Basketball star Lamar Odom, arrested

Basketball star Lamar Odom was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence early Friday after a California Highway Patrol officer saw his white Mercedes-Benz traveling erratically on a San Fernando Valley Freeway.



The husband of reality TV star Khloe Kardashian was stopped shortly before 4 a.m. and was arrested after a field sobriety test.The CHP said Odom's car was observed traveling in a "serpentine manner" before he pulled off the freeway.

"Mr. Odom showed objective signs of intoxication and was unable to perform field sobriety tests," the CHP said in a report. Authorities said he later declined to take a chemical test.Odom, 33, was booked for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and jailed on $15,000 bail.He was released Friday morning after posting bail.

A message for his agent, Jeff Schwartz, wasn't immediately returned.The 6-foot-10-inch forward has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks.Odom broke into the NBA with the Clippers in 1999, playing for them for four seasons before spending the 2003-04 season with the Heat.He had his best years during his six seasons with the Lakers, beginning in 2004-05.

The team won NBA championships in 2010 and 2011 and Odom won the NBA's sixth man award in 2011.After spending the 2012 season with the Dallas Mavericks, he returned to the Clippers last year. He became a free agent at the end of the season.

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24 FIFA-Badged Referees Pass 2013 Fitness Test

All 24 FIFA-badged referees who participated in the 2013 FIFA fitness test for vario
us cadres of referees in Abuja retained their badges after passing the programme.

The test was for Centre Referees, Assistant Referees, Beach Soccer Referees and Futsal Referees.Emmanuel Imiera, FIFA Physical Instructor, confirmed the results to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that FIFA, through the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) carries out the test yearly to test the fitness level of the badged referees and to prepare them for the 2013/2014 season.

The test, which had both medical and physical exercise, was held from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29 with the medical tests taking two days before the physical test.The test included five male Centre and Assistant Referees each, three female Centre Referees, four Assistant Referees, three Futsal Referees and four Beach Soccer Referees.

Imiera said the test was the third quarter fitness programme to be carried out by the NRA.''Also, 14 male and five national referees participated in the fitness test to serve as replacements in case any of the FIFA badged referees failed.''He said 13 out of the male referees passed at the national level while only two of the females made the list.He noted that the success of the test would herald the FIFA Member Association (MA) course which external FIFA instructors would handle.

''The MA course will hold in the last week in September to keep the referees abreast of the amendments in the laws of the game.''We will also invite 20 of our elite referees so as to widen their knowledge and expand their horizon.''They will become more exposed as to what the FIFA amended laws of the game are.Reacting to the test, NRA President, Ahmed Maude, said the test was a success compared to the last edition.

''The 2013 fitness test was a success compared to last year that we had a casualty.''Now, those that were left out opted out themselves even before the test started,'' Maude said.He added that the success was a good omen that Nigerian referees would do better.''It is a good thing for our football that our FIFA badged referees are fit and up to the task.''And it is a good omen which means we have younger referees who are ready to work harder and the sky will be their limit.''Now, we are on course and we are maintaining our standard,'' the NRA president said.

Speaking about the national referees, Maude said since no FIFA-badged referee failed, none of the national referees would be called for the yearly test meant for their category.''It means they have done their yearly test, they will not be called for promotion to the Premier League.''They will not have to wait till October when some of their colleagues will be tested, their results will be carried over.''It is only those that failed in this test that will be recalled in October.


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Mourinho and Guardiola renew rivalry

Coaches Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will renew their rivalry on Friday as Europa League champions Chelsea face Champions League winners Bayern Munich in the Uefa Super Cup in Prague.

Guardiola's Barcelona and Mourinho's Real Madrid competed in some heated encounters for two seasons, but the new Bayern coach played down the rivalry.

"We're here for the players, not the coaches," said Guardiola.

"Millions of people around the world will watch the game, not the coaches."

The Spaniard, who took a year-long sabbatical after leaving Barca at the end of the 2011-12 season, added: "I have a great respect for him, but on Friday I will try to win and so will he too.

"He is always very, very good with quick counter attacks. He is a master at that and everybody knows he is an excellent, excellent trainer."

Guardiola got the better of his counterpart during the 2010-11 La Liga campaign, but Mourinho's side defeated the Catalan giants in the Copa del Rey that season before winning the league title and domestic Super Cup the following year.

However, in Thursday's Uefa Super Cup pre-match news conference, the Portuguese manager was reminded that his record against Guardiola in Spain was only three wins in 15 meetings.

"Your statistics are very wrong," replied Mourinho. "Go and see what happened when I was with Inter in the Champions League semi-final, the King's Cup final with Real in Spain, the Super Cup in Spain [2012].

"Maybe you are right and I am wrong but I don't care. This is not about us, it's about Chelsea and Bayern."

Mourinho, 50, has never won the European Super Cup.

He led Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League success, but left the clubs following the victories. In 2003, his Uefa Cup-winning Porto team lost the 2003 edition to Valencia.

Chelsea's new signings Willian and Samuel Eto'o have not travelled to Prague with the 26-man squad that includes David Luiz (hamstring) and Tomas Kalas (leg), who have not played this season.

Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and defensive players Javi Martinez and Jan Kirchhoff face late fitness tests.

Chelsea squad: Cech, Schwarzer, Hilario, Blackman, Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Torres, Mata, Oscar, Mikel, Moses, Schurrle, De Bruyne, Van Ginkel, Hazard, Lukaku, Ba, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Kalas, Bertrand.

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Al Ahly, Leopards in crucial battle

Either Al Ahly or AC Leopards could take a major step towards qualification for the semifinals of the CAF Champions League with victory in their group A encounter in Gouna on Saturday evening.

Both sides have gathered four points from three fixtures and sit three points behind group leaders Orlando Pirates who face Zamelek at the same stadium a day later.

A win for either side would open a three point gap between themselves and their opposition with only two rounds of fixtures remaining.

Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef expects a tough match against the Congolese outfit, in an encounter which he has described as being decisive.

“The return leg against the Leopards will be a decisive match as it will reorder the group teams and determine who will be close to book a place in the semifinal,” said Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef.

“The match will not be easy because our opponents consider the game their last chance and will be tough in comparison to the first leg.”

Egypt giants Al Ahly have received some good and bad news ahead of the fixture against the Congolese outfit as want-away Mauritania forward Dominique da Silva has asked not to be selected for the match as he looks to force a move away from the Egyptian outfit, consequently weakening the side’s frontline.

However, they key trio of Ahmed Fathi, Hossam Ashour and Ahmed Abdul-Zaher are all back for the match against Leopards on the weekend.

Fathi and Ashour have returned from injury while Zaher is back after serving a one-match suspension.

Another concern for the Red Devils is whether veteran midfielder Mohamed Aboutreika will take part in the crucial clash. 

Aboutreika asked not to be selected for a friendly match on Sunday, despite being fully fit and it is unclear whether the 34-year old sees a future with the club.

Leopards assistant coach Cyril Ndonga explained that his side are tactically superior to the Egyptians and that they have learnt their lessons ahead of the return leg this weekend.

“Tactically and technically we were superior to the Egyptians. We have learnt our lessons so as to rectify a number of things that did not work out,” said Ndonga.

Ahly won the reverse fixture in Dolisie 10 days ago 1-0, and will be heavy favourites against a Leopards side who are not as potent away from their home crowd.

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UEFA keen to avoid UCL confusion

MICHAEL PLATINI

Clubs banned from European competition over match-fixing may have their suspension deferred for a season in the future to avoid the confusion which has marked this year's Champions League qualifying competition.

Uefa president Michel Platini said the uncertainty surrounding Fenerbahce and Metalist Kharkiv's presence in the competition over the last month, and the knock-on effects for other teams, had not been good for Uefa's credibility.

"We could suspend a team for the following year instead of keeping them from starting in the current season," Platini told a news conference.

"It is a political question. I have my views, (Uefa secretary general) Gianni Infantino has his view and the disciplinary commission people have their dissenting views."

"It is bothersome... and this is bad for Uefa's image as well," he added, referring to the uncertainty over whether some teams would be able to continue in the competition or not.

"The legal department did not spend much time on the beach this summer, rather more in the courtroom," Platini said.

"Clubs were playing, not playing, then playing again."

Turkish club Fenerbahce were kicked out of the Champions League in June, shortly before the qualifying competition started, over a domestic match-fixing case two years ago.

However, they appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) who provisionally reinstated them and they were readmitted at the last minute.

They then beat Austrian club Salzburg in the third qualifying round and faced Arsenal over two legs in a playoff with a final decision still hanging over them.

In the end, Fenerbahce lost the Arsenal tie and their appeal, which meant they missed out on the Europa League for which they had qualified, allowing Apoel Nicosia to replace them in Friday's draw.

Salzburg also lodged a protest with Uefa, which was rejected, before they appealed to CAS which has yet to issue its final ruling.

TOUGH SUMMER

Ukrainian club Metalist Kharkiv also went to CAS after being banned for match-fixing although, unlike Fenerbahce, they failed to gain provisional reinstatement and eventually lost their appeal.

Their absence again forced Uefa to make a last-minute switch, replacing them with Greek side PAOK Salonika as Schalke 04's opponents in the Champions League playoffs.

"It was a tough summer, a bit complicated between disciplinary committee appeal procedures, CAS and all sorts of things," Platini said.

Infantino explained that Uefa could act retrospectively on any proven incidents of match-fixing dating back to April 2007, when the disciplinary statutes were altered.

It would only take action, however, once a team had qualified for European competition.

The policy could potentially affect Italian clubs Torino, Sampdoria and Atalanta, who have all had points deducted since 2007 over match-fixing cases.

"One of the tasks of our integrity officers is to feed Uefa with information so we are informed about what is happening in every country and then, depending on what happens in the future, Uefa will have to take decisions," Infantino said.

"In the Fenerbahce case, there were thousands of pages in Turkish which had to be translated before the disciplinary committee decided to exclude them."

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Keshi lists Enyeama, 22 others for Malawi

The Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has accepted a list of 23 players submitted by Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, for next week’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Malawi in Calabar.


Top of the list is France-based goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who has largely captained the team this year, with goalkeeper Austin Ejide, defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose, midfielders John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Ogenyi Onazi and forwards Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Uche Nwofor also called.

“We have accepted the list of 23 players and they will resume camping for the match in Calabar as from Monday,” Barrister Chris Green, Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee, said.

The Super Eagles need only a draw in week’s clash at the U. J. Esuene Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round, where two-leg, knock out fixtures will determine Africa’s five flag-bearers at the global showpiece in Brazil next year summer.

The Flames of Malawi, who must win at a venue where the Super Eagles have never lost, to qualify for that final elimination round, are expected to arrive in Nigeria from Accra on Thursday.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

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Schalke complete Kevin-Prince signing

Champions League competitors Schalke 04 have signed AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng on a four-year deal after the Ghana international passed his medical at the German club on Friday.

"I am delighted to be back home in Germany," Germany-born Boateng told reporters. "It is one of the best leagues in the world."

"The first contact was made a year ago but sometimes you have to wait a bit longer for the good things and opportunities."

The 26-year-old, who has also played for Hertha Berlin, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur and is the half brother of Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng, joined Milan in 2010.

Prior to that he caused considerable controversy with a foul on Chelsea's Michael Ballack in the 2010 FA Cup final, that forced the now retired Germany captain to miss the World Cup and triggered angry reactions among the country's hardcore fans.

"He has collected a lot of international experience and will help us a lot," Schalke coach Jens Keller told reporters. "He can play as early as tomorrow. I have already an idea of how to deploy him."

On Wednesday Boateng scored twice in AC Milan's 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven to help the Italian side reach the Champions League group stage.

Schalke, who signed defender Dennis Aogo on loan from Hamburg SV on Wednesday, stamped their group stage ticket this week, beating Greece's PAOK 4-3 on aggregate. They will face Chelsea, Basle and Steaua Bucharest.

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Okagbare Fails to Win Diamond League Prize

Blessing Okagbare last night at the Letzigrund stadion in Zurich, Switzerland, failed to jump into history book as the first Nigerian to win the IAAF Diamond League trophy and the accompanying $40,000 cash prize.


The IAAF World Championships silver medallist settled for another second place with her 6.76m third round jump which brought her total points tally to 14 behind Britain’s Shara Proctor who jumped 6.88m to win with 17 points.

Reigning world champion, Britney Reese of the USA who was joint first with 10 points with Okagbare coming to the meeting jumped a disappointing 6.37m to finish seventh.

Okagbare will however have another chance to make history next week at the memorial Van damme in Brussels, Belgium, at the final leg of the 14-leg IAAF Diamond League meetings.

The Nigerian is tied on 12 points in the 100m event with reigning World and Olympic champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pyrce of Jamaica, who emerged as the 200m winner last night in Zurich.

Okagbare can become the first Nigerian in 15 years to be crowned champion in any IAAF-organised one-day meetings after Falilat Ogunkoya    who won the 400m event (49.73) in the then IAAF Golden League/Grand Prix final at the Luizhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia.

Another Nigerian, Charity Opara (50.09) was second in that race.  

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Pardew: Eagles Call-up Has Lifted Ameobi's Game

Alan Pardew believes Nigeria call has done Shola Ameobi world of good.

The Newcastle United stiker scored his 77th goal for the club in Wednesday night’s 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Morecambe.

Ameobi, a second-half substitute, broke the deadlock six minutes before time.
And his young sibling Sammy put the game beyond Morecambe in injury time with only his second goal for the club.


Ameobi Snr has a chance of playing in next summer’s World Cup finals, and United manager Alan Pardew believes he’s got the bit between his teeth for club and country.

“He’s actually looked the best I have seen him in this pre-season,” Pardew told SportMail.

“I think the Nigeria selection has actually given him a boost - I can see that in his eyes.

“He is looking forward to the international coming up, and I think that’s benefited us.

“Sometimes we moan about that (international call-ups), but this time it’s been a bit of a lift for him and his confidence and everything. He was terrific in the second half.”

The Ameobi brothers made history by becoming the first siblings to both score in a game for the club, which has been drawn against Leeds United in the third round of the competition.

On Sammy’s performance, Pardew said: “I thought Sammy put in a really good display offensively and defensively. We have had problems with him defensively in the past.

“We have never doubted his talent, but he put it all together this pre-season and that was shown.

“I thought he was the difference between the two teams until Hatem (Ben Arfa) came on, who them really did open the game up for us.”

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Kaka Ready to leave Real Madrid

Real Madrid star begs for Milan move

Kaka has launched a sensational ‘come and get me’ plea to Milan. “I want to leave” Real Madrid by Monday.


The Brazilian has struggled for playing time in recent years and decided the situation cannot continue for another season.

“I want to leave. I think it’s the best thing for me and the club,” declared Kaka yesterday.

“I’m trying to solve the situation by Monday.”

The 31-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a return to Milan in recent months, so with their Champions League qualification in the bag it’s possible they will swoop.

Kaka left the Rossoneri for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of €65m (£56m).

He suffered from a series of injury problems and fell down the pecking order at the Bernabeu. Along with Milan, Kaka has options in Brazil and the MLS.





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Taye Taiwo Set to Stage Grassroots League in Lagos

Out of favour Super Eagles left back Taye Taiwo plans to stage an annual mini football tournament in the Egbeda/Idimu suburb of Lagos, Complete Sports have been informed.

The Bursaspor of Turkey defender, fondly called 'Igo' by family members and friends according to his younger brother, Azeez, who is in the management team of the former Lobi Stars and Gabros star says no date has been fixed for the commencemet of the competition but amateur clubs and academies have shown interest in participating in the competition.

"We are planning having a mini football tournament in Egbeda and environs which would ensure that more Taye Taiwos and other big players are discovered but we are yet to fix a time for the take off. Once this is sorted out, I shall let you know.

"However, we have discussed with some amateur teams in this neigbourhood(Egbeda) and they are interested in participating.

"Taye was discovered in Gowon Estate here in Egbeda and he believes that he too should help discover more football talents.

"The issue of where he will play next which has been settled with a move to Bursaspor and some other things have been sorted out so perhaps, sooner or later, we shall come out with a date.

Complete Sports gathered from close associates of the Eagles star who fell out with coach Stephen Keshi after a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in 2012, that the competition could commence next year; 2014 during the off season.

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Tsonga splits with coach Rasheed

French No 1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has split with Australian coach Roger Rasheed after just a year together.

Tsonga, who skipped the US Open currently under way in New York to fully recover from a knee injury, praised Rasheed's contributions to his play, saying that he had learned much from him since the start of the year.

"But the language barrier and the difficulties involved in our respective geographic situations hinders our association and at 28 time is running out for me to achieve my objectives," Tsonga said in a press release.

"I am currently looking at several options and I hope things will be clearer in the next few weeks."

Tsonga was coached by French Tennis Federation coach Eric Winogradsky from 2004 until 2011 and then spent a year on his own before turning to Rasheed, who had previously been with Australian Lleyton Hewitt and another Frenchman, Gael Monfils.

Currently ranked eighth in the world, Tsonga reached the final of the Australian Open in 2008 where he lost to Novak Djokovic, but he has yet to win a Grand Slam title.

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10 reasons why football is better than sex

Men's obsessive love of football can both baffle and enrage wives, girlfriends and women across the country.

Their adoration of the beautiful game has led some to believe they may even prefer it to sex.

·  Balls are checked for firmness

·  If a football game's boring you can leave halfway through without getting yelled at

·  High fives are considered completely appropriate

·  In football, size doesn't matter

·  You can yell really embarrassing things during football and your neighbours won't think you're weird

·  You can eat and drink while watching football

·  You can record football and watch it back when you're in the mood

·  Thee are 22 men to select from in football, in sex, doesn't quite work that way

·  In football it's common practice to apologise after a poor performance

·  It's not considered weird or dirty to watch football without participating in it

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New Hawks coach Budenholzer arrested on DUI charge

Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer has apologized for his arrest on a driving under the influence of alcohol charge.

According to a report from the Georgia State Patrol, Budenholzer was pulled over at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday in Atlanta for not having working taillights. Trooper J. Nelms said Budenholzer had bloodshot and watery eyes "and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath."

Budenholzer refused a breath test but agreed to a field sobriety test, according to the report. He told Nelms he had only one glass of wine and that he finished the glass about 15 minutes before being pulled over. Nelms said in the report that Budenholzer was "polite" and that his speech patterns were mumbled, slow and slurred.

Budenholzer issued an apology in a statement released by his attorney, Michael Hawkins.

"I take my role as a leader very seriously and hold myself to a high standard," Budenholzer said. "I apologize to the fans and to the Hawks organization for any negative attention this incident has brought upon my family and the organization while the legal process evolves and I contest these misdemeanor charges."

Budenholzer, who was released from jail on $1,524 bond, entered a not guilty plea at Atlanta Municipal Court on Thursday, according to Hawkins.

Hawks general manager Danny Ferry said in a statement that Budenholzer immediately informed him of the arrest and that team officials are gathering more information.

"We take this matter seriously and have been in constant communication with coach Budenholzer throughout this situation," Ferry said in a second statement released Thursday afternoon. "We support him during this legal process and will let that take its course."

Hawkins said Budenholzer asked to consult with an attorney before his arrest. Hawkins said Budenholzer volunteered at the jail to take both a breathalyzer and a blood alcohol test and was denied both requests.

Hawkins said following Budenholzer's release from jail, the coach went to Piedmont Hospital where his blood alcohol was tested at .01, well below the legal limit of .08. Hawkins said that test came "several hours" after the arrest.

Budenholzer, 44, a former longtime San Antonio Spurs assistant, was named the Hawks coach May 29.

He spent 19 years with the Spurs, including 17 seasons as an assistant. He was the top assistant for coach Gregg Popovich the past six years.

Ferry and Budenholzer worked together in San Antonio. Ferry came to the Hawks last year after two years as vice president of basketball operations for the Spurs.

Budenholzer was hired to replace Larry Drew, who now is the Milwaukee Bucks' coach.


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Torres, Mata left out of Spain squad

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has omitted Chelsea forwards Fernando Torres and Juan Mata from his squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Finland and a friendly with Chile.


The attacking pair were fixtures for the world and European champions as they swept to a World Cup triumph in South Africa in 2010 and victory at last year's European championship but are experiencing difficult times at the London club.

Torres, 29, remains a shadow of the player who struck fear into defences when he was at Liverpool, while the 25-year-old Mata appears to have lost his place in the Chelsea starting line-up under new coach Jose Mourinho.

Del Bosque included forwards David Villa, Pedro, Roberto Soldado and Alvaro Negredo, as well as Negredo's Manchester City teammates David Silva and Jesus Navas as Spain seek to protect their one-point lead over France at the top of Group I.

Finland surprised Spain in their qualifier in Gijon in March, coming from behind to draw 1-1, before Del Bosque's men went on to beat France 1-0 in Paris to reclaim top spot.

"I have chosen the best, those that are in the best form, the right system, the right men, to compete and battle with these two teams," Del Bosque said at a news conference at the Spanish soccer federation's headquarters outside Madrid.

"What I am worried about at the moment is Finland on the sixth when we will be playing for three extremely important points," he added.

"We have options and we have people waiting in the wings who could also bring something to the team."

Quizzed about why he had also left out Chelsea fullback Cesar Azpilicueta, Del Bosque said it was "a coincidence" and had nothing to do with Mourinho or the Portuguese's decisions.

He also spoke about the possibility of Atletico Madrid's Brazil-born striker Diego Costa playing for Spain after recently gaining Spanish nationality.

"We did not call him up this time," Del Bosque said. "We will do what we feel is appropriate depending on how he performs for his club."

Spain play Finland in Helsinki on September 6 and meet Chile in Geneva four days later.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Forwards: Jesus Navas (Manchester City), David Silva (Manchester City), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Roberto Soldado (Tottenham Hotspur), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Pedro (Barcelona), David Villa (Atletico Madrid)


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Transfer system is robbery - Platini

Uefa president Michel Platini described the current soccer transfer system as robbery on Friday and said he would like to see it revamped.

"I think transfers are robbery," the former France captain told a media conference.

"Today, the player is more a product than a player and that irks me because there is a whole lot of people trying to make this player make money in order to earn commissions, we should think about that and try to find something more healthy.

"Players are not free and they don't even belong to clubs, they belong to financial holdings, companies or people, whereas before you belonged to the club. Now it's a holding company or a financial company or one person.

"I don't think it is right. I believe this is important and this is new in the world of football," he added. "We are looking into that, working on it, I agree maybe this window is too big, too long."

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Reuters

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Platini blasts goal-line technology

The use of goal-line technology has opened a Pandora's box in football and encouraged demands for other forms of electronic aids to be used, Uefa president Michel Platini said on Friday.

"I told you from the start I was against this technology, because then we will have offside technology,penalty technology, throw-in technology, everything," he told a news conference.

"The Pandora's box has been opened, that's what I said would happen at the beginning and now we are getting the confirmation."

The Frenchman has fought almost a lone battle against the use of goal-line technology, which was approved by football's rule-making body last year.

It was used at the World Club Cup last December, the Confederations Cup in June and is now in use in the Champions League.

Uefa have developed an alternative system of having two extra linesmen, one on each goal line, which is used in European club competitions and the European championship.

Platini said that experience in other sports had shown that video technology was not 100 percent reliable.

"Rugby is using technology with forward passes and French television now want to start the matches earlier," he said.

"You have to review the action and the referees are no longer taking decisions because you have to run to a monitor and the referees are waiting for technology to decide.

"I was against this all along, here it is and the debate has now kicked off and we will have a debate for the next couple of years on our hands."

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Reuters

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No automatic shirts for home-based Eagles against Malawi, says Keshi

The national team coach is making final arrangements for the camping of the squad ahead of their crunch qualifier against Malawi in Calabar next month

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi was in Abuja on Thursday to finalize the arrangements for the Super Eagles’ crunch 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi on September 7th in Calabar.

Goal tried to scoop from the coach the likely home based players that would make the 23-man list which he has submitted to the Nigeria Football Federation but not yet released by the NFF.

“There is no automatic shirt for the home lads,” Keshi told Goal. “All of them have to fight for the five slots I allocated to them and I don’t know what you mean by the regular five home-based Eagles players. When we start training we will know who is who.”

He also confirmed to Goal that he was fully aware of midfielder Sunday Mba’s trip to France to join AC Bastia. He disagreed with reports that stated the midfielder went on trials at the club.

“Sunday Mba is in France to team up with a top division side. He did not travel to undergo trials but to join the team as well as finalize the contractual terms involving his transfer to the club,” Keshi said.

Nigeria need at least a draw against Malawi to qualify for the final play off stage of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil.

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Bayelsa United top Nigerian football league

Bayelsa United have moved to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League after a remarkable goalless draw at Sunshine Stars in Akure on Thursday.

Bayelsa United are now on top of the standings with 46 points from 28 games. Six-time champions, Enyimba, have 45 points, same as third-placed Kano Pillars.

Coach Ladan Bosso-tutored Bayelsa United frustrated their hosts to run away with a point on the road on Thursday.

Bayelsa United won Nigeria Premier league in 2009 only to be sensationally relegated the following season. They won promotion back to the top flight this season.

The goalkeeper of the Yenegoa-based club, Emmanuel Fabiyi, said their target since the beginning of the league is to win it and they are now on course.

“We thank God for the draw against Sunshine Stars, it was not easy. Our target is to win the league and now that we are on top, we want to do our best to remain there. It won’t be easy though, but we are good enough to win the league,” Fabiyi declared.

Action in the league will continue on Sunday with Week 29 matches across the country.



@aderonkew

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