England vs France (friendly match)
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been named England captain for Wednesday’s friendly with France in Paris.
The team had 3 players David Beckham, John Terry and Steve Gerrard who have led the England team many times but Capello has decided to give Rio Ferdinand the chance to lead the side. As Ferdinand also has some experience as he is Manchester United’s captain as well.
Although Capello has named Ferdinand to lead the side against France there is no suggestion that the Manchester United star will captain England throughout their forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games.”
The teams would look like this:
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UEFA deny fixed league draw!
William Gaillard, advisor to UEFA president Michel Platini, described as a ‘ridiculous story’ claims that the Champions League draw was fixed saying ‘cheating is impossible’.
Gaillard said: “It’s a joke, a ridiculous story. What’s so impressive about some predicting these matches on an English internet site. There are only four matches. It would have been more impressive had he predicted the Champions League groups which have 32 teams.”
Gaillard added the warning of the balls in the draw was impossible. “If we heated the plastic balls, they would melt. We take them out 10 minutes before the draw during which time they would have cooled down. Any cheating is impossible.”
(Reuters)
Women’s FIFA World Cup 2011
FIFA has rejected a proposal for more teams to take part in the women’s World Cup in 2011. The number of teams will remain at 16, the same as the last three tournaments, FIFA said on Friday.
FIFA’s executive committee said having 24 countries for the tournament in Germany risked too great a difference in the quality of teams.
Another proposal for 20 teams was rejected as too difficult to arrange.
Theo Zwanziger, president of the German soccer federation, said the next step would be to decide which cities will host the 32 games.
Zwanziger: “Three to four games per city seems appropriate. I think we will be able to present our World Cup locations in the fall.”
Kewell’s Liverpool Future in jeopardy!
Harry Kewell has been told by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez that he faces an uphill battle to land a new contract at Anfield.
FIFA: Standard size pitches!
FIFA accepts proposal for standard size soccer pitches:
FIFA gas accepted a proposal to standardize the size of international soccer pitches at all new stadiums in the world.
