A week or so ago it was acknowledged that the six most powerful team sports in Europe were knocking on the door of the European Union asking that they rethink their position on sport.
It should have come as no surprise as UEFA, along with the governing bodies of rugby, volleyball, basketball and ice hockey, announced just over a year ago that they would be joining forces in response to what they saw as “a very timid and indecisive attitude” taken in an EU White Paper on Sport that was issued in the summer of 2007.
While recognizing the vast array of problems facing sports within the European Union the White Paper offered no solution other than essentially maintaining the status quo of civil courts ruling on contentious matters – the same system that has brought about the problems facing sport in Europe today.
And there lies the key problem – without sport being viewed as as special case and not subject to the the laws and rules governing normal businesses we are destined to see an even larger gulf between rich and poor, an even greater degree of competitive imbalance and the paradox of a sport awash with money and slowly dying.
It is not as if UEFA and European Union politicians do not recognize the problem and in some cases agree on the solution. Almost a decade ago there was the Nice Declaration which accepted the beneficial qualities of sport and why sport should be treated differently. The benefit of sport to society in general was highlighted and it was stressed that sport as a business should be a secondary consideration.
"The European Council has noted the report on sport submitted to it by the European Commission in Helsinki in December 1999 with a view to safeguarding current sports structures and maintaining the social function of sport within the European Union. Sporting organizations and the Member States have a primary responsibility in the conduct of sporting affairs. Even though not having any direct powers in this area, the Community must, in its action under the various Treaty provisions, take account of the social, educational and cultural functions inherent in sport and making it special, in order that the code of ethics and the solidarity essential to the preservation of its social role may be respected and nurtured."
Fine words indeed but the declaration has never been ratified and it stands only as a testament to good intentions but no action. The Declaration came only four years after a EU court brought down the Bosman ruling which allowed players to move freely at the end of the contract.
The ruling, combined with an unprecedented inflow of cash to some teams through domestic television deals and Champions League money, has brought unprecedented wealth to a minority of players, agents and opportunistic owners ready to sell to any passing billionaire.
However, it is also brought unsustainable debt levels to many clubs regarded as the elite as well as those trying to stay competitive. It has also brought the risk of financial ruin to clubs that have spent heavily but found that they have missed out on a place in the Champions League or have been relegated. Only the most myopic amongst us can fail to see that soccer in its present form in Europe is operating under an unsustainable business model.
And it is an issue that has worldwide implications. We may be talking about Europe but because football in that part of the world generates more money than any other Federation the reality is that FIFA cannot impose global standards and regulations without ensuring that they will pass the EU acid test.
So why, if there is a level of agreement on what needs to be done, has no action being taken to deal with the problems and to allow sport governing bodies to govern their respective sports?
Some of it is down to history, some of it is internal bickering and a good part of the reason is that until lately sport governing bodies have been ill-equipped to actually govern and regulate in the 21st century.
It took a long time for UEFA and FIFA to wake up to the fact that the European courts held more power over sport than the governing bodies did.
Two decades ago then UEFA President Jacques George made it clear where his organization stood. “UEFA can make up whatever rules we want as long as they are within Swiss laws and have nothing to do with the EEC (now the European Union)” he stated arrogantly…and very mistakenly.
Even after the 1999 Bosman ruling it seemed that FIFA/UEFA’s strategy was to battle the EU rather than to work cooperatively with them. It wasn’t until implementation of global transfer regulations earlier this decade that FIFA clearly acknowledged the pivotal role played by the EU. FIFA was forced to amend some of the proposals when it became clear that some rules would be flagged offside by Brussels.
But even since we have seen Sepp Blatter aggressively push and promote his 6+5 proposal which would mandate a minimum number of players on a team that would also qualify for the domestic league’s international team.
Such a proposal runs contrary to the EU’s principle of the free movement of labor and there is not a hope in hell that under EU law that such an idea will ever be implemented.
The nature of the Blatter proposal can only serve to reinforce the notion amongst politicians and bureaucrats that soccer cannot be given special status because they cannot be trusted to operate within a broader range of legal and political principles.
As well it would be delusional to say that all the football entities that fall under the UEFA banner agree with the governing bodies’ position. The Premiership is one such example o####roup that has benefited from the changes over the last 15 years and has, at every opportunity, worked to undermine any proposals that might damage their narrow self-interest.
Another was the now defunct G14 which has now been replaced by the European Club Forum. The ECF is made up of over 100 clubs and it will at last provide a way by which clubs can have their issues communicated directly to UEFA rather than through the relevant domestic association.
Domestic associations have a myriad of stakeholders and issues and the clubs have long felt that there legitimate interests have not been given a fair hearing at the highest level in UEFA.
The creation of the ECF is seen as an important step in the reorganization of UEFA and moving it from a body that organizes competitions to one that is also is in a position to govern and regulate the game in Europe properly.
So does the latest initiative from UEFA have any chance of succeeding?
The proposals from UEFA and the other five major sports were of no great surprise dealing with issues such as home-grown players per club (defined very differently than Blatter’s proposal); a licensing system that takes into consideration debt levels; greater regulation of agents and better educational opportunities for youth players who may fail to make the grade.
A form of salary capping has also been discussed and debated on a number of occasions by UEFA. Such a cap would not mimic North American type wage restrictions which tend to focus on ensuring as even a playing field as possible by setting standard levels throughout a league. Such a system has little or no chance of being accepted by the EU.
However, UEFA believes that capping salaries based on a percentage of the club’s revenue would not run counter to EU rules and regulations. By relating the cap to revenue generation, UEFA could argue the position that they are merely mandating good management rather than capping what a player may earn.
Whether sport is given special consideration under EU law or not one thing is clear and that is that the majority of clubs are unable and unwilling to reign in their spending preferring to operate on the basis that someone richer and more foolhardy will come along to save the club at some point if needed.
Either the European Union has to confront the problem or provide UEFA with the powers to deal with the issue. Otherwise soccer in Europe will continue to suffer from the prune juice effect as so aptly described by former Tottenham Hotspur owner Sir Alan Sugar – to paraphrase, the money coming into the game is incredible but it comes in and goes out straight away.
It is time for the European Union and/or UEFA to find a way to add some fibre.
Group C Only France and Germany have won the Henri Delaunay Trophy more than once. The French won as hosts in 1984 and again in 2000. There were a number of occasions when the 2000 win could have turned out very differently. Spain’s Raul could have sent the the quarter final into extra time but missed a last minute penalty for Spain and France won 2-1.
The semi final against Portugal was decided in favour of France by an extra time golden penalty kick from Zidane. And in final Italy was only seconds away from winning when Sylvain Wiltord equalized sending the game into extra time. David Trezeguet then scored a golden goal winner just before the break.
How they qualified France’s two losses to Scotland made the headlines but once all was said and done the French still scored more goals (25) and conceded fewer (5) in finishing second by three points to Italy in Group 8. Thierry Henry was France’s leading scorer with six goals.
The Coach Outspoken and eccentric Raymond Domenech continues to prove the old adage about never underestimating an over achiever. Domenech succeeded Jacques Santini after France lost in the last eight of Euro 2004 to the eventual winners Greece.
Although France made heavy weather of World Cup qualification and the first two games of the finals against Switzerland and South Korea they did reach the World Cup Final before losing on penalties to Italy.
His selections are rarely anything but controversial and he has done it again setting off a heated debate after leaving the likes of Djibril Cisse, Philippe Mexes, Mathieu Flamini (recalled later as cover for a Patrick Vieira) and Hatem Ben Arfa out of the final squad of twenty-three named last week.
Key Players Karim Benzema does not have the name recognition of some of his illustrious team mates but over the next decade this youngster could become one of the world’s best players. Don’t be surprised if Domenech uses him sparingly but given a chance the 20-year-old could turn a game or two France’s way.
Franck Ribery impressed everyone in Germany two summers ago and a move to Bayern Munich last year led to him being named Bundesliga Player of the Year. Ribery has skill, close control, pace and creativity in a package that makes even the best defenders fear him.
Great Euro Memory Two second half goals from Platini and Bellone gave France a 2-0 win over Spain in the 1984 final in Paris. The 90th minute clincher from Bruno Bellone was the fourteenth goal scored by France in the tournament finals and the only goal scored by a French striker.
Synopsis Every tournament has to have a GROUP OF DEATH and for Euro 2008 Group C is it. When you look at the players available to Domenech it is impossible to dismiss France as legitimate challengers for the trophy. They have talent in every area but a nagging feeling persists that they may find it difficult to breakdown a resolute defence – ala Scotland.
Coming Up in World Cup Qualifying Austria, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania and Faroe Islands will be the opposition in Group 7.
Italy has now made it to the last four finals and won the tournament in 1968.
How they qualified After an opening game home draw to Lithuania and a loss in Paris to France Italy then rattled off a sequence of nine wins and a draw to win Group 8 by three points over France and five points ahead of third place Scotland. With five goals Luca Toni led the scoring for Italy.
The Coach Roberto Donadoni has achieved something that Italy failed to do after winning the 1982 World Cup and that is reaching the following European Championships finals.
Key Players Luca Toni may have only scored twice in Germany in 2006 but he was pivotal to Italy’s success. A massive player -both in size and in temperament.
The reigning bad boy of Italian football Antonio Cassano is in Donadoni’s squad and all eyes will be on how both deal with a situation that may be inherently unstable. Cassano was the only bright spot for Italy four years ago in Portugal but missed out on the 2006 World Cup after falling out with everyone except the baker, the butcher and the pizza-maker.
There is a quality to the Italian squad that few can match.
Great Euro Memory The Championship win in 1968 against Yugoslavia after a replay takes pride of place. Down by one to a first half Dragan Dzajic goal with around ten minutes to play, Domenghini’s equalizer took the final to a replay. Goals from Luigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi saw Italy lift the trophy in the rematch.
Synopsis Enter the tournament as World Champions although they were not assured of qualification until they had faced Scotland in the last group game. A
A team that should probably be building for a title defence in two years in South Africa but Coach Roberto Donadoni has generally stuck to experience with a significant number of World Cup winners returning two years on.
The trio of Antonio Di Natale, Marco Borriello, and Fabio Quagliarella does however offer the coach some interesting options up front. No one would be surprised if Italy won the tournament but by the same token a traditionally slow start in the anointed GROUP OF DEATH could prove very costly.
Coming Up in World Cup Qualifying Drawn in Group 8 with Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro.
Redfan2000 - Time seemed to stop you commenting on the Inter vs Liverpool game, so what was your summation of the two legs?
Bobby – Liverpool was the better team and won it through perseverance and patience. Against ten men and with around five minutes to go in the first leg Liverpool could have easily panicked but they stuck to it.
There were only perhaps two moments when Inter threatened in Milan and the Reina save low to his left was probably the pivotal moment. If that deflection had gone in then Inter might have made a real go of it.
But as it turned out, Reina saved, Burdisso gets a second yellow and Torres scores a terrific goal. We could argue about Inter playing most of the time with ten men and the impact it had on the outcome but you can only play against what is in front of you and Liverpool won without ever really being tested by the Inter attack.
Weah11 - Do you see a clear out (coaches + some players) if Chelsea fail to pass Fenerbahce? I read that Lippi is interested in coming to the EPL.
Bobby – Can I see coaches and players moving on if Chelsea fails to pass Fenerbahce? I can see coaches and players moving on even if they go on to win the Champions League and the Premiership. It is part of the normal process.
By the same token you will not see a clear out (I would define a clear out as six or seven legitimate members of the first team squad leaving). In fact I can’t think of the last time a big club had a real clear out of staff.
It’s down to the fact that players at top clubs are making incredible money and there are very few clubs outside maybe a dozen or so in Europe that are willing to match their wage demands. The fans response to failure is to call for a clear out but the reality is that there has to be another club willing to pay a transfer fee and to pay the salary demands.
Without that other side of the equation most players are more than willing to sit tight and allow their bank balances to grow. Lippi is just one of a number of high profile managers who will be available this summer. It’s a summer of a major final and so that means we will also see national team managers resigning or getting fired.
Don’t be surprised if most of the media interest is around managerial appointments rather than player signings this summer.
Thierry_Henry - Some Arsenal fans are starting to tell Wenger what he should do. As if he doesn't see what's wrong with the team. Just because we've drawn 4 matches in the last few weeks...
Look, at the beginning of the season Bobby suggested we will not be in the top 4. If it wasn't for injury to Eduardo, we would be first. So, relax and keep faith in the magin man, Wenger.
Bobby – As MasMaz pointed out I picked Arsenal to finish third. I have the article from last August archived and hopefully it will be rolled out at the end of the Premiership season for the benefit of all.
Foxcube - Perhaps you did in on TV but I'd love to hear your comments on Mancini's U-turn (or anyone could share?). Another question is why the top 4 in England don't break away from the league and have their own TV deals. Thanks!
Bobby – Mancini has a reputation for being overly emotional at times and speaking before thinking. I think that was one of the moments. The big four don’t breakaway and do their own tv deals because they are not allowed to.
My understanding is that centralized TV broadcast sales is part of the Premier League regulations and to be changed 75% of the 20 teams have to vote to change. As turkeys very rarely vote for Christmas you are not likely a change anytime soon.
ReggaeGunner -I watched the Roma vs Milan match and I was very impressed by the player Vucinic. Why doesn't Spalletti play him in the starting 11 and let Totti play off him or is he more effective coming off the bench. Whenever I see him play he seems to be the difference when he's on the pitch. Always a threat to the other teams when on the pitch. Another to mention is Aquillani, he shoots the ball well.
Bobby – You would think that Spaletti is going to find it more difficult to keep Vucinic out of the starting line-up based on his scoring record off the bench. He’s scored in the three games in the last few weeks when he has come as substitute; there again he failed to score in the game he started.
He’s not overly quick but seems very composed when a chance comes his way. Maybe we will see him in the Rome derby on Wednesday as he scored against Lazio earlier this season.
Venti_Vidi_Vici - Platini was quoted today encouraging English fans to oppose foreign ownership in the EPL. He seems to jump at every opportunity to criticize the EPL and the FA. He disapproves of foreign ownership, lack of English players, the foreign national team coach, the violent play and the 39th match, just in the few months he’s been at the helm. Does he have some anti-English agenda, or is he just concerned with the state of English football, and the effects it has, and could have, on European football?
Bobby – I would suggest that Platini’s issue is more about money than it is about the nationality of the league. The Premiership has the largest TV contract, the largest crowds and has become a magnet for international businessmen looking to make money.
However I don’t think you will see President Platini turning down Sky’s bid for the Champions League rights even though it is English money.
Flashman - Nice move by your network to get the Canada-US U-23 game on this week. The way Toronto FC look to be deliberately not improving their roster, I'm convinced they're looking to tank deliberately and get a high draft pick. One of whom could be playing for Canada in that game. Should be interesting to see what's he's like.
Now, can we expect any changes in Champions League telecasts here in Canada now that Sky has snagged the bulk of future broadcast rights? We've got certain games now for free on basic cable with TSN. Though they act like they can barely stand showing them, with the total lack of support for soccer shown on that network. Will this new deal mean that FOXSWC will be taking games away from them, showing other games concurrent with those that might remain on TSN or will nothing change?
Flashman - What do you make of Amaudo Guevara, like? New York soccer journalist Ives Galarcep is reporting tonight that Mo Johnson is on the verge of re-connecting with the Honduran midfielder he coached in New York by signing him for Toronto FC. Guevara ticked off Toronto fans last year by refusing to come to the team with a deal for him already worked out. Now we're supposed to get over it and welcome this talented but flaky guy back in. Should we? Can we? Will we? And if he does join TFC, what can we expect from him on and off the field.
Bobby – I think there is a general concern that Toronto has done little so far to improve their roster. Based on the moves to date they have gone backwards since the end of last season. It seems to me that the fans gave them unbelievable backing during the first year and expected little but good effort in return from the first year team.
A year on and they expect a lot more. These fans do not strike me as the gullible Maple Leaf types who are willing to sit back and accept any rubbish put their way while MLSE milks fans dry. Without a good start I can see the vociferous support turning ugly.
In terms of Guevara nothing has been announced yet. If he signs for Toronto then you can expect to see a Riquelme-type player (I said type) who the team has to be built around and to get the most out of him all the plays have to go through him. Guevara fell out with Preki in no time at all last season and I have a great deal of admiration for the Chivas coach so I have my doubts that Mo and John Carver will have more success with him.
The Sky deal is for the UK only. Although Fox Soccer Channel in the US and Sky are both News Corp. companies it is my understanding that they operate completely independently. Fox Sports World Canada is owned by Can West Global and has deal with that is limited to the provision of certain games.
ESPN is the current North American rights holder for Champions League and I believe they have at least two seasons left but I stand to be corrected on that. ESPN owns 32% of TSN and TSN and Setanta sub license Champions League games from ESPN.
RonW - When Inverness Caley was promoted to the SPL I think there was talk of them playing home games in Aberdeen. Where are they playing now? One of the best sports headlines ever was about ten years ago when Caley were in the lower leagues (maybe even non-league) and they beat Celtic ... "Super Caley Went Ballistic Celtic Were Atrocious"
Bobby – Inverness Caley Thistle did opt to play their home games at Pittodrie during their first season in the SPL but finished up being able to move back to their own stadium around the half way point in the season after renovations were completed in super quick time. That was in early 2005 and they have played out of their own stadium since. The Sun’s headline was an all-time great when ITC beat Celtic in 2000. I think at that time ITC was in the first division.
22justin -We all know you are a closet Serie A lover, just admit it. Serie A is the TRUE BEST LEAGUE IN THE WORLD. YOU KNOW IT AND I KNOW IT.
Bobby – A closet has nothing to do with it. I've watched Serie A for years. Best is subjective so I will let you argue that one out with others.
RINGO – Have to agree with Bobby, that 1970 cup final was the best one I remember, the '75 Fulham/West Ham game is right up there also, not for the game itself but because it was the first time I went to Wembley. Sad to say that the first three goalscorers for Chelsea have all since died, and in the order they scored, Ian Hutchinson died in 2002, if I where David Webb I might be slightly concerned.
That final could have become the first time no-one won the cup. If David Webb had not 'cheeked' in the winner at Old Trafford the second replay was to have been played at Highfield Road, Coventry three days later ,and if that had ended in a draw both teams would have held the cup for six months each. The England world cup squad where leaving for the Mexico WC five days later ,leaving no more time for another game.
Bobby – There was also the story that might be of interest to those that think the game nowadays is a bit rough. A few years ago a newspaper (or the Beeb) asked then Premiership referee David Elleray to review the 1970 Cup Final from a disciplinary point of view and to judge the game against then current standards.
By the end of the first game at Wembley which finished 2-2 Elleray said that both sides would have finished with eight men each with the first sending red card coming in the 13th minute. What’s more Chelsea would have got 13 yellow cards and Leeds seven.
Henry14 - Last week somebody asked you if Arsenal should sell RVP and rightfully said no now l do think Rosicky who will be 28 needs to go and we can built our left hand side on a younger and not so much injury prone guy and Vela will be a good player + a new winger l feel should he be sold.
Bobby – What makes Rosicky injury prone? One season? Rosicky has played in two-thirds of Arsenal’s Premiership games since he joined the club which puts him ahead of the Freddie Ljungberg and I don’t remember a clamour for Freddie to be sold because he was “injury prone.” Rosicky’s scoring record is very close to the Swede’s so it seems like a fair comparison.
Why you would get rid of a player who is in his prime years and suggest that he should be replaced by another youngster - it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Or is it a case that what you haven’t seen is better than what you have?
Sleeper000- The English FA denied FIFA's request to increase Martin Taylor' punishment due to their belief that it was only a single isolated incident and they did not want to set a "horrible" precedent by extending Taylor's suspension. Question, what could FIFA do to enforce their request other than placing sanctions on the English FA which let's face it, will never happen? I am not trying to argue what should be done, I am simply curious as to what is the extent of FIFA's power in this scenario.
Bobby – FIFA has no real interest in extending Taylor’s punishment. It is pure posturing and Blatter playing to the masses knowing that he would be guaranteed media coverage if he raised the subject.
Does anyone really belief that FIFA has any interest in questioning the suspensions dished out every week because once they cross that line that is what it leads to. There are worse challenges than Taylor’s every week in leagues around the world and the precedent of FIFA issuing or mandating additional suspensions over and above those assessed by the national associations would grind the system to a standstill.
It’s also a quick way to finish up in court and FIFA has a very poor court record! The press release can be found here but I read nothing of a “horrible” precedent.
Finally, regarding the Arsenal goal that was disallowed for offside. It was not discussed on Monday’s show. However, a player cannot be played “onside” by a deflection off an opponent. To be played onside in such a situation the opponent must be judged by the referee to have full control of the ball. Otherwise the referee’s decision is based upon the position of the attacking player when the ball is last played by a teammate.
Paul Doyle on why it would be a folly to believe that Spurs are too good to go down. He includes a mini-table of the teams that currently occupy the lower reaches of the table – something that I was thinking of pulling together but he got there first.
Plans afoot to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster.
Two weeks ago the Premiership’s bottom three teams ran up against Chelsea (Derby), Arsenal (Wigan) and Manchester United (Bolton). It is a case of more of the same with another weekend dominated by bottom versus top match-ups – or vice-versa.
Arsenal is away to Middlesbrough, struggling Derby is at Old Trafford to play Manchester United, Sunderland is in London to play Chelsea while Reading is home to a rampaging Liverpool side.
Bolton pulled off a massive upset a fortnight ago in beating Manchester United. Can any of these four teams match that performance? If it is to be Boro then they need a seismic improvement in current form.
Arsenal held on at St. James’ Park in midweek for a draw but Boro is without a win in ten Premiership games and have conceded the first goal in twelve of their fifteen league games. It means Boro now occupies a relegation spot for the first time since August 2004.
Very much against the odds Derby has twice won at Old Trafford in the Premiership but another win is as likely as Steve McClaren being told it was all a big mistake and he is still in charge of the England team.
Sunderland pulled off a crucial win against Derby last week courtesy of a last minute goal from Anthony Stokes. Six of Sunderland’s thirteen points have come from goals scored in the 90th minute or later but they face a Chelsea team that has only let in one goal in the last eight league games.
Liverpool is another side that has lowered the shutters over the last few weeks. Nine clean sheets in fourteen games and four consecutive clean sheets since they conceded a late equalizer to Cesc Fabregas at the end of October has helped Liverpool to the best defensive record in the Premiership.
Fernando Torres has scored six of his eleven goals for Liverpool in the Premiership but he has yet to notch a Prem goal away from Anfield.
Reading is eleven points of their pace of last season and a look at the statistics quickly tells you why. A defence that has let in fourteen more goals must take much of the responsibility but an anemic first half attack does not get off scot-free.
The attack has actually one more goal than last season (18 to 17) but only four have come in the first forty five minutes. Last season twelve of their seventeen goals came before the half time cuppa.
Stats corner – Some of the other matches this weekend in the Premiership throw off interesting statistics. Three of the last four league games between Villa and Portsmouth have finished as draws. But Portsmouth has only one Premiership win over Aston Villa, has not won on their last ten visits to Villa Park and their last league win was in the old 2nd Division in 1970.
Tottenham’s woes continued last week as they lost at home to a last minute Birmingham goal. A cure? Well it may come in the form of a visit from Manchester City. In their twenty Premiership games Spurs have taken 45 points from a possible 60 and have only lost twice to City.
However, if you are looking for a team that suffers from travel sickness and in particular a Liverpool version then look no further than Fulham. Fulham has never won a league game at Goodison or Anfield in forty-nine attempts. What is more in thirty-eight league games between Fulham and Everton the away team as only won three – all by Everton. Their last fifteen league matches have all been won by the home side. The game is at Goodison.
In Serie A Inter and Roma now have a bit of padding with a five point gap between second place Roma and third place Juventus. Based on the fixtures this weekend it seems unlikely that Juventus will make up some of that ground.
Inter plays mid-table Torino a team that doubles as the draw specialists. Their last four matches have finished as draws to give a record of nine ties in fourteen games. Torino is winless away from home and faces an Inter team that has been rampant in the first forty five minutes of games this season. Inter has a phenomenal record – they have outscored the opposition 17-2, have led at half time in twelve games and been tied in the other two.
Roma has only one loss (to Inter) so far and is gamely hanging in. They are away to 16th place Livorno, a team that lost seven and drew two of their first nine games. But since then three wins and two draws has given Livorno fans hope. Summer signing Francesco Tavano has been instrumental in the turnaround with five goals in the last six games.
Two seasons ago Tavano scored 19 Serie A goals for Empoli before departing for Valencia. His spell in Spain was unsuccessful and he moved to Roma on loan last January. Two goals in the second half of the season failed to persuade Roma that Tavano should be signed.
Faced with the loss of iconic forward Cristiano Lucarelli to Shakhtar Donetsk Livorno stepped in to secure the striker’s permanent return to Italy.
Third place Juventus is at home to Atalanta currently sixth while Udinese fourth faces an improving Sampdoria side.
A sure sign of how competitive Liga is – the team with the longest winning streak at the moment is Atletico Madrid with…….two straight wins. If it is goals that you are looking for then the Vicente Calderon is where you want to be. In their last four home games in the league Atletico has scored 4, 4, 3, and 4 winning three and losing one.
These four games have produced an incredible 25 goals. This week Getafe provides the opposition and will be looking to continue their improved form. The first seven games this season brought two draws and five losses. However, their last seven have seen five wins a draw and only one loss.
Half way around the world the FIFA Club World Cup will get underway early on Friday morning – on the east coast of North America anyway. Iranian champions Sepahan kicks off the competition against Waitakre United from New Zealand. Sepahan lost to Urawa Red Diamonds in the Asian Champions League but with two host federation spots available both teams qualified.
Concacaf interest centres on Pachuca, a side that has recently gone off the boil. After winning five trophies (including beating Chivas of Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions League final on penalties) in less than two years the Mexicans are struggling to regain their form.
On Sunday they face African Champions Etoile Sportive du Sahel. We have to wait until midweek for Boca Juniors and Milan’s involvement. Boca and Milan have been kept separate with a final clash the most likely outcome.
This is a tournament that requires an upset if it is to ever capture worldwide attention – something we have yet to see.
Before we get to the articles I would like to thank all those who stop by on a regular basis and those who contribute. The response each week continues to amaze me as does the respect shown for others opinions…….most of the time!
A new professional league for India. A potentially massive market but the chances of besting cricket with the next couplke of generations is probably zilch to nil.
Match-fixing allegations being passed to Interpol from UEFA and tucked away is a mention of the Intertoto Cup being scrapped when the tournaments are changed for the 09/10 season.
Normally in a situation where a team has already qualified the youngsters can look forward to a run-out. However, Gabriele Marcotti thinks that as far as Milan is concerned it is the squad’s old-timers who will get the nod on Tuesday against Celtic.
There was a question on the blog last week about Paul Robinson. In this article Stewart Robson looks at how Robinson and others have fallen behind their foreign counterparts.
Henk Ten Cate will bring attacking verve and a notoriously short temper to Stamford Bridge, writes Daan Schippers. Cate or should it Ten Cate played 21 games for the Edmonton Drillers in the NASL in 1980.
Former Manchester United winger and now Dallas resident, Gordon Hill, chimes in with his thoughts on the dearth of young English talent. What a sight Hill and Steve Coppell were on the wings in Tommy Docherty's Manchester United side of the mid-seventies.
The G14’s response to Michel Platini’s proposals to reshape football in Europe.
Ask fans to name the first Dutch team to win the European Cup and many will blurt out Ajax. However, Feyenoord beat them to it. Here is an abbreviated article on their coach Ernst Happel who also took the Netherlands to the 1978 World Cup Final.
Glenn Moore on the Premiership striker’s best friend – Paul Robinson.
Touch blue (no pun intended) paper and retreat. SFA Chief Gordon Smith chimes in on Old Firm bias.
The surgeries and treatment rooms of Europe are full of football players – so we must have another break for European Championship qualifying. But this time over the next five days there is also the start of the marathon that is South American qualifying. And so this week we start in South America.
The last two World Cups have seen Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay qualify both times with Uruguay moving on through a play off in 2002 after finishing 5th in the ten country group. Uruguay repeated as 5th place finishers two years ago but failed to negotiate a way passed Australia.
Whichever country finishes one behind the four automatic spots two years from now will play the 4th place CONCACAF team rather than New Zealand (sorry that should have read the winner from Oceania).
Winning at home is critically important in any competition but South American World Cup qualifying reinforces just how important it actually is. Tracking back though the 2002 and 2006 qualifying results show that the top four have only lost three games out of their 72 home games and have drawn only 14.
In 2006 the “final” four only lost once at home (Paraguay to Colombia), drew 8 and generated 89 points from a possible total of 108 - 82%; in 2002 two games were lost at home (Ecuador to Argentina, Paraguay to Colombia), six were drawn producing 90 points out of possible 108 – 83%.
Go back a further four years and although World Cup holders Brazil did not have to qualify, the overall outcome was very similar. Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia and Chile all qualified with Argentina unbeaten at home. The others lost four games but three of them were to table topping Argentina. Even so the top four still generated 88 out of a possible 108 points at home (81%).
Argentina are at home to Chile who have former Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa in charge of a competitive game for the first time. Chile made the headlines for all the wrong reasons at the Copa America this past summer and Bielsa has his work cut out if he is to make it to South Africa 2010. He has some very promising youngsters on the threshold of solid international careers but qualification for a World Cup may have to wait another four years.
Brazil start with an away match against Colombia and Ecuador hosts the ever improving Venezuela. Bolivia are preparing very differently for an opening game at sea level against Uruguay and then a home match against Colombia at altitude in midweek. Domestic players are continuing to train at altitude while foreign based players (including DC United’s Jaime Moreno) are working out at lower levels. Peru versus Paraguay is the other game.
European Championship qualifying for next summer’s finals in Switzerland and Austria may give us a first qualifier this weekend to join the co-host nations. However, if it does happen it won’t be from Group A.
The top four countries all face potential banana skin matches. Group leaders Poland have never made it to the Euro finals and are two points clear at the top with three games left. On Saturday they are at home to Kazakhstan, a country they beat 1-0 earlier in qualifying.
Serbia are away to Armenia (in their final four games Serbia plays the bottom three and host Poland in the last round); Finland travels to Belgium – a tricky fixture for Roy Hodgson’s side; Portugal with four draws in their last 5 matches travels to Azerbaijan.
Scotland may lead Group B and may “only” require two wins and a draw to qualify but I have this horrible feeling that this is the weekend (or Wednesday) when it all goes pear shaped. And before I receive any e mails questioning my “Scotchness” let me tell you something. Any Scottish fan over the age of 25 has to be worried or they are brain dead.
Far too many Scottish football revival articles being printed for my liking. For every piece I’ve read I can come up with a heart breaking disappointment. In reverse chronological order – losing 6-0 to Holland Euro 2004 qualifying; knocked out of the 2000 Euro play off by a poor England side; losing to Morocco 3-0 World Cup 1998; Costa Rica, a 1-0 loss WC 1990; 1986 WC scoreless draw against 10-man Uruguay for 89 and a half minutes; Hansen and Miller in a Keystone Cops routine WC 82 in a must win game versus Russia; Iran 1978 1-1 ; losing 2-1 to Spain at Hampden 1974 European qualifying; Zaire World Cup 1974, at least that was a 2-0 win; England 1968 at Hampden; losing two late goals to Poland 1965 at Hampden; World Cup play off against the eventual runners up Czechoslovakia in Brussels in 1962. And there are more. If Scotland goes through I will be as happy as anyone. But until that moment arrives my skepticism will be unabated. Oh yeah, they play Ukraine at Hampden on Saturday.
Germany are the most likely nation to be the first to book one of the remaining 14 spots. Unbeaten in eight games with seven wins and a draw, the Germans need only a share of the points when they play the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. A loss for the Irish would put the Czech Republic within a sliver of joining the Germans.
England should be able to qualify with a win over Estonia and then draws against Russia and Croatia. But rather like my feeling about Scotland, I am tending towards a counter intuitive view of England. Impressive wins over Israel and Russia a month ago can only mean an unimpressive display is on the cards versus a poor Estonia side. No matter they will get three points which will nicely set up Wednesday’s massively gigantic showdown clash (a bit of tabloid stuff there) in Moscow.
Israel faces a mammoth task in beating Croatia in Zagreb if they are to maintain a realistic chance of advancing. The last time these two countries met Arsenal’s Eduardo da Silva notched a hat trick as Croatia inflicted a 4-3 home loss in Israel. A win on Saturday would put Croatia impressively through with two games to spare.
Denmark and Spain renew a bitter rivalry (bitter for the Dames anyway) with Denmark desperate for a win that will keep them in contention for a top two spot in Group F. Since 1984 Spain has beaten Denmark in the 1984 European championship in France; thrashed Denmark 5-1 at the 1986 World Cup; won 3-2 at the group stage of Euro 88; defeated Denmark at the qualifying stages of the 1990 and 1994 World Cup and lost the corresponding fixture of this competition 2-1 back in March.
Denmark have six shut outs in eight games but none of their four wins have come against any of the top three teams. Even so Denmark currently trail Spain and Sweden by 5 points and Northern Ireland by two a win here could put the Danes in a decent position. Spain, Sweden and Northern Ireland all have to play each other while Denmark has to face the Irish (a) and Latvia and Iceland at home.
The draw for this season's Champions League was made earlier today and, as normal, it generated some interesting match ups. However, foar more interesting was UEFA President Michel Platini's vision for the future. He unveiled his proposal to revamp the competition from the 2009/10 onwards.
One of comments made by Platini is that "We need to ensure football is more balanced so that the rich do not become much richer. If another proposal is better than my philosophy that is fine but I doubt they will come up with something better. Unless someone comes up with a fabulous proposal we will decide on mine."
So can you come up with something better?
Personally I don't see anything wrong with using the domestic cup competitions as a qualifier for the Champions League. After all it's not so long ago that we had the European Cup Winners Cup competition that was normally regarded as second only to the European Cup.
When it was scrapped seven seasons ago the Cup Winners spots were tipped into the unwieldy UEFA Cup. I see Platini's proposal as righting a wrong. The proposal could also boost domestic cup competitions across Europe which I can't see being a bad thing. Guaranteeing a group spot for the sixteen top European leagues also gets two thumbs up from me.
The Saturday final idea I really like as well as the stadium size and capacity. The suggestion for the UEFA Cup gives it a more dominant knock out flavour rather than the dominant and unbalanced round robin.
As for scrapping the bookmaker inspired Inter Toto Cup - would anyone notice if it was scrapped? It doesn't even serve a purpose for bookies anymore as technology has brought games from other parts of the globe "closer".
Atleti – Would this proposal by Platini affect Spain in the same way that it affects England (in terms of handing a Champions League spot to the Copa del Rey winner)?
Bobby - My understanding is that it would impact on the countries that receive four spots every year.
Curtains – Bert Trautmann wasn't British. He was a German POW before he started playing soccer in England.
Bobby – I think you have to appreciate that Charlton “wrote” the first autobiography in 1964 when they were only a handful of non-British players who had ever played in England. When he said it was his British XI I’m sure he meant it to cover players who had played in Britain rather than actually being British. Trautmann was never capped by West Germany but he did play for and captained the English Football league in a League international. These types of internationals were fairly popular for a time. The teams were based on the league you played in rather than your nationality. I think Denis Law may have played for the Italian League while he was with Torino.
Gaza - Would be nice to hear a comment from you on a subject of Chelsea performance. I think they look really boring, playing this sort of midfield soccer. And what I do not understand is why Shevchenko and Joe Cole are not involved at all. They both showed pretty good form in their international games.
Bobby – I did not watch Chelsea on the weekend as I was flying to Toronto for the MLS game so it would not be fair of me to comment. Having said that I guess my question back to you is what’s the difference between Chelsea’s performances this season so far and their performances over the last three seasons under Mourinho? I didn’t think Cole looked to be anything special against Germany and I didn’t catch Shevchenko against Uzbekistan.
wyofc - If they terminate Yallop (or if he quits) and they do the un-thinkable and hire Klinsmann - what else does the Galaxy need to do to start winning? Also, do you think the next coach will keep Landon or let him go? Is there any chance of them making the playoffs?
Bobby – I think in the case of the Galaxy they need a complete makeover. The bottom line is that they are a very poor team and David Beckham alone is not going to turn them around. I cannot see them making the play offs given their schedule and player pool – rather than battling for a play off spot it is probably a case of avoiding finishing in last place this season. As for Landon Donovan’s future my gut tells me that LA will try to keep him around but if they could use him as trade-bait to strengthen the side overall it might prove to be too tempting to resist.
Therealrico - What is your opinion of Chris Coleman being the Nats head coach? And do you think there is a snowball's chance that would ever happen?
Bobby – It is an intriguing suggestion but I would have to say that it is a real outside chance. Coleman is very much schooled in the UK style and has no experience in international competition as a manager.
MasMaz - Please enlighten me, how can the linesman signal that Schmeichel has come off his line and the referee choose to ignore him?
Bobby – Rightly or wrongly the referee is ultimately the sole judge of decisions and can choose to accept or reject an assistant referee’s call.
Craigyf - What did you watch at the weekend and what results surprised you. You were there; in Toronto; on TV DC United looked formidable and comfortable. How good would you rate them after seeing them in the flesh?
Bobby – I recorded the early game (Liverpool and Sunderland) on DVD and watched it on the plane. The TFC vs. DC United game obviously and then on Sunday large chunks of the Juventus and Inter games. Finished off with United and Spurs and all the highlights on Sunday and Monday when I got back home. I had watched DC United the week before against the Crew and thought that they looked very good in the second half. They’re a team looks very confident in their ability to hold possession by passing the ball – they really hit their rhythm in the 2nd half against Toronto. To beat them you would have to press them very hard for 90 minutes and not allow them to settle - otherwise they will pick you apart.
Craigyf - So how would Platini's plan affect the UEFA CUP? Currently don't you go into the UEFA Cup if you win either of the two English Cups?
Bobby – The UEFA Cup needs a major makeover anyway. They would probably change the criteria so that if a team that finished in the top 3 also won the FA Cup then the FA Cup runner up would qualify for the lesser trophy and the 4th place Premiership team would get a CL spot.
Eponymous - Would like to Bobby to weigh on this - I think UEFA/FIFA needs to make some kind of decision as to the consistency of 3rd party ownership across leagues in Europe (and elswhere).
Bobby – The third-part ownership thing is a real can of worms. Despite what we have heard over the last year or so regarding the Tevez situation third-party ownership is not illegal in England. What does constitute a problem is when a third-party owner retains the right the make a decision regarding the player – for example Player X won’t play this weekend because the third party owner says he is injured and has the contractual right to withdraw the player. However, I would agree that the present situation is a mess and needs FIFA to rule. The problem is that is some areas of the world third party owners provide a real service by helping players get overseas contracts by actively promoting the player to foreign clubs – something that local clubs may be unable to do. Finally I think when you strip away the third party issue with Fernandes you find that it is no different than what has been going on for years – players changing their mind. It’s how Roy Keane finished up at Old Trafford rather than Ewood Park.
Bigdavedisaster – What’s your British 11 all time?
Bobby – Here goes. Criteria post 60’s and 4-3-3 formation. Gordon Banks; Alex Hamilton, John Charles, Bobby Moore, Danny McGrain; George Best, Bobby Charlton, Dave MacKay; Jimmy Johnstone, Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves. Substitutes – Pat Jennings, Paul Madeley (he really could play any position), Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Bryan Robson.
CIAO - I just read that Solskjaer retired due to his long running injury troubles. Have you heard the same? How did you rate him? Even though I dislike United, somehow I became a fan of Ole Gunner.Also do you think SAF will be back in the market for a striker? If so, I would imagine Gudjohnsen would be the perfect replacement -what do you think? I bet SAF is kicking himself for letting Rossi go.
Bobby – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was one of the best pure goal scorers in the last decade or so. However, beyond that I think he will be remembered by United fans for his loyalty. This is a player that had many chances to move away and get regular first team football but opted to stay and fight for his place and to sit on the bench waiting for his chance if need be. The problem that United has it that there is literally only hours left to do a deal and their doesn’t seem to be much on the horizon – there again he may pull a rabbit out of the hat once more although I would surprised if it was Gudjohnsen. He’s more a supporter striker and United need someone who plays up top.
CIAO - What do you make of the following reports: 1. Chelsea are bidding for Ronaldinho 2. Inter are considering loaning out Adriano 3. Inter are considering bidding for Deco I personally think Chelsea might be better off as is. If they do make the bid then I imagine they would need to sell off Ballack. I don't really think Inter will make a bid for Deco, if they had plans to do so they would have already done so... right?
Bobby – Adriano on loan makes sense. As for the Ronaldinho story – a bit late to start making a move I would say. Deco – same thing.
Henry14 - 1.What do you know and can you pass a judgment on what’s going on between Portsmouth and Nugent. 2. Red Rom wants Ronnie do you see it happening by Friday although l do not have an idea why they would wait until the last minute? 3. Who is the better player Martins and Owen as we see them and going into the future if they both stay fit?
Bobby –1. Sometimes a player just doesn’t fit in to a new club and it’s often better to move him on. 2. A move for Ronaldinho makes no sense to me either. And I thought Mourinho was supposed to calling the shots again. 3. A fully fit Michael Owen is a much better player and scorer than Obafemi Martins.
verbal97 - Is there any chance that Platini's plan to limit the number of Champions League places to the big leagues comes to fruition? I think it's one of those ideas that sounds nice in theory and when campaigning, but is not practical because if implemented perhaps the talk of a Super League gets more traction.
realmadridcffan - Now that Platini is the President of UEFA and he has said on record that he wants to limit the amount of UEFA Champions League spots from 4 to three for the big countries (Spain, England, Italy) and spread them around to the smaller countries, what do you think this will do if it does go through, de-value the UEFA Champions League at it's current format of 32 teams? Also do you see any ramifications for the UEFA Cup because of this (i.e.: possible format change)
Bobby – This is definitely the question of the week after Platini’s election. Just like any other politician who has just been elected Platini’s political capital is at its maximum. Unfortunately for him the TV deal does not come up for renewal until after the 2009 Champions League. This almost certainly means that there will be no tampering with the Champions League until a new TV contract is agreed. In the meantime the big clubs in Europe will muster their forces in an effort to make sure that Platini's plan is not implemented. And remember he is only one man with one vote in an executive of 15. In the end, it will probably finish up with some sort of compromise and already there are a number of ideas floating around. One suggestion I have here heard is that the top three countries will keep their four spots but only one team will be guaranteed a spot in the group stage. This would leave the other 3 teams to go through the various qualifying rounds.
Another suggestion is that the group stage be expanded to include more teams. This could be done by increasing the number of groups or by increasing the number of teams in eight groups. Either way it is difficult to see how either option could work without teams having to play more games or without the present knockout rounds being dismantled. As for talk of a European Super League I don't think the big clubs are really interested. What they really want is a competition limited to the likes of England, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands.
The UEFA Cup - the competition is already a dog's breakfast and needs a complete revamp. Platini, at one point, did talk about reactivating the European Cup Winners Cup which I think is a good idea if it was restricted to only one club from each country and operated on a straight knockout basis.
Gunner 44 - My question to you is can't Wenger call up one of those players on loan (Stokes, Larsson etc.) instead of buying a new player if injuries become too many?
Bobby – It would depend on the deal that was made. Some loan deals include the rate of recall at any point, while others are for a set period of time. However, Wenger would have difficulty recalling Anthony Stokes as the Irishman was sold to Sunderland.
Bigdavedisaster – I’ve been in a bit of an argument with a few friends. Who do you think are the 5 biggest clubs currently outside of the premiership? Big as in history and large fan support as in clubs that probably should be in the EPL.
Bobby – What a great question and probably not as easy to figure out as it sounds. I think you would to have separate history over the last 40-50 years from the early stages of the English league. Here are my 5 pics; Sunderland, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves, and West Brom. Birmingham supporters will be after me but they lost out because they have never won the League or FA Cup. Derby County also came very close to making the top five. I am waiting to see your and your mate’s picks.
Djnima - After Rooney scored his goal against Arsenal and his double against Pompey (I love it when he chips the keeper especially calamity James) commentators said that he had "broken his scoring duck"
I understand that it means he ended his goal drought but I was wondering if there is any significance to the word 'duck' and if there is a story behind it.
Also, how's your fantasy team doing? Do you think it would be a good idea to incorporate the fantasy league more into FSR?
Bobby – “Duck” is a cricket expression and is used when a batsman is “out” before scoring a run. When the batsmen scored his first run is sometimes said that he is off his “duck”. When a batsman is out to the first ball he faces it is referred to in some cricket playing countries as a “royal duck”. As far as Fantasy Football is concerned as of tonight (Tuesday) I am just over 5,000 points and in 300th place – safely above the relegation zone so far. The idea of incorporating a FF feature into FSR has been talked about and it is something you might see next season.
gregz - Recently coach Bora Milutinovic was named as national coach of Jamaica. I know a little about him and his accomplishments of taking 5 different teams to the World Cup, but what else can you tell me about him as a coach and how do you rate him Bobby?
Bobby – Bora has managed 5 countries at the World Cup but I think he may have only seen one of them (Costa Rica) through the qualifying stages. He seems to have fallen a bit out of favour since the 2002 World Cup and although he was linked with the Serbia national team job after last summer’s World Cup nothing came of it. His critics would point to his relatively poor record as a club coach while his supporters will quickly point out that he's taken for countries to the second round at four World Cups - no mean feat. No matter how he does with Jamaica, there will probably be a country out there willing to hire him given his record. As a sidebar if Carlos Alberto Parreira manages to stick around with South Africa for the next three years he will also have managed five different countries at the World Cup.
Napier22 - I enjoy your analyses on FSR. You obviously have a good eye for the game and pick up lots of things I don't see. I was just wondering if you have ever done any coaching?
Bobby – Thank you. I coached for a number of years. I got certified a few years after arriving in Canada and followed the usual route taken by most parents - coaching my stepson’s teams while still playin
