Infantino expects release of info from cyberattack on FIFA

Football – Inquirer Sports

Infantino expects release of info from cyberattack on FIFA

LONDON — FIFA President Gianni Infantino is braced for a release of private information gained by hackers after world soccer’s governing body said its computer network was subject to another cyberattack. The disclosure comes in the same month the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI said Russia’s military intelligence body was responsible for a […]

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Under the shadow of Asian Cup stint, Azkals taking Suzuki Cup seriously

Football – Inquirer Sports

Under the shadow of Asian Cup stint, Azkals taking Suzuki Cup seriously

The AFC Asian Cup is the bigger, more prestigious tournament, but that doesn’t mean the Philippines won’t be taking the AFF Suzuki Cup just as seriously.

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Cahill scores first Indian Super League goal

ESPN FC News

Cahill scores first Indian Super League goal

After signing for Jamshedpur earlier this year, Tim Cahill has finally found the back of the net in the Indian Super League.

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Kaya lifts first Copa Alcantara plum

Football – Inquirer Sports

Kaya lifts first Copa Alcantara plum

The ending couldn’t have been written any better for Kaya Iloilo.

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S. Korean footballer admits submitting fake records for military exemption

Football – Inquirer Sports

S. Korean footballer admits submitting fake records for military exemption

A South Korean footballer has withdrawn from playing on the national team next month after admitting he gave false community service records required for his military service exemption, the Korea Football Association said Sunday.

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Fulham 0-3 Bournemouth: Cherries win again

ESPN FC News

Fulham 0-3 Bournemouth: Cherries win again

Bournemouth arrived to Craven Cottage in a bad humor, as they dominated Fulham from start to finish to secure their third win in four games.

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Marco Silva heaps praise on Jose Mourinho ahead of Everton's trip to Manchester United

The Independent - Football

Marco Silva heaps praise on Jose Mourinho ahead of Everton's trip to Manchester United

Silva believes his team must be respectful but fearless as he seeks to improve a personal record of one win in six competitive clashes with the Manchester United manager

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Kendall Waston wants out – Are the Whitecaps in crisis?

Sportsnet.ca

Kendall Waston wants out – Are the Whitecaps in crisis?

J.J. Adams of The Province chats with Sportsnet 650 about the Whitecaps’ disappointing season, how captain Kendall Waston announced he wants to leave Vancouver, Alphonso Davies’ departure, and what fans have to look forward to next year.

[radioclip id=4280441]

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Champions League review: No Messi, no problem for Barca

Sportsnet.ca

Champions League review: No Messi, no problem for Barca

Here’s what happened on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League, in case you missed it…

READ ALL ABOUT IT

• Roundup: Barca wins without Messi, PSG leaves it late, Spurs in trouble & more

SCOREBOARD

Club Brugge 1, AS Monaco 1 || Borussia Dortmund 4, Atletico Madrid 0 || PSV Eindhoven 2, Tottenham 2 || FC Barcelona 2, Inter Milan 0 || Liverpool 4, Red Star Belgrade 0 || Paris Saint-Germain 2, Napoli 2 || Galatasaray 0, Schalke 0 || Lokomotiv Moscow 1, FC Porto 3

THE MAIN STORY

No Messi, no problem
Inter Milan visited the Camp Nou full of confidence on the heels of a dramatic 1-0 win over city rivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, to say nothing of the fact they were about to face Barcelona without Lionel Messi. The Argentine ace was forced to watch Wednesday’s proceedings from the stands after injuring his arm against Sevilla on the weekend.

But any thoughts the Italians had that they would have an easy time of it against the Catalans were immediately dashed. Save for the opening 15 minutes when Inter caused Barca problems with its high press, the hosts eventually took control of the match and never looked to be in serious danger.

There’s no denying that Messi is the centrepiece of this marvellous Barcelona side, but they have plenty of quality to beat most European teams without him. Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are top-calibre players, and they more than carried the load for the Spanish outfit as it dispatched the Italians without much trouble.

Manager Ernesto Valverde’s decision to start Rafinha in Messi’s absence proved an astute move. The Brazilian opened the scoring when he recovered the ball and then quickly led a counter-attack which he finished off by volleying home an inch-perfect cross played into the box by Suarez.

Barcelona has now won 21 of its last 27 games it’s been forced to play without Messi (with only four losses) since his debut in the competition, underlining that this is far from a one-man team.

BEST GOAL

Angel Di Maria came to PSG’s rescue deep into injury time. With the French champions looking to equalize, they swarmed in attack as they pinned Napoli deep inside its half. Julian Draxler took advantage of the space he was in and fed a pass out wide to Di Maria. The Argentine made no mistake from there, hitting a sweet curler from outside the penalty area that nestled inside the far post.

BEST MOMENT

In the 38th minute, CSKA Moscow’s Aleksei Miranchuk sped down the right flank before pulling the ball back for twin brother Anton Miranchuk, who fired a powerful shot past FC Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas to open the scoring for the Russians.

BEST GAME

It’s difficult to look beyond the 2-2 draw between Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli at the Parc des Princes, where the two sides duked it out in an attacking affair. Di Maria’s injury-time goal was just the icing on the cake.

HE SAID IT

“You need to kill the opponent when you have the opportunity. If you didn’t win this type of game, it’s so difficult to deserve to qualify [for the knockout round] in the Champions League.” – Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino

THE GAME WITHIN THE GAME

Down 1-0 to PSV on the road, Tottenham could have lost its composure and let the game get away from them, especially after having what appeared to be a tying goal ruled out for offside. Instead, the English side kept its cool and remained focused on its patient buildup play, confident that it would allow them to reap rewards. It did, as Lucas Moura equalized and Spurs went into the halftime break on level terms.

19 – There were 19 passes in the build up for Lucas Moura's equaliser against PSV, the most of any Spurs goal in their four seasons of Champions League football. Total. #PSVTOT pic.twitter.com/y8bmV0CC96

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 24, 2018

BEST TWEET

Father and son taking in the action at the Camp Nou.

"Dad, remember not to jump up when we score" pic.twitter.com/yyRFFGUIFz

— AS English (@English_AS) October 24, 2018

SIX PACK OF STATS

• Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne has scored five goals in his last seven Champions League games, two more than in his first 15 matches in the competition.

• With his goal against Club Brugge, Moussa Sylla is the second-youngest player (18 years, 10 months and 29 days) to score for AS Monaco in a Champions League game, after Kylian Mbappé (18 years, 2 months and 1 day).

• Rafinha is the 78th different player to score a Champions League goal for Barcelona, more unique goalscorers than any other club in the competition.

• FC Porto has won back-to-back games in the Champions League for the first time since November 2016.

• Mohamed Salah has scored 50 goals for Liverpool in just 65 games in all competitions.

• Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 loss away to Borussia Dortmund is the biggest defeat the club has suffered under manager Diego Simeone in all competitions.

Stats courtesy of Opta

THREE STARS

1) Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Dortmund: The 19-year-old Moroccan international collected three assists in a man-of-the-match effort for the Germans against Atletico Madrid.

2) Mohamed Salah, Liverpool: The Egyptian bagged a brace, with one of his goals coming off a smart finish as the Reds ran rampant at Anfield.

3) Hiving Lozano, PSV: The Mexican scored one goal, and drew the foul that led to Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris being sent off.

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Late goal allows PSV Eindhoven to earn draw with Tottenham

Sportsnet.ca

Late goal allows PSV Eindhoven to earn draw with Tottenham

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Captain Luuk de Jong scored a late equalizer Wednesday to salvage a 2-2 draw for PSV Eindhoven against 10-man Tottenham in the Champions League.

Tottenham had recovered from giving away a first-half goal and looked headed toward a 2-1 victory until goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was sent off in the 79th minute for fouling Hirving Lozano, who had earlier capitalized on a mistake by Toby Alderweireld to put PSV ahead.

Christian Eriksen, making his first start after a month out with an abdominal injury, was involved in the buildup for Lucas Moura’s equalizer and set up Harry Kane for Spurs’ second.

The shared points were the first for both teams in Group B following defeats to Inter Milan and Barcelona, who were playing each other later Wednesday.

After Kane put Spurs ahead, the visitors looked in control until referee Slavko Vincic showed Lloris a straight red for charging out of his penalty area and bringing down Lozano, who had broken through the Tottenham defence.

Substitute keeper Michel Vorm did well to save the resulting free kick with his first touch of the ball, but he stood no chance in the 87th minute when De Jong turned in the equalizer from close range.

Both sides badly needed a win after losing their first two matches and it was reflected in a fast, open match.

Mexico striker Lozano put PSV in front on the half hour — with a big assist from Alderweireld, who first lost the ball and then deflected Lozano’s shot into the net. But, just as against Inter Milan two weeks ago when it lost 2-1, Mark van Bommel’s team could not protect its lead.

Davinson Sanchez thought he had levelled just four minutes later, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Instead, Lucas Moura scored the equalizer in the 39th with another deflected effort. Eriksen slid a diagonal ball through the PSV defence for Kieran Trippier, who cut the ball back for Moura to finish.

Eriksen got an assist on Kane’s goal in the 55th minute, crossing from the left for the England forward to head home. Kane could have had a brace, but he headed against the bar with the match still goalless. Substitute Erik Lamela also hit the woodwork, as did Gaston Pereira for PSV.

PSV, the 1988 European champion and perfect so far this season in the Dutch Eredivisie, has failed to win any of its Champions League matches this this year, following a winless campaign last season.

Both sides had to make changes for the match at PSV Stadium. Spurs were missing the injured Dele Ali, Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen. PSV brought in winger Donyell Malen for the injured Steven Bergwijn.

It was the man returning from injury, Eriksen, who starred for Spurs, but ultimately he had to be satisfied with a draw.

Club Brugge holds Monaco to draw in Champions League

BRUGES, Belgium — Thierry Henry failed to get a winning start to his Champions League career as a coach when Club Brugge kept his Monaco to a 1-1 draw, which reduced both teams’ chances of advancing from Group A.

Henry did at least halt Monaco’s run of losses at five, but the draw leaves both teams with just one point from three games. Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid both had six points already ahead of their meeting later Wednesday.

Henry got the breakthrough he wanted when Moussa Sylla ran onto a deep ball in the 35th minute and chipped it over the onrushing goalie Karlo Letica for the opener.

But the turning point came three minutes later when Sylla had a chance to double the lead as he only had to put the ball into an empty net after swerving past Letica, but the 18-year-old could not convert.

Instead, Brugge scored one minute later when Wesley Moraes headed home a cross from midfield dynamo Hans Vanaken.

Suddenly the game was open again and both sides went for the winner in the second half, knowing that three points were needed to boost their chances of reaching knockout stage.

Henry has fond memories of the Jan Breydel Stadium, where he scored two goals in as many matches during France’s run to the Euro 2000 title, but he had to leave without a victory on Wednesday.

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FIFA proposes annual Club World Cup

Football – Inquirer Sports

FIFA proposes annual Club World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is doubling down on his Club World Cup plans with a proposal for an expanded annual tournament despite European soccer’s resistance to any competition that challenges the supremacy of the Champions League, a person with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press. The revised proposal amends an initial plan to […]

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Fire returns inside Mourinho at Man United

Football – Inquirer Sports

Fire returns inside Mourinho at Man United

MANCHESTER, England — The fire is back inside Jose Mourinho. Two weeks ago, the Manchester United manager was swearing in front of a television camera . Two days ago, he was involved in a touchline fracas at the end of a Premier League game. And on Monday, he was expressing a desire for a long […]

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Gabriele Gravina elected president of Italian soccer federation

Sportsnet.ca

Gabriele Gravina elected president of Italian soccer federation

ROME — Gabriele Gravina has been elected president of the Italian soccer federation.

The 65-year-old Gravina, a former Serie C president, was the only candidate and received 97.2 per cent of the votes at an election assembly on Monday.

Gravina says "Gabriele is one of you, someone who wants to change and relaunch Italian soccer. We will change orientation and direction."

The FIGC has been without a president since Carlo Tavecchio resigned in November after Italy’s World Cup playoff loss to Sweden.

Roberto Fabbricini was appointed emergency leader at the beginning of the year after a failed election to find a replacement.

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Everton vs Crystal Palace result: Late Marco Silva subs seal win

The Independent - Football

Everton vs Crystal Palace result: Late Marco Silva subs seal win

Everton scored two late goals to win

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Huddersfield 0-1 Liverpool: Salah goal enough

ESPN FC News

Huddersfield 0-1 Liverpool: Salah goal enough

Mohamed Salah's neat finish in the first-half proved decisive as Liverpool stumbled past a valiant Huddersfield.

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UEFA fines Manchester United, warns Mourinho for bad timekeeping

Football – Inquirer Sports

UEFA fines Manchester United, warns Mourinho for bad timekeeping

NYON, Switzerland UEFA has fined Manchester United 15,000 euros ($17,250) and warned coach Jose Mourinho after the team was late to arrive for a Champions League home game and then late for the delayed kickoff. Mourinho blamed police in Manchester for the team’s arrival at Old Trafford only 45 minutes before a scheduled kickoff against […]

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West Ham vs Tottenham: What time does it start, where can I watch it, odds, form guide and more

The Independent - Football

West Ham vs Tottenham: What time does it start, where can I watch it, odds, form guide and more

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the London Stadium

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Roma fan cleared over GBH of Liverpool fan Sean Cox, gets three years for violent disorder

ESPN FC News

Roma fan cleared over GBH of Liverpool fan Sean Cox, gets three years for violent disorder

Roma supporter Filippo Lombardi has been found not guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm to Liverpool fan Sean Cox before last season's Champions League semifinal, but was jailed for three years for "violent disorder." Cox, 53, was left in critical condition following an attack outside Anfield on April 24.  Lombardi, 21, had denied wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm following his arrest, and a jury took nine hours to deliver a not guilty verdict. He did, however, admit a separate...

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Barcelona announce 2019 summer tour to Asia

Football – Inquirer Sports

Barcelona announce 2019 summer tour to Asia

Barcelona plan to visit China and Japan as part of a pre-season tour to Asia next summer, the club announced on Tuesday. After consecutive years traveling to the United States for the International Champions Cup, Barca will return to Asia for the first time since playing a friendly in Qatar in December 2016. The trip […]

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Ronaldo rape allegation moving on 2 legal tracks in Nevada

Football – Inquirer Sports

Ronaldo rape allegation moving on 2 legal tracks in Nevada

LAS VEGAS — A lawsuit filed by a Nevada woman who claims Cristiano Ronaldo raped her nine years ago and paid her $375,000 in hush money has set in motion a two-track legal process in Las Vegas. One involves the lawsuit, which will proceed to a jury trial in civil court only if a state […]

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Usain Bolt's complaints fall on deaf ears as Australia anti-doping authority defends decision to test him

The Independent - Football

Usain Bolt's complaints fall on deaf ears as Australia anti-doping authority defends decision to test him

Bolt complained after being tested following a friendly match with Central Coast Mariners

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Not all doom and gloom for the U.S. against Colombia

ESPN FC News

Not all doom and gloom for the U.S. against Colombia

Herculez Gomez breaks down what the United States did well against Colombia and what they did bad as they prepare to face Peru on Tuesday evening.

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Canada crushes Panama to qualify for 2019 Women’s World Cup

Sportsnet.ca

Canada crushes Panama to qualify for 2019 Women’s World Cup

FRISCO, Texas — Christine Sinclair scored twice and Canada went on to secure a spot in next year’s World Cup in France with a 7-0 victory over Panama on Sunday in the semifinals of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament.

Sinclair has 177th international goals. She ranks second on the career list — among both men and women — behind former U.S. forward Abby Wambach’s record of 184 goals.

After her header in the 44th minute gave Canada its opening goal, Sinclair pumped her fist in celebration. She added another header in the 49th minute.

Adriana Leon, who came in as a sub for Sinclair in the 68th minute, also scored a pair of goals.

The United States plays Jamaica on Sunday night in the other semifinal match at Toyota Stadium. The U.S. team, ranked No. 1 in the world, is the defending champion of the sport’s premier event, having won the final in 2015 against Japan in Canada.

The final and third-place match are set for Wednesday night. The top three finishers in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship will represent the region in France, so the winners of both semifinals earn a berth. The fourth-place finisher will face Argentina in a playoff for a spot.

Canada, ranked No. 5 in the world, will make its seventh World Cup appearance. The only time Canada has missed out on the game’s premier tournament was in 1991, the event’s first year.

Panama coach Victor Daniel gave half of his starters from earlier in the tournament the night off, including 17-year-old goalkeeper Yenith Bailey, who turned heads in a 5-0 loss to the United States in the group stage. Carli Lloyd shook the teenager’s hand following a gutsy performance. Panama started Farissa Cordoba instead.

The strategy was apparently to give the starters a break in anticipation that 66th-ranked Panama will play in the third-place game, perhaps against Jamaica, and a win there can still secure a World Cup berth.

Canada had the best chances in the first half, including Allysha Chapman’s shot in the 12th minute that was just off target and hit the side of the net, before Sinclair broke through.

Jesse Fleming added another goal for Canada in the 48th minute, a short time before Sinclair’s second. Janine Beckie and Rebecca Quinn also scored before Leon’s brace. Leon has six goals in the tournament.

Diana Matheson made her 200th appearance for Canada. The midfielder has played for the national team since 2003.

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Portugal atop Nations League group after away win against Poland

ESPN FC News

Portugal atop Nations League group after away win against Poland

Poland Portugal 2 3 FT Game Details Live football odds with bet365. Bet Now » GameCast Lineups and Stats Robert Lewandowski's 100th international cap for Poland was spoiled by a come-from-behind 3-2 win by Portugal. Portugal's Bernardo Silva scored a fine individual goal as their new-look side recovered to win 3-2 away to Poland in the UEFA Nations League with an impressive performance on Thursday. Andre Silva's strike and a Kamil Glik own goal put the European champions ahead by half-time, after Krzysztof Piatek had given Poland an early lead, and Bernardo Silva then got in the act early in the second half of the League A Group 3 game. Poland substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski, making his 103rd appearance to become...

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Cleveland Browns owners exploring purchase of Columbus Crew

Sportsnet.ca

Cleveland Browns owners exploring purchase of Columbus Crew

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said Friday they are part of a group trying to buy the Columbus Crew to keep the MLS team in the city.

The group, which also includes Columbus-area investors, said in a statement it is moving forward to acquire the team, which appeared headed to Austin, Texas, after this season. A new stadium in downtown Columbus is part of the plan, although no details were provided.

The agreement also provides that Austin, whose city council had approved plans for a new, privately owned 20,000-seat stadium, will get an MLS expansion team no later than 2021.

"MLS is committed to keeping Crew SC in Columbus should we continue to make progress on these critical components and agree to key terms with the investor group," the league said in a statement.

Anthony Precourt, the San Francisco-based investor who owns the Crew, had courted Austin for a potential move since last year, contending that the team was no longer financially viable in Columbus without bigger crowds and a new stadium. Precourt and Richard Suttle, the Austin lobbyist who helped negotiate terms of a stadium deal there, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

In Columbus, the announcement touched off wild celebrations among Crew fans, who had been working to save the team since Precourt made his plans public last year.

"This is truly a historic moment," said David Miller, a spokesman for the Save the Crew group. "Over the last year, we’ve proven that a community of invested individuals has the power to make a big difference."

Everyone involved acknowledged that there are many details still to be worked out. The league’s statement said that success for the Crew in Columbus will require "strong local partners, long-term corporate support, a strong season ticket base and long-term plans for a stadium, practice facilities and associated sites."

The MLS expressed its commitment to expand to Austin, saying "regardless of any scenario in Columbus, there is a clear path forward for (Precourt) to operate Austin FC as a Major League Soccer club."

Austin is the largest metropolitan area in the country without a major league sports franchise.

"What a wonderful win/win/win solution!" Austin Mayor Steve Adler said. "The MLS commissioner and Anthony Precourt both reaffirm that Austin will have major league soccer opening the 2021 season in the new, McKalla stadium."

Ohio and Columbus officials had sued Precourt and MLS to stop or slow down the move. Ohio law requires teams that use tax-supported facilities and accept state financial assistance to give six months’ notice and give local investors a chance to buy the team. The law was enacted after the NFL’s Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996.

The Haslams, owners of the Browns since 2012, are still seeking on-the-field success in Cleveland. Their tenure in Cleveland has included numerous coaching and front-office changes as the Browns have been one of the league’s worst teams for several years.

Cleveland became just the second franchise to lose all 16 games last season, when the Haslams again swept out most of their management team but retained coach Hue Jackson despite his 1-31 record over two seasons. They brought in former Kansas City general manager John Dorsey to handle personnel, and the Browns are already showing major improvement this season.

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Former UEFA president Platini files lawsuit in France in FIFA case

Sportsnet.ca

Former UEFA president Platini files lawsuit in France in FIFA case

PARIS — Convinced he was the victim of a plot, former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a lawsuit in France in a bid to prove that former FIFA officials conspired to get him banned from soccer.

Platini’s communications team told The Associated Press on Friday that the former France great has filed the suit. The Le Monde newspaper reported that Platini filed a complaint for "slanderous denunciation" and "criminal conspiracy to commit the offence of slanderous denunciation."

Platini was banned by FIFA in 2015 for financial misconduct in relation to a $2 million payment authorized by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter. In May, Swiss federal prosecutors confirmed he was not being charged in an investigation into possible financial wrongdoing. Since September 2015, he had the status of "between a witness and an accused person" in criminal proceedings opened against Blatter.

Platini wants to find out how the information about the payment was submitted to Swiss prosecutors, and believes it was the result of an internal leak as part of a strategy aimed at preventing him from being elected FIFA president.

Platini’s lawyer, William Bourdon, told the AP that French justice officials have opened a preliminary investigation into the case. A judicial official with knowledge of the case said Platini’s lawsuit is currently "being analyzed." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

He said the $2 million payment for Platini’s work as a presidential adviser for Blatter from 1998-2002 was "regular and transparent whereas some have pretended to acknowledge the idea that it was a baseless and hidden remuneration."

"There are strong indications of a conspiracy aimed at bringing down Michel Platini," Bourdon said.

According to Le Monde, former FIFA legal head Marco Villiger, former FIFA audit and compliance committee chairman Domenico Scala and Blatter are suspected by Platini of orchestrating his fall.

"These three names are among a group of persons who should be heard," Bourdon said.

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Paco Alcacer strikes twice as Spain tear through Wales in friendly

The Independent - Football

Paco Alcacer strikes twice as Spain tear through Wales in friendly

Wales 1-4 Spain: The visitors did the damage in the first 29 minutes with Paco Alcácer scoring either side of a Sergio Ramos header

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Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani calls for breakaway league as he criticises 'unhealthy' Championship model

The Independent - Football

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani calls for breakaway league as he criticises 'unhealthy' Championship model

Radrizzani argued that the current financial set-up is unsustainable as he lamented against Premier League parachute payments as well as an imbalance in TV rights deals

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Bolt to get start in trial game for football club in Australia

Football – Inquirer Sports

Bolt to get start in trial game for football club in Australia

GOSFORD, Australia — Usain Bolt says his performance in a trial game on Friday could determine his future with the Central Coast Mariners in Australia’s A-League and his quest to play professional football. The eight-time Olympic sprinting champion is expected to start for the Mariners against a Macarthur South West United team in western Sydney. […]

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Rooney calls on Man United players to ‘stand up’

Football – Inquirer Sports

Rooney calls on Man United players to ‘stand up’

Wayne Rooney has called on Manchester United’s players to stand up and be counted, saying that manager Jose Mourinho is an easy target for the club’s troubles. United battled back from two goals down to beat Newcastle 3-2 at the weekend but are languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, seven points off top […]

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Mbappe making case for Ballon d’Or with four-goal game

Football – Inquirer Sports

Mbappe making case for Ballon d’Or with four-goal game

PARIS — Three months removed from scoring in the World Cup final and still three months shy of his 20th birthday, Kylian Mbappe is already a serious title contender for the Ballon d’Or award as the best soccer player in the world. The Paris Saint-Germain striker helped his case over the weekend, becoming the youngest […]

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Amid rape case, Ronaldo asks for space to celebrate goal

Football – Inquirer Sports

Amid rape case, Ronaldo asks for space to celebrate goal

UDINE, Italy — Cristiano Ronaldo asked his Juventus teammates to leave him alone. For all that he’s embroiled in — accused of rape nine years ago — the soccer superstar wanted some space so he could celebrate his goal on Saturday all by himself in front of a TV camera. He leaped into the air […]

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Man United 3-2 Newcastle: Sanchez completes stunning comeback

ESPN FC News

Man United 3-2 Newcastle: Sanchez completes stunning comeback

Manchester United produced a dazzling second-half performance to come back from 2-0 down to give a vulnerable Jose Mourinho a memorable win.

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PFF issues check to cover unliquidated accounts

Football – Inquirer Sports

PFF issues check to cover unliquidated accounts

The Philippine Football Federation issued a check worth P4,882,602.71 on Sept. 14 to cover all its unliquidated accounts with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) dating back to 1996.

The post PFF issues check to cover unliquidated accounts appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

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Ronaldo ready to play for Juventus amid rape allegation

Football – Inquirer Sports

Ronaldo ready to play for Juventus amid rape allegation

TURIN, Italy— Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to play in Saturday’s Italian league match at Udinese despite a rape allegation against him in the United States. Allegri says Ronaldo “is doing well” and that he is “ready to return to action.” A lawsuit was filed last week in Nevada by Kathryn […]

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Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan stay perfect in Europa League

Sportsnet.ca

Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan stay perfect in Europa League

Former Real Madrid and Juventus striker Alvaro Morata ended a miserable spell of form with the only goal of the game on Thursday as Chelsea recorded its second straight 1-0 victory in the Europa League, against plucky Hungarian side Vidi.

Elsewhere, substitute Patrick Cutrone netted twice in nine minutes to lift AC Milan to a 3-1 comeback triumph at home to Olympiakos, while teenage forward Emile Smith Rowe scored his first senior goal as Arsenal made the most of its longest-ever trip for a European game by winning 3-0 at Qarabag.

Like Chelsea, Milan and Arsenal, last year’s semifinalist Salzburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Zurich, Sporting, Frankfurt, Krasnodar and Dinamo Zagreb also made it two victories from two group games.

Arsenal’s Armenia forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan was one of three players who didn’t make the 4,000-kilometer (2,486-mile) trip to the Azerbaijan capital of Baku.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are in a territorial dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Mkhitaryan also skipped a trip to Azerbaijan three years ago when he was playing for Borussia Dortmund, with the German club citing security concerns.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery said Mkhitaryan “cannot travel here.” It’s not clear what will happen if the team reaches the final in Baku.

Here’s a look at Thursday’s games:

MORATA ON TARGET

Spain forward Morata scored his first goal since August, and only his second of the season, when he swept the ball in from close range following a header from Brazil playmaker Willian, to earn Chelsea maximum points against Vidi.

Substitute Ross Barkley then almost made it 2-0 when his header hit the crossbar a few minutes later.

Chelsea dominated but Vidi defended stoutly and occasionally threatened on the counter attack, forcing two stunning saves from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in front of the watching Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

“I’m really very happy for Morata,” Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said. “It’s very important for him to play for the team like he did this evening. He has to take confidence from his performance.”

With three goals early on, PAOK Thessaloniki cruised to a 4-1 win at BATE Borisov.

BATE and PAOK trail Group L leader Chelsea by three points.

MILAN FIGHTS BACK

Boosted by a 4-1 victory at Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday and with forward Gonzalo Higuain returning from injury, seven-time European Cup champion AC Milan looked strong in the opening stages against Olympiakos and had an offside goal disallowed early on.

Miguel Angel Guerrero gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute with a deflected header.

Milan then wasted some chances before Ricardo Rodriguez crossed for Cutrone to head the equalizer with 20 minutes to go. Higuain’s low shot put the Italian club 2-1 up and Cutrone tapped in his second goal from close range in the 79th.

Milan leads Group F with six points, two ahead of Real Betis, which scored three goals in the second half to ease past Luxembourg newcomer Dudelange 3-0.

ARSENAL NINE RESTED

Emery followed the example of predecessor Arsene Wenger by resting nine front-line players in Baku.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who netted twice in the opening 4-2 victory over Vorskla, didn’t travel due to illness, while Aaron Ramsey stayed at home for family reasons.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos scored the first goal after four minutes when Nacho Monreal headed the ball on from a corner. The 18-year-old Smith Rowe and Matteo Guendouzi then struck in the second half.

Sporting rallied to win 2-1 at Ukraine’s Vorskla to join Arsenal atop Group E with six points.

LAZIO PAIR SENT OFF

Lazio’s Dusan Basta and Joaquin Correa were sent off in their team’s 4-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Basta received a second yellow card at the end of the first half, while Correa was dismissed for a challenge on Jonathan de Guzman in the 58th minute.

Danny da Costa (2), Luka Jovic and Filip Kostic were on target for Eintracht, with Marco Parolo replying for Lazio.

A late goal from Emilio Zelaya salvaged a 2-2 draw for Apollon Nicosia at home to Marseille after last year’s runner-up had led 2-0.

Eintracht tops Group H with six points, three more than Lazio.

OTHER GROUPS

Sevilla lost 2-1 at Krasnodar in Group J. The most successful club in Europa League history went ahead after Charles Kabore’s own goal but the Russian side rallied thanks to Mauricio Pereyra and Tornike Okriashvili.

Bayer Leverkusen came from a goal down to defeat AEK Larnaca 4-2 and is tied atop Group A on six points with Zurich, which edged Ludogorets 1-0.

In Group B, Salzburg came from a goal down against Celtic to win 3-1 and now leads the way on six points. The Scottish champion is tied in second place on three with Leipzig, which won 3-1 at Rosenborg.

Dinamo Zagreb upset host Anderlecht 2-0 to dominate Group D with six points.

Rennes had to travel even further than Arsenal, 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles), to Kazakhstan’s Astana and suffered a 2-0 defeat in Group K.

Rangers, managed by former England midfielder Steven Gerrard, won 3-1 at home to Rapid Vienna with two goals from Alfredo Morelos and a penalty by James Tavernier. Also in Group G, Spartak Moscow drew 3-3 with Villarreal.

Newcomer Sarpsborg beat Genk 3-1 in Group I to claim its first Europa League victory.

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Sportsnet.ca

Oct 3 Champions League

The post Soccer appeared first on Sportsnet.ca.

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