UEFA Euro 2012 – Yahoo! Maktoob News

UEFA agrees tougher sanctions to combat racism

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:31:46 +0300

By Mike Collett LONDON (Reuters) - Players or officials found guilty of racist offences in European club matches or internationals will face a minimum ban of 10 matches under tougher disciplinary regulations approved by UEFA's executive committee on Thursday. The executive will also propose to their annual Congress in London on Friday that all their 53 national associations adopt the same sanction, although the English FA announced last week it would be imposing a minimum five-match ban for racist offences. ...

UEFA lift Malaga's second year ban

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:41:07 +0300

Malaga are still unable to compete in European competitions next season but their ban has been shortened by UEFA.

France recall Nasri, rest Ribery for South America trip

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:48:27 +0300

PARIS (Reuters) - Manchester City playmaker Samir Nasri has been called up by France for next month's tour of South America following a one-year absence. Nasri had been snubbed by coach Didier Deschamps since he was banned for three matches by the French federation for insulting a reporter following the team's Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat by Spain last June. However, Deschamps appeared to be impressed with the 25-year-old's recent form. "The most important criterion for me is being competitive. ...

A Hollywood ending to a Mickey Mouse cup - but how can Uefa revive the Europa League?

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:40:02 +0300

With plans to abolish the tournament arising just four years after a major revamp, Michel Platini needs to take action to restore pre-eminence to Europe's secondary competition

Ferdinand calls time on England career

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:46:53 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday. The decision, in a statement on the United and Football Association websites, came nearly two years after Ferdinand last played for his country in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on June 4, 2011. The FA said the central defender, who made his England senior debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 and won 81 caps, had informed England coach Roy Hodgson of his decision. ...

Rio Ferdinand calls time on England career

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:50:24 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement from international soccer on Wednesday. The decision, in a statement on the United and Football Association websites, came nearly two years after Ferdinand last played for his country in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on June 4, 2011. The FA said the central defender, who made his England senior debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 and won 81 caps, had informed England coach Roy Hodgson of his decision. ...

ITV warns of sharp fall in second-quarter net ad revenue

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:44:03 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - ITV, Britain's biggest commercial free-to-air broadcaster, warned its net advertising revenue would fall sharply in the second quarter due to a tough comparative with last year when it showed matches from Euro 2012. The home of soap opera "Coronation Street" and period drama "Downton Abbey" said on Wednesday its net advertising revenue was up 6 percent in the first quarter, ahead of forecasts of 5 percent, but it is expected to fall after that. Ad revenues are seen down 12 percent in April, down 7 percent in May and down between 12 and 15 percent in June. ...

UEFA warns fans on web sales of Champions League tickets

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:22:52 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - UEFA has urged German fans desperate for tickets for the Champions League soccer final not to buy from unofficial suppliers on the internet. Borussia Dortmund said they had received more than half a million applications for their allocation of just over 24,000 tickets for the final against German rivals Bayern Munich in London on May 25. Demand also far exceeded supply for Bayern fans and tickets are being advertised online for 1,800 eurosand more. ...

Bosman lawyer contests UEFA ban on overspending

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:11:20 +0300

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A lawyer involved in the landmark Bosman ruling 18 years ago lodged a European Commission complaint on Monday against UEFA rules aimed at limiting the spending of top clubs. European soccer's ruling body UEFA will bring in Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations next season to ensure clubs move towards break-even or face exclusion from continental competition. Jean-Louis Dupont, representing Belgian player agent Daniel Striani, is challenging the break-even rule and believes it restricts competition. ...

Bosman lawyer challenges UEFA ban on overspending

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:31:38 +0300

Dortmund make a mockery of Uefa's ranking system

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:03 +0300

Jurgen Klopp's side are only the second team to rise from bottom seeds to semi-finalists this century and their progress highlights flaws in the governing body's seedings

Inter hit with UEFA fine after renewed racism

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:02:35 +0300

REUTERS - Inter Milan have been fined 45,000 euros for the racist behaviour of their fans during a Europa League last 16 second-leg match at home to Tottenham Hotspur in March, UEFA said in a statement on Friday. Benfica have also been hit by a 32,000 euro fine for organisational issues and the conduct of their supporters at the Europa League last 16, first leg against Girondins Bordeaux in Lisbon last month. Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor was allegedly subjected to monkey chants and plastic bananas were waved in one section of the half-empty San Siro. ...

'Malaga were wronged by Uefa'

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:25:03 +0300

The Qatari billionaire has called upon the RFEF to protect his side after they suffered a "moral and psychological" injustice against Borussia Dortmund

France squad must cope with scrutiny: Deschamps

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:22:35 +0300

By Julien Pretot PARIS (Reuters) - France's 2010 World Cup debacle ushered in a new era for Les Bleus and the players had better get used to dealing with a high level of public scrutiny, said coach Didier Deschamps. Under the former France captain, who took over from Laurent Blanc after they were eliminated in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, the players who once revolted against the national team's management have been on their best behaviour. ...

Mandzukic adds cutting edge to Bayern attack

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:01:23 +0300

By Brian Homewood TURIN (Reuters) - Mario Gomez scored 41 goals for Bayern Munich last season yet he now finds himself shunted onto the substitutes bench by a player deemed surplus to requirements by mid-table VfL Wolfsburg. Mario Mandzukic spent Euro 2012 not knowing where he would be playing this season after Felix Magath, then in charge at Wolfsburg, decided the Croatia forward was more trouble than he was worth. ...

Malaga president claims UEFA 'out to get them'

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:15:17 +0300

Malaga president Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani has continued his attack against UEFA, suggesting European football's governing body have been out to get his side since the start of the season.

Kiev must play next UEFA match without fans

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:36:35 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - Dynamo Kiev must play their next UEFA competition home game behind closed doors due to the racist behaviour of their fans at a Champions League match in November, European soccer's governing body said on Wednesday. The Ukrainian club has appealed against the sanction, which relates to the racist conduct of their fans at a Group A game at home to Paris Saint Germain on November 21 which they lost 2-0 to exit the Champions League and drop into the Europa League. ...

UEFA plans tougher sanctions to combat racism

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:35:35 +0300

By Mike Collett MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Players found guilty of racist offences face a minimum ban of 10 matches, a sanction European governing body UEFA hopes will be adopted by all their 53 members, their general secretary Gianni Infantino said. Clubs will also face partial closure of stadiums for a first incident of racist abuse by fans and a full closure for a second offence plus far tougher financial penalties. ...

Malaga to make official UEFA complaint over exit

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:33:54 +0300

By Iain Rogers BARCELONA (Reuters) - Malaga plan to make a formal complaint about the referee after Tuesday's last-gasp defeat at Borussia Dortmund cruelly denied the Champions League debutants a place in the last four. The Qatar-owned club were leading the quarter-final, second leg 2-1 as the game went into stoppage time before Dortmund, who were held to a 0-0 draw in last week's first leg in Spain, equalised and then grabbed a 93rd-minute winner. ...

UEFA approves Euro 2020 bidding regulations

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:20:30 +0300

Sofia (Bulgaria), March 29 (IANS) The UEFA Executive Committee here approved the bidding requirements and bid regulations for the UEFA Euro 2020 final football tournament, an action plan for protecting integrity of football.

Barcelona to play Almaty in UEFA Futsal Cup semi

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:04:24 +0300

Tbilisi (Georgia), March 29 (IANS) The draw for the UEFA Futsal Cup semi-finals pits holders FC Barcelona against Kairat Almaty and Iberia Star Tbilisi against MFK Dinamo.

UEFA asks players to speak out on racism

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:17:46 +0300

European football's governing body ratifies proposal to tackle discrimination asking players and refs to tackle racism.

UEFA recommends referees halt matches in case of racism

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:02:26 +0300

SOFIA (Reuters) - UEFA has recommended that referees stop matches when there are incidents of racism and says it will "fully support" them if they follow its advice. In a resolution issued in conjunction with the European Clubs Association (ECA) and the world players' union FIFPro, European soccer's governing body reminded referees that they had been authorisied four years ago to stop matches in case of serious racism incidents from the stands or on the pitch. The resolution also called on coaches and players to speak out "even if it meant criticising their own players and fans". ...

Look at Scotland - There, but for the grace of Trapattoni, Ireland go

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:35:02 +0300

The former Juventus and Italy coach led Ireland to the playoffs of the World Cup in 2010 and qualified for Euro 2012, yet despite this, the decorated boss remains a divisive figure

Italy's Monte Paschi headed for 2.5 billion euro 2012 loss

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:53:46 +0300

By Silvia Aloisi and Stefano Bernabei MILAN/ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena is set to post a 2.5 billion euro (£2.12 billion) loss as it books higher bad debt provisions and losses on derivatives trades targeted by a fraud investigation, a Reuters poll forecast. According to the average estimate in the poll of eight analysts, the bank will report a second year of big losses when it releases results for 2012 on Thursday, following a 4.7 billion euro loss in 2011. ...

Soccer: Gerrard expects intimidating match in Montenegro

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:05:39 +0300

By Petar Komnenic PODGORICA (Reuters) - After what amounted to a gentle warm-up in San Marino, England move into the far more hostile territory of Montenegro for a vital World Cup qualifier on Tuesday with captain Steven Gerrard warning of intimidation from the Group H leaders. The first time England played in Podgorica's City Stadium in 2011, Wayne Rooney was sent off in a 2-2 draw, a red card that meant he missed the start of the Euro 2012 finals. ...

Gerrard expects intimidating match in Montenegro

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:29:46 +0300

France keep same mindset as Spain fear possible playoff

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:50:26 +0300

By Julien Pretot (Reuters) - France will not change their approach to Tuesday's clash against Spain even if a draw at home could eventually send the world and European champions into a tricky playoff tie for World Cup qualification. Les Bleus, who left Euro 2012 with their tails between their legs following a comprehensive 2-0 defeat against Spain in the quarter-finals last June, have dramatically improved under new coach Didier Deschamps. ...

UEFA fine Ferguson and ban Nani

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:27:06 +0300

Following Man United's exit from Champions League, UEFA punish Alex Ferguson for his refusal to talk to the media.

Brazil still have the skill, but Prandelli & Italy leave the lasting impression

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:45:03 +0300

The Selecao threatened to blow the Azzurri out of sight in Thursday's friendly, but the Euro 2012 runners-up showed they have the togetherness and resilience to compete at the top

France have Georgia, and not Spain, on their mind

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:03:41 +0300

By Julien Pretot PARIS (Reuters) - France coach Didier Deschamps will ram home the message that his side must focus on beating Georgia on Friday and not think about the looming clash with Spain as their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign takes a decisive turn. Les Bleus, who have dramatically improved since exiting Euro 2012 in the quarter-finals, are second in Group I with seven points from three games and trail Spain on goal difference. Tuesday's clash against the world champions in Paris will not count for much, Deschamps said, if France cannot first beat Georgia at the Stade de France. ...

PREVIEW - Russia face 'most important' game in Belfast

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:48:59 +0300

By Gennady Fyodorov REUTERS - Russia coach Fabio Capello says Friday's match against Northern Ireland is their most important remaining World Cup qualifier as he looks to extend their winning streak to five matches and move closer to 2014's finals. "A win in Belfast would take us a huge step towards the World Cup in Brazil," said the former England manager, who replaced Dick Advocaat as Russia boss following the team's poor showing at Euro 2012. ...

Malaga upbeat over appeal against UEFA ban

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:33:11 +0300

MADRID (Reuters) - Malaga are confident their appeal against a UEFA ban from future continental competition over delays in payments to creditors will be successful, club director general Vicente Casado has said. UEFA said in its ruling published in December that Qatar-owned Malaga had been sanctioned "due to the presence of significant overdue payables balances". The governing body also ordered the club to prove by the end of this month "that it has no overdue payables towards football clubs or towards employees and/or social/tax authorities". ...

Inter face UEFA investigation over racism allegations

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:02:41 +0300

BERNE (Reuters) - Inter Milan risk disciplinary proceedings after their fans were accused of racist behaviour during the Europa League last 16 clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur, UEFA said on Monday. A statement from European soccer's governing body said the Serie A club were under investigation for "racist behaviour of supporters, insufficient organisation and the throwing of missiles and/or fireworks". ...

Soccer: Inter face UEFA investigation over racism allegations

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:54:22 +0300

BERNE (Reuters) - Inter Milan risk disciplinary proceedings after their fans were accused of racist behavior during the Europa League last 16 clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur, UEFA said on Monday. A statement from European soccer's governing body said the Serie A club were under investigation for "racist behavior of supporters, insufficient organization and the throwing of missiles and/or fireworks". ...

Will Bayern rid their Chelsea demons against Juventus, or will it be Germany v Italy at Euro 2012 again?

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:10:02 +0300

The Bavarian giants are among the favourites to win the Champions League, but they have a huge psychological hurdle to overcome against the Bianconeri in the quarter-finals

Puyol doubtful for PSG clash after knee surgery

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 03:05:27 +0300

MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona's inspirational captain Carles Puyol may miss next month's Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris St Germain after he needed surgery on his right knee on Friday. The 34-year-old Spain centre back, who has suffered a series of injuries over the past year and missed Euro 2012, had arthroscopic surgery at a clinic in the Catalan capital, Barca said in a statement on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es). ...

Ferdinand backtrack leaves England rightly red faced

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:55:02 +0300

The in-form Manchester United centre-back was deservedly recalled to Roy Hodgson's squad on Thursday but many believe he should have travelled to Euro 2012 last summer

Ferdinand recalled to England squad by Hodgson

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:10:50 +0300

By Mike Collett LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad by Roy Hodgson after an absence of nearly two years on Thursday for this month's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro. Ferdinand, who made his debut for England 16 years ago and won the last of his 81 international caps in a friendly against Switzerland in June 2011, was snubbed for the Euro 2012 finals in what Hodgson described then as a "footballing decision". ...

Ferdinand recalled to England squad

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:15:52 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad by manager Roy Hodgson on Thursday for this month's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro. Ferdinand, capped 81 times, has not featured for England since June 2011, and was snubbed for the Euro 2012 finals in what Hodgson described as a "footballing decision". John Terry's retirement from international football has left England short of pedigree in the central defensive areas, leading to his recall. ...