back returned to the starting XI for the title chasing Gent but could not prevent them from dropping valuable points at home to OH Leuvron in the Belgium Pro League.

Gent came back from a goal down to snatch a point at home to OHL and could end the day behind second place Club Brugge if the latter can get the better of relegation struggling SInt-Tridin.

Belgian forward Leandro Tosaard dented Gent’s title hopes when he opened the scoring for OHL seven minutes into the second half of their clash at the Ghelamco Arena, Gent.

The leaders however responded through a powerful response from Mbark Bousoufa with just over 20 minutes to play but could not find that much needed second goal of the night.

The visitors were later reduced to ten men when Rudy Ria received his marching off orders with six minutes to go.

Gent had a last gap winner disallowed for infringement and now leads the log with just one point ahead of Club Brugge encounter with Sint-Tridin.

A win for Brugge will send the second place side on top ahead of next weekend deciding matches in the last round of matches in the Belgian Pro League.

Nana Asare Returs But Fails To Assist Gent

Duncan Features In AS Sassoulo"s Win Over Lazio

Ghanaian midfielder Alfred Duncan proved crucial for Sassoulo as they earned a vital away win over Lazio in the Italian Serie A.

The 22 year old defensive midfielder stamped his authority on the game to steer his side past SS Lazio at the dreaded Stadio Olympico.

Duncan had his 24th appearance for Sassoulo that has lost just three matches all season in the Serie A.

The defensive midfielder played a crucial role for Eusebia DI Francisco’s visitors at the noisy Olympico in a fully deserved 0-2 triumph on Monday night.

Goals from Domenico Berradi and Gregory Defrel won the points for the high flying visitors as they chase a European slot at the end of the season.

Duncan has been an ever present fixture for the seventh place Sassoulo as they continue to cause upsets in the Italian top flight.

Duncan Features In AS Sassoulo"s Win Over Lazio

European Heavy Weights On The Heels Of Lawrence Atti.

Ghana Youth International Lawrence Atti Ziggi is at the centre of transfer tussle among a number of top European clubs ahead of a potential switch.

The Austria based custodian has been in stupendous form for his side all season and his performances have come to the notice of the top notch European clubs who are bent on landing the 19 year old lanky shot stopper.

Atti passed through the ranks of Red Bulls before heading to Austria for a career development deal with Liefereing where he has since won the hearts of many fans and coaches alike.

The Black Satellites custodian has been tipped by many clubs as the next generation of goal keepers are bent on snatching him under the grip of Liefering.

Atti Ziggi sold himself to the football world with stylish goalkeeping for the Ghana Black Satellites at the 2015 FIFA World Youth Championship despite the indifferent form of Sellas Tetteh’s side.

“I have received many offers from a number of top European clubs but I just want to continue with my development with Leifering for now.

“I am enjoying my time with Liefering for now and will not leave as at now but I can confirm I have had multiple bids from across Europe for my services.

“This is football and I my performances is duly getting people aware of my goal keeping heroics for now”, Lawrence Atti told sports crusader.” He stated.

European Heavy Weights On The Heels Of Lawrence Atti.

Acheampong"s Brace Powers Anderlecht Into Europa Last 16

Ghanaian striker Frank Acheampong extended his fine scoring form in 2016 with a brace to usher Anderlecht into the last 16 of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Europa League.

The 22 year Ghana international dragged his Belgium side single handedly into the knockouts stages with two stupendous stikes in extra times as Anderlecht progressed into the last 16 stage.

Olympiacos Greece international Konstantinos Fortunis shot the home side into a 30 minute lead to level the tie at 1-1 after a first leg deficit in Belgium.

Anderlect however held on for the remaining one hour forcing the game into extra time when their Ghanaian winger came to their rescue.

Acheampong pulled parity on the night 13 minutes into first half extra time with a powerful finish before killing the tie with his second if the night nine minutes to go.

The brace tallied his goal returns to 6 in 25 now after scoring 1 in the first 21.

Acheampong"s Brace Powers Anderlecht Into Europa Last 16

The Sports Crusader Team of the Week is an initiative introduced by the fastest growing sports web portal in Ghana to demonstrate how Ghanaian players perform for their various clubs abroad.

To set the records straight, as we have always done, players are selected based on the following criteria:

1. The Coefficient of the league they play

2. The competition they are in (If they are not playing league matches)

3. Consistency

4. The competition they face from other players playing for the same position.

5. The positions they play

6. The number of minutes played in the game, and

7. The contribution of the player to the success of the game.

In the absence of Premier league matches on English soil, the Ayew brothers failed to make the grade for the sports crusader team of the week after several weeks of making the list.

Rejuvenated Baba Rahman walked straight into the starting XI after an impressive performance for Chelsea in their 5-1 mauling of Manchester City in the FA Cup. The 21 year old Black Stars full back joins a trio of Nana Asare, Dennis Appiah and former Kumasi Asante wing back Samuel Inkoom at the heart of defence.

Godfred Donsah and Alhassan Wakasu team up in a double pivot central midfield that has Frank Acheampong and Agyemang Badu bombing forward on the flanks.

Donsah pocket the scary Juventus midfeilders with ease as Bologna halted the champions run of 16 straight wins in Serie A.

An attacking duo of Emmanuel Boateng and Abdul Majeed look set to extend their scoring run after each finding the back of the net over the weekends. Majeed Waris capped his return to the senior side of Lorient with a quick fire brace to earn his place in the SCTOTW.

Below is the Crusader Team of the Week and the number of minutes each player played.

1. ADAM LARSON KWARASEY- PORTLAND TIMBERS

2. SAMUEL INKOOM- 90’ ANTALAYASPOR

3. BABA RAHMAN-90’ CHELSEA

4. NANA AKWASI ASARE- 73’ GENT

5. DENNIS APPIAH- 90’ CAEN

6. GODFRED DONSAH-90’ BOLOGNA

7. FRANK ACHEAMPONG- 75’ ANDERLECHT

8. ALHASSAN WAKASU- 90’ RIO AVES

9. ABDUL MAJEED WARIS- 90’ LORIENT(C)

10. EMMANUEL BOATENG

11. EMMANUEL AGYEMANG BADU- 90’ UDINESE

RESERVES

12. RASHID SUMAILA – 90’ AL QADISIA

13. ALFRED DUNCAN -90’ SASSOULO

14. MOHAMMED ABUBAKARI- 90’ BK HACKEN

15. PRINCE BUABEN- 90’ HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN

16. GIDEON JUNG- 90 HSV HAMBURG

17. LAWRENCE LARTEY- 87’ AJAX CAPE TOWN

18. ISAAC COFFIE- 30’ CARPI

Draxler"s Brace Put Nana Asare On The Brink Of UEFA Champions League Elimination

Ghanaian defender Nana Akwasi Asare hopes of lifting the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions league look set to end in tatters after a home reverse in the knock out stages of the tournament.

The 30 year old centre back lasted the full throttle in a five goal thriller but could end his European campaign if they fail to avenge the defeat in Gent.

VFL Wolsburg inflicted a painful 2-3 home defeat on Gent to put themselves in a pole position ahead of the second leg in at the Wolvaken Arena.

Manager Hein Vanhaez handed Nana Asare his 32nd appearance of the season in a highly involving season for the veteran centre back.

The former Utrecht utility defender however could not prevent the German side from putting themselve into a commanding 0-3 lead thanks to a brace from Julian Draxler and thunder bolt from Max Krussa before the hour mark.

Gent pulled one back through Svens Kums before a late strike from Coulibally toned down the gravity of the work for the home side ahead of the trip to journey.

Gent will have to outscore the Wolves by two clear goals to seal a place in the last eight of Europe’s top club competition.

Draxler"s Brace Put Nana Asare On The Brink Of UEFA Champions League Elimination

Inspirational Nana Asare Reinstate Gent To The Top Spot In Belgium.

Ghanaian defender Nana Akwasi Asare revived the ailing title hopes of Gent as they returned to the top spot in Belgium.

The 30 year old centre back powered Gent past Mouscoron to go three clear points of Clubbe Brugge with four games to go.

Gent, saw their six point lead at the top of the Belgium top flight vanished like magic spray and has been relegated to the second spot in the crucial title run in.

The ace defender lasted the entire 90 minutes for the unconvincing Gent at home to Mouscoron in a hard fought 2-0 win.

Nana Asare proved pivotal at both ends of the pitch as he added attacking responsibilities to his defensive contribution.

Gent needed two very late goals in the last five minutes to ease their way past an unfortunate and a spirited Mouscoron side that played the last four minutes with 10 men after the dismissal of Noe Dussle on 86.

Belgian giant forward Mbark Bousoufa opened the scoring on 85 minutes before a 90th minute powerful strike from Daniel Millisevic returned Gent to the top of the log ahead of Brugge trip to Oostende on Sunday.

Inspirational Nana Asare Reinstate Gent To The Top Spot In Belgium.

26 Countries Will Disobey CAF - Bility

At least 26 African countries will defy their continental confederation and not vote for Sheikh Salman of Bahrain in the FIFA presidential election, the outspoken head of the Liberia football federation said on Monday.

Musa Bility, who himself failed an integrity check to stand in the Feb. 26 election, said he had spoken to representatives of nearly half of Confederation of African Football members.

“Let me tell you” they won’t back Salman, Bility told The Associated Press.

Liberia Football Association president Bility also said he had sent a letter to the head of FIFA’s election committee demanding he step down over a “conflict of interest.” Domenico Scala should resign because he has the same Swiss nationality as one of the candidates, UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino, Bility said.

“None of the admitted candidates has raised this matter to date, which makes it evident that Mr. Scala’s impartiality is not put in question by any of them,” FIFA ad-hoc election committee spokesman Andreas Bantel said.

On Friday, Sheikh Salman, the Asian Football Confederation president, was publicly endorsed in the FIFA election by CAF, apparently a major boost to his chances. CAF urged its 54 member countries to vote for the Bahraini royal.

Africa, with the largest number of voting members out of the continental confederations, is set to be a significant battleground in the vote.

But Bility’s comments followed assertions by some of Salman’s rival candidates that an endorsement by CAF’s executive committee does not translate into widespread support among the confederation’s member countries.

“As a nation we have the right [to vote for who we want],” Bility said on Monday. “Our rights are not tied with the rights of the executive committee of CAF.”

Bility’s association announced in the hours after CAF’s public show of support for Sheikh Salman that it would instead be voting for Prince Ali of Jordan. Prince Ali said Egypt had also promised him its vote, while South Sudan declared its support for Infantino.

There are five candidates in the running to succeed Sepp Blatter. Salman, Infantino, Ali, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne of France and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale. Salman and Infantino appear to be the strongest contenders.

 

Source: AP

26 Countries Will Disobey CAF - Bility

CAF Sign Memorandum Of Understanding With AFC

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are set to grow closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards the development of football in the two confederations.

The MoU which will be valid for four (4) years and open to renewal is to strengthen cooperation between the two confederations and provide a framework for exchanges on competitions and formation.

This will be achieved through the sharing of information, experience, initiating high level competitions, conducting joint technical development programs in various fields such as: Coaching, Refereeing, Youth football, Women’s football, Integrity, Administration, Marketing, Media and Innovative technologies.

CAF President Issa Hayatou said “the signing of MOU is not new in the long existing relationship between two confederations. Such partnerships have linked us in the past through several exchanges and through competitions and high level matches.

“Today we are here to re-launch a cooperation that will be beneficial to the two Confederations after several months of work. The first four years will strengthen, intensify cooperation and strengthen the capacity of various stakeholders in Africa and Asia. This is an opportunity that will further contribute to African football development”.

On his part, AFC President, Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said “this is indeed a memorable day when our two great confederations come together in the spirit of friendship and co-operation.

“Africa and Asia are two great continents. Two great football continents who have made a dramatic impact on the global football stage in this century. Both of us have aspirations and expectations of staging future tournaments not only the World Cup but also in women and age group competitions.

“Now this agreement will lay a permanent foundation to this great progress – it will under pin this development by our great two confederations.

Both Confederations recognise the benefits of formalising our existing ties. The agreement will deliver a legacy of not just sporting but also cultural, social and educational benefits for both continents.

“In this agreement we will be sharing information and experiences as well as developing high level competitions and joint development programmes”.

CAF President Hayatou, and his AFC counterpart signed the MoU of mutual co-operation on development of football on behalf the two confederations, assisted by Hicham El Amrani, General Secretary of CAF and Dato’ Windsor John, General Secretary of the AFC.

Source: CAF.

CAF Sign Memorandum Of Understanding With AFC

Sleeping In Same Hotel With Mandela Is Not A Campaign Message - Nyantakyi To Sexwale

The Confederation of Africa Football Executive Committee member, Kwesi Nyantakyi has told FIFA presidential aspirant Tokyo Sexwale his hymns that he slept in the same hotel with former South Africa president Nelson Mandela is not a campaign message to win him the president of the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA.

Tokyo Sexwale 62, is a South Africa multimillionaire who has served as Chairman of a football team in Island and rugby secretary in Rubin Island was in Accra to canvass for votes from members of the West Africa Football Union zone B.

But the Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi says after previously listening to him during a CAF Exco meeting, believes he has no chance of making to the submit on February 26.

“We have listened the messages from to all the candidates and we know what each of them is bringing on board and who shares our vision,” Nyantakyi said on Happy FM.

“From what i have heard from them, you can read that some know what their saying and are committed to the course.  But others like Tokyo Sexwale is just passing through,” he noted.

“He came to one of our executive committee meetings at CAF and all his campaign messages were that; I was the rugby secretary at Robin Island, I was the chairman of the football team at Robin Island, I slept in the same hotel room with (Nelson) Mandela at the Robin Island and so on.

“It is funny because those things are not enough to win you the FIFA presidency.”

Nyantakyi believe he is fsr competent that Sexwale.

“As for Sexwale, I can say I’m even experienced and competent than him.”

Sleeping In Same Hotel With Mandela Is Not A Campaign Message - Nyantakyi To Sexwale

FIFA Sack Jerome Valcke

The employment relationship between FIFA and Valcke has also been terminated.

Jerome Valke who has been the General Secretary of the World Football governing body was relieved off his duties after the Ethics Committee of the Association found him guilty of wrongdoing.

Though he denied, the association cracked the whip and terminated their relationship with the Frenchman.

A statement from the football body reads:

“Valcke was provisionally released from his duties as secretary general on 17 September 2015, and on 7 January 2016, formal adjudicatory proceedings were opened against him by the adjudicatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee chaired by Hans-Joachim Eckert.

“The provisional suspension imposed on Jerome Valcke on 8 October 2015 and extended on 6 January 2016 continues to be valid.

“The duties of the secretary general will continue to be assumed by the Acting Secretary General, Dr Markus Kattner.”

Valcke boss,Joseph Sepp Blatter was banned from all football related activities for eight years.

FIFA Sack Jerome Valcke