The Forgotten Story of 17 November 1993: Rob Smyth at The Guardian gives a rundown of an incredible night of football in the final matches of European qualifying for the 1994 World Cup.

posted by holden to soccer at 01:30 PM - 2 comments

Glasgow Rangers Football Club Enter Administration: Winners of 54 Scottish Championships, 60 Scottish cup competitions and a European Cup Winners Cup, Rangers choose to enter administration on their own terms before HMRC could force the club to accept an Administrator of Her Majesty's choosing over tax debts.

They will almost certainly suffer a ten point penalty as a result, effectively handing the Scottish title to main rivals Celtic.

Glasgow clubs Rangers and Celtic dominate Scottish football to the extent that no one else has been crowned the country's champion since Aberdeen in 1984/85. Celtic claim they don't need Rangers despite the threat of the SPL becoming a one horse race.

posted by Mr Bismarck to soccer at 10:35 AM - 9 comments

Jürgen Klinsmann Tries to Teach Football to America: Klinsmann knows that his new freedom has a lot to do with the relative unimportance of soccer in America. There are Americans who say that soccer isn't a sport for men, but for girls and pansies who don't have what it takes to play American football. In this sense, America isn't too weak for soccer; rather, soccer is too weak for America. These attitudes have helped American soccer, especially the national team, carve out a comfortable niche for itself. The team has never been under the unconditional pressure to win. "In this sense, the environment is different in the United States," says Klinsmann. "If you lose a match here, nobody cares. Then people say: 'Oh, you lost yesterday. No problem.'" (gallery).

posted by rumple to soccer at 05:08 PM - 6 comments

Fabio Capello Resigns As England Manager: After publicly criticising The Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of England Captaincy, Capello quit at a meeting with the FA chairman and General Secretary.

posted by Mr Bismarck to soccer at 03:54 PM - 11 comments

FA strips England captaincy from John Terry: In a statement, the FA said Terry would not "captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved." While FA chairman David Bernstein has spoken to both John Terry and Fabio Capello to explain the facts to them, Capello has not been involved in the FA Board discussions. The BBC reports that as it understands things the majority view among FA board members was that Terry should be stood down.

posted by scully to soccer at 11:44 AM - 7 comments

79 Die in Clash of Egyptian Soccer Fans: Seventy nine people were killed in Egypt during a soccer riot after the match between the Al-Ahly and Al-Masry teams Wednesday. Shortly after the final whistle sounded in Al-Masry's 3-1 victory at home, the team's fans stormed the pitch, ran to where visiting fans were seated and rival fans fought with rocks and chairs. Video from Al Jazeera shows fans chasing the Al-Ahly players and riot police doing nothing.

posted by rcade to soccer at 11:09 AM - 11 comments

U.S. Women Storm into London Olympics: The U.S. Women's soccer team has qualified for the Summer Olympics in London, defeating four opponents in CONCACAF qualifying by a combined score of 34-0. A 3-0 win over Costa Rica Friday night put them in the Olympics for the fifth time. Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan scored the goals.

posted by rcade to soccer at 05:22 PM - 3 comments

The Ultimate Football Draft: and the season's (simulated) results.

posted by yerfatma to soccer at 12:15 PM - 9 comments

Pepe defends his stomp on Messi: Sort of. It's @dirtytackle's "version of Pepe's defense of his actions." Even the Madrid papers are going hard on Real's center back and, after all, it isn't his first time doing something so stupid. Hopefully he gets a longer vacation this time.

posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 03:48 PM - 2 comments

When you Say Budweiser, you've said it all: Fifa General Secretary Jerome Valcke said the right to sell beer must be enshrined in a World Cup law the Brazilian Congress is considering. "Alcoholic drinks are part of the Fifa World Cup, so we're going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that's something we won't negotiate. The fact that we have the right to sell beer has to be a part of the law." There's no way that Budweiser being a major sponsor has anything to do with his position though, right? And what about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?

posted by scully to soccer at 01:50 PM - 0 comments

Chris Coleman Possible Successor to Late Gary Speed: Chris Coleman, who recently resigned as manager of Greek side Larissa, is set to meet with the Football Association of Wales to discuss the opening left when former boss Gary Speed committed suicide last November. Coleman may be a favourite of the players as he has indicated that he would be open to keeping the staff that was in place, saying "If it ain't broke, you don't fix it." The only other known candidates are also Welsh, but have no managerial experience, leading many to think that Coleman is likely to be appointed.

posted by scully to soccer at 10:19 AM - 4 comments

Omar Gonzalez tears knee ligament: In his first training session of a two month loan stint with FC Nurnberg, club and USMNT teammate Timmy Chandler dove in for a reckless challenge and tore Gonzalez's ACL. Omar, who anchored the LA Galaxy defense this season as they won the MLS Cup and left the January national team camp to go on loan in Germany, faces 6-9 months out.

posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 12:54 PM - 3 comments

Man City, Man United, Chelsea All Fall in Upsets: A weekend of staggering upsets in the Premiership included a 1-0 Sunderland win over Manchester City in the waning seconds of stoppage time, a 3-2 Blackburn win over Manchester United and a 3-1 Aston Villa victory over Chelsea.

posted by rcade to soccer at 02:15 PM - 7 comments

Liberian Soccer Legend Dies Homeless in Newark: George Sacko died at a Newark, N.J., hospital Sept. 17 "homeless, penniless and almost anonymously. But a half-century ago and an ocean away, George McDonald Sacko, aka 'Wizard,' had a country at his feet." The Star-Ledger tells the tale of the Liberian soccer team captain in the '60s.

posted by rcade to soccer at 09:03 PM - 1 comment

Liverpool Striker Suspended 8 Games Over 'Negrito' Remark: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been suspended by Britain's Football Association for eight matches because he allegedly called Manchester United defender Patrice Evra a "negrito" 10 times during a match. "Uruguayans do not see the use of 'negro' or 'negrito' to be offensive at all," writes Sid Lowe in The Guardian. "In Uruguay it is a nickname for someone whose skin is darker than the rest," said fellow Uruguayan Gus Poyet, manager of second-tier English side Brighton & Hove Albion. "It is not offensive. Such people are part of our society. We will defend them, go to war with them, share everything with them, and at the same time use that word."

posted by rcade to soccer at 09:49 AM - 10 comments

Agent: Drogba Likely to Leave Chelsea: Rejecting an offer of a one-year extension, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is likely to leave the club when his contract expires next summer and will consider offers from all over the world -- including the U.S., said his agent. "Once you are well into your thirties you have to go to a club where you can be certain you'll be able to pay your bills," said agent Thierno Seydi. Drogba's currently subsisting on $187,000 a week.

posted by rcade to soccer at 08:55 AM - 3 comments

Iran Spanks Soccer Players Over Butt Pat: Iran's football association imposed suspensions and $30,000 fines on two Iranian soccer players accused of celebrating a goal in an "immoral" manner. Last month, Persepolis defender Mohammed Nosrati patted the butt of teammate Sheys Rezaei while celebrating a goal in a nationally televised match. The patter Nosrati gets 10 months suspension and the patted Rezaei 20 months.

posted by rcade to soccer at 10:41 AM - 11 comments

Wales Manager Gary Speed Found Dead: Cheshire police confirm that Speed, who was the first player to make 500 appearances in England's Premier League and added 85 appearances for his country, was found dead in his home. The Football Association of Wales have stated that Speed took his own life.

posted by Mr Bismarck to soccer at 09:06 AM - 4 comments

American Samoa Gets First-Ever Soccer Win: After 30 straight defeats that stretched over nearly two decades, the American protectorate of Samoa has won its first international soccer match ever -- a 2-1 victory over Tonga. "Maybe we have a chance to do something special here beyond this one game, but let's enjoy this one right now," said coach Thomas Rongen, a former top man at D.C United. American Samoa will no longer have a FIFA ranking of dead last with Andorra, Montserrat, Samoa and San Marino.

posted by rcade to soccer at 11:13 AM - 6 comments

LA Galaxy Win MLS Cup: Landon Donovan scored in the 72nd minute on a pass from Robbie Keane, sending the L.A. Galaxy to a 1-0 win in the MLS Cup over Houston Dynamo. David Beckham, whose pass to Keane helped set up the goal, may leave now that his five-year contract has ended. "A lot of people said if we didn't win tonight it would have been an unsuccessful five years," he said. "It's nice to keep a few people quiet."

posted by rcade to soccer at 09:57 AM - 3 comments

Sepp Blatter is at it again: The head of FIFA has sparked huge controversy (especially in England) with ill-judged comments that minimize the extent and impact of racism in soccer. With his previous gaffes about homosexuality and women's football, it's a wonder that anyone is surprised.

posted by geneparmesan to soccer at 10:51 AM - 5 comments

Prep Soccer Team Punished for Doing the Bernie: The Perry Hall High School boy's soccer team in Baltimore was suspended for celebrating a playoff win by doing the Bernie, a dance inspired by the 1993 film Weekend at Bernies II. The decision has been reversed, allowing the team to continue in the playoffs. "More information continued to come in from the various communities and various stakeholders and because of that, the decision was re-analyzed," said principal George Roberts.

posted by rcade to soccer at 09:36 AM - 4 comments

Romanian Fan Attacks Player During Match: George Galamaz, a Romanian soccer player for Steaua Bucharest, had his cheekbone broken by a fan who ran onto the pitch and sucker punched him during a road match against Petrolul Ploiesti Sunday. After the fan Dragos Petrut Enache was attacked by several players and dragged off by security, Steaua's goalie was burned by a firework and the match was prematurely ended. Two Steaua players, defender Novak Martinovic and goalkeeper Razvan Stanca, were red carded for attacking the fan, who had been angered by a penalty call while Petrolul trailed 2-0 in the first half.

posted by rcade to soccer at 08:57 AM - 3 comments

Fox Outbids ESPN for 4 World Cups: For a mere $425 million, Fox has won the English-language U.S. TV rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and 2015 and 2019 women's World Cups, outbidding ESPN and NBC. Another $600 million was paid by Telemundo for the Spanish language TV rights and $100 million to Futbol de Primera Radio for radio rights. After losing the bidding, ESPN said in a statement, "We made a disciplined bid."

posted by rcade to soccer at 08:28 PM - 7 comments

Saudis Arrest Foreign Soccer Player for Tattoos: Colombian winger Juan Pablo Pino was arrested by the Saudi Arabian moral police at a Riyadh mall because of the tattoos on his arms. Pino, who plays for the Saudi club Al Nassr and has the face of Jesus on his right forearm, expressed "deep sorrow" for not covering his ink and said he was unaware of Saudi law that prohibits all tattoos.

posted by rcade to soccer at 11:08 AM - 3 comments

Manchester City lost a game: and Carlos Tevez yesterday, suggesting their theory of buying a championship might not work after all.

posted by yerfatma to soccer at 09:43 AM - 1 comment

Cristiano Ronaldo says jeering fans are jealous: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says opposing fans jeer him out of envy because of his looks, his money and his talent.

posted by BornIcon to soccer at 10:58 AM - 8 comments

Juventus have a new stadium.: In 1903, Notts County answered the call of a Juventus member to send a set of the club's black and white striped shirts to replace the pink ones worn by the players of the Italian club since their founding. So to return the favour, Juve invited Notts County - currently 12th in the third tier of English football - to come and play in the stadium's inaugural game.

posted by JJ to soccer at 08:06 AM - 6 comments

Soccer Saves Man's Life: Being a Cardiff City fan for 40 years helped save the life of Leslie Hayes. The 58-year-old had spent six days on the floor of his home after falling ill and becoming too weak to get up. Friends became alarmed when he didn't show up for the road match against Oxford United on Aug. 10 and notified police. "The days were going on and on and on," Hayes said. Cardiff City won 3-1.

posted by rcade to soccer at 03:35 PM - 1 comment

Didier Drogba Knocked Out Cold: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was knocked unconscious by the fist of Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy as Drogba was going for a header during Saturday's match. Drogba landed like a sack of bricks, received treatment that contributed to 11 minutes of injury time, and "barely moved during and was taken to hospital," according to an AFP/Sydney Morning Herald report.

posted by rcade to soccer at 01:13 PM - 1 comment

Gunshots Cause Panic at Mexican Soccer Match: The sound of gunfire sent the players and officials scurrying off the field during a Santos-Morelia soccer match Saturday in Mexico's first division, then sent fans fleeing as well across the pitch. Gunmen opened fire on a police patrol outside the Mexico City Stadium stadium and drug gangs are suspected. Video shows the panic. "In the Santos club, we feel bad for the time in which we are living," Santos team president Alejandro Irarragorri told the crowd. "It is evident that the game will be suspended."

posted by rcade to soccer at 05:07 PM - 5 comments

Spanish players ready to strike: and their Italian colleagues are ready to join them in a work stoppage. Spanish players just want the money owed from clubs in administration while the issue in Italy is, wait for it, who pays the extra austerity tax.

posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 11:49 AM - 2 comments

Cesc Fabregas finalizes move to Barcelona: ending the protracted transfer saga and returning to his former club in a deal worth up to £34m.

posted by lawn_wrangler to soccer at 09:57 AM - 11 comments

Football's Back!: The Premier League kicks off tomorrow with pundits picking ManU to repeat, followed by Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Journalists may not be there to see the games, though, as media groups and news agencies have not agreed to the League's terms for accreditation. And Everton isn't travelling to Tottenham as the match was cancelled due to riots.

posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 11:45 AM - 11 comments

Real Madrid Signs 7-Year-Old: Real Madrid has signed Leonel Angel Coira, a football prospect from Argentina who goes by the name Leo. He's seven years old. Coira's Facebook page includes a video of him scoring two goals.

posted by rcade to soccer at 01:06 PM - 3 comments

World Cup 2014 Qualifying Draw: Pre-qualifying has already commenced, but the qualifying groups and formats in each confederation have now been determined.

posted by owlhouse to soccer at 11:53 PM - 9 comments

US Hires Juergen Klinsmann to Coach Men's Soccer Team: German soccer legend Juergen Klinsmann has been hired to coach the U.S. men's soccer team, replacing Bob Bradley. Klinsmann, the third-highest scorer in Germany national team history, married an American and has lived in the U.S. for years. He coached Germany's 2006 World Cup team, which reached the semi-finals. His last head coaching gig was at Bayern Munich in 2009, where they reached the Champions League quarterfinals.

posted by rcade to soccer at 12:39 PM - 10 comments

Man City Pulls Striker When Backheel Backfires: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini pulled striker Mario Balotelli from a preseason friendly against the L.A. Galaxy Sunday for trying a showboating backheel shot that missed feebly and sparked accusations of "disrespect" from the ESPN announcing crew. Writers for the Guardian and Telegraph were more appreciative. Asks Rory Smith, "If a player can be hauled off by his own manager for a bit of trickery -- and, because this cannot be stressed enough, a bit of trickery in an entirely meaningless game -- what's next? A booking for a back heel? A straight red for a nutmeg?"

posted by yerfatma to soccer at 11:08 AM - 16 comments

FIFA Bans Top Official for Bribery: Mohamed bin Hammam has been banned for life by FIFA, months after the Qatari official helped secure soccer's 2022 World Cup for his country. Accused of paying bribes to unseat FIFA President Sepp Blatter, bin Hammam's the highest level official ever banned for corruption by the group in its 107-year history. When bin Hammam visited officials of the Caribbean Football Union, they were given envelopes stuffed with $40,000 in four piles of $100 bills in another room. A former employee of Qatar's World Cup bid claims that $1.5 million was paid to two officials to get them to choose the country.

posted by rcade to soccer at 12:51 PM - 6 comments

Thierry Henry is High on Grass: New York Red Bulls star Thierry Henry is not happy that some MLS teams continue to play on turf. In an interview where he groused about several subjects (including interviews), Henry said, "Turf is one of the most severe things I’ve seen for us to play on. "And the one in Seattle, I don't know if you can call it turf. It's not turf any more."

posted by rcade to soccer at 07:32 PM - 3 comments