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Cardiff City's owner Vincent Tan (L) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (C) are seen in the director's box before their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London January 1, 2014. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
(Reuters) - The Premier League asked Cardiff City for an explanation on Tuesday after Malaysian owner Vincent Tan reportedly broke the rules by offering players a 3.7 million pound ($6.19 million)cash bonus if they avoid relegation.
The offer, which newspapers said was made on Sunday before Cardiff lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, was withdrawn once Tan was informed it was illegal under the league's player remuneration rules.
"We have asked the club for their observations," a league spokesman said.
Newspapers quoted a spokesman for Tan as saying the offer had been a mistake.
"We didn't realise it was against regulations," he said. "Vincent Tan has now rescinded the offer."
Cardiff are 19th in the 20 team league, one point clear of bottom side Fulham and three adrift of 17th-placed West Bromwich Albion.
League rules state that full details of a player's remuneration, including all benefits he is entitled to in cash or in kind, should be set out in a contract that must be strictly adhered to.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Justin Palmer)
Players losing out from agents' fees, says Arsenal chief
By Tim Hanlon
BARCELONA Tue Mar 4, 2014 5:27pm GMT
Chief Executive Officer of Arsenal Ivan Gazidis gestures during an interview with Reuters in his office in London June 1, 2011. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett
(Reuters) - Players are losing out financially due to excessive fees paid to agents and football must address this, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said.
"Most clubs pay to the limit when they buy a player and so wherever this money goes it will still be the case of paying to the limit," Gazidis told a news conference following a meeting of the European Club Association (ECA), the organisation which represents European football clubs, to discuss the current transfer system.
"If I was a player or a players' union this would concern me. Players should make more money as the money paid to the agents should be going to them.
"There is a lot of money given to agents and it is in our interests to change this."
Gazidis said it was not a case of "trying to evade responsibility".
"I know we are involved in agreeing to pay these amounts," he said. "There are a lot of complications though as you are often dealing with cross-jurisdictions and agents have a role."
A study published by the ECA in a two-year period from 2011 to 2013 showed agents' commissions totalled $254 million - 14.6 percent of the value of the 865 transfers which took place involving European clubs.
"We know there is a problem and that there needs to be new regulations dealing with intermediaries. These are the numbers that we have found and it is for everyone to make their own conclusions," said AC Milan director and ECA vice-chairman Umberto Gandini.
The report did find that the present transfer system allows for free movement of players.
"We can see that the transfer system is working for the reasons that it was set up," said Gandini.
"The Bosman ruling applies as out of contract players are allowed to leave without any restrictions. The thing is that players' unions always want more and more and more. In general terms though the system is working."
Everton must aim higher than sixth, declares Roberto Martinez
By Peter Hanson
Mar 5, 2014 3:29:00 PM
The Toffees are nine points away from the Champions League places, having played a game more than fourth-placed Manchester City, but the Spaniard is unwilling to settle
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is adamant that his side can and should aim higher than merely hanging onto sixth place in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has witnessed his side produce a string of impressive performances this season, although two wins in their last six league games have left the Toffees in sixth.
Manchester City's victory in the Capital One Cup means the Merseysiders' current position would see them qualify for next season's Europa League, while an upgrade to the Champions League looks increasingly unlikely as Everton trail fourth-placed City by nine points, having played a game more.
However, Martinez has not given up, telling the club's official website: "We've never had it in our aims to finish sixth. We want to finish as high as we can and that's still the case.
"Obviously, when the season finishes, you sit down, see where you are in the table and see where that leaves you but I would never look at this season as one where we're trying to fight for sixth position.
"We are sixth now and over the season it's about as low as we've been. In terms of results, I don't think the table reflects the season we've had.
"We've had a game postponed and, among others, we've had two results recently that didn't match the performances so we are aspiring to finish the season as strongly as we can and with as many points as we can.
"I don't think our aim will be finishing sixth at this present time."
Adam banned for three games
Midfielder Charlie Adam has been suspended for three matches after being found guilty of violent conduct.
Thursday 6th March 2014
The Scotland international was punished for his stamp on Arsenal's Olivier Giroud during Saturday's 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium.
Referee Mike Jones did not see the incident but it was picked up on television footage and although the Potters said they "vigorously appealed" the Football Association's decision to punish the player, an independent panel upheld the charge against the 28-year-old.
"Stoke City's Charlie Adam will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after an FA charge for violent conduct was found proven," said an FA statement.
"The incident with Arsenal's Olivier Giroud, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, occurred during the fixture between the two sides at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday 1 March 2014.
"Adam had denied the charge, but it was found proven at an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today (Wednesday 5 March 2014)."
Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes was unhappy the club's attempt to defend the player against the charge failed.
"I am extremely disappointed for the effect that this is going to have on Charlie and on the football club," he told stokecityfc.com.
"However, I am not surprised because clubs like ours very rarely succeed in appeals to the FA.
"We put together a strong defence which was based upon the facts, which were that Charlie needed to plant his foot and in changing direction his eyes followed the ball at all times.
"How can anybody other than Charlie say what intent was there? How can the FA possibly justify this decision in the light of recent incidents which were far worse at other clubs, which have gone unpunished?"
The suspension means that Adam will be forced to sit out the forthcoming Barclays Premier League games against Norwich, West Ham and Aston Villa.
Hull's owners remain committed to changing the name of the club to Hull Tigers despite stiff opposition from fans' groups, and have reiterated their threat to walk away from the club if their plans are blocked.
Thursday 6th March 2014
In an open letter published in the Hull Daily Mail, vice-president Ehab Allam said the Barclays Premier League outfit needed to become financially self-sustainable as his family had "nothing left to give" in terms of future financial investment.
Hull's owners, headed by chairman Assem Allam, have ploughed £74million into the club since 2010 - an investment that almost certainly warded off a Portsmouth-style meltdown following their relegation from the Premier League in that same year.
The Allams have already changed the company name to Hull City Tigers but they need the permission of the FA Council to change the club's playing name.
A formal application was submitted to the FA in December but the high-profile 'City Till We Die' supporters' group is vehemently opposing the plans, and it is far from certain the governing body will sign off on the proposal.
Ehab Allam's open letter strikes a far more conciliatory tone than some of the past pronouncement of his father - who famously said the City Till We Die members could "die as soon as they want" - but nevertheless underlines the continuing determination of the family.
"We feel that now is the right time to reassure our fans of the reason for the application," the letter read.
"With our family having lived in the area for 40 years, we decided to invest £24million of our own money to save the club from liquidation, and probable extinction, in 2010. Since this point we have invested a further £50m to get the club into the Premier League.
"We have nothing left to give, and this is the reason why the club has to become financially self-sustainable.
"For the club to become sustainable we need further investment in the form of increased sponsorships and partnerships, and by utilising the global pull of the Premier League this is possible."
Assem Allam previously said he considers a Tigers brand to be more marketable, and the word ''City'' to be ''lousy'' and ''common''.
The letter continued: "Currently there are six teams in the Premier League with 'City' in their name, and, with the exception of Manchester City, all of those clubs are in a similar league position to us, and playing to similar-sized crowds.
"We need something that makes us stand out from the pool of teams we find ourselves in when it comes to attracting potential international sponsors, who are simply hoping to use the Premier League, and its global audience, to advertise.
"We feel the Hull Tigers brand would give us an edge in any negotiations."
And the letter signed off with another warning that the Allam family is prepared to walk away should the name change be blocked.
"We hope the fans understand that we cannot own or run a club where we cannot make the right decisions," it read.
"If we were denied the chance to operate the business in the way we feel fit, and that we firmly believe is in the long-term interests of the club and the fans, then we would have no alternative but to offer the club for sale."
Vidic to play for Inter Milan next season
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic will play for Inter Milan next season, the Italian club have announced.
Wednesday 5th March 2014
The Italian club had been widely touted as the likely destination for the Serbia centre-back since it was revealed last month that he would leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.
Inter confirmed on Wednesday that they had got their man, with club president Erick Thohir immediately hailing the signing as "crucial" for the team.
"Vidic is a great champion," he said on inter.it. "I am extremely satisfied with the completion of this agreement that will bring Nemanja to Milan.
"He is one of the strongest defenders in the world, for his characteristics, his international experience, his charisma as a leader will be crucial for the team and the growth of our younger players.
"He will add value to the club and will be another pillar for the construction of a great Inter.
"Finally, I want to thank Manchester United, Nemanja and his entourage for his availability and the professionalism shown during the negotiation process."
Vidic, who joined the Red Devils from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, confirmed last month that he would not remain in England after the summer.
''I want to challenge myself again and try to make the best of myself in the coming years," he said in a statement released by United.
"I'm not considering staying in England as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United and I was lucky enough to be part of this club for so many years.
''I've got a few options to move on and I will choose the right one for me and for my family.''
Last season, Vidic skippered United to their historic 20th championship - his fifth and the last under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Vidic has also won one Champions League trophy, three League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup crown during his eight-year spell with United, and has started in 18 Barclays Premier League games and four Champions League matches this term
Cardiff face questions over Tan bonus
The Premier League is to ask Cardiff for their observations after reports that owner Vincent Tan offered his players an extra bonus for avoiding relegation.
Wednesday 5th March 2014
Regulations state that any bonuses must be officially lodged before the start of the season and not offered on an ad hoc basis.
Cardiff are unlikely to face disciplinary action from the Premier League board, however, after a club spokesman said Tan had been unaware of the rules and has since withdrawn the offer.
League rules state: "Full details of a player's remuneration including all benefits to which he is entitled whether in cash or in kind shall be set out in his contract. The terms of a contract between a club and a player shall be strictly adhered to."
Tan reportedly told his players before the 1-0 defeat by Tottenham at the weekend they would share in a £3.7million bonus payment if Cardiff retained their place in the Barclays Premier League.
Such bonuses are commonplace as top-flight status means more income for clubs, but they must be made clear in players' contracts or a bonus schedule before the start of the campaign.
A spokesman for Malaysian businessman Tan told The Sun: "Vincent didn't realise it was against the regulations. He has since rescinded the offer, which he made only with Cardiff's best interests at heart."
Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon has been fined £15,000 and warned about his future conduct after admitting a Football Association charge for comments he made on Twitter in relation to his former manager Neil Warnock.
Wednesday 5th March 2014
Puncheon, 27, posted a series of tweets - which he later deleted - following criticism of a penalty miss by Warnock, who had signed him on loan when manager at QPR in September 2011.
The FA charged Puncheon as a result and has now fined him for the tweets.
The row blew up after Warnock delivered stinging criticism of Puncheon for blasting a penalty wide against Tottenham.
Warnock had said on talkSPORT: "There's no way I would've trusted him with a penalty. You've got to have somebody a little bit more cool, and he's not like that, Jason.
"He can whack a 35-yard free-kick in here and there but a penalty, with all the pressure on him at a place like White Hart Lane - not in a million years for me."
Puncheon retaliated on Twitter with derogatory remarks about his former manager, who said in a statement he had done "nothing untoward" and was addressing the matter directly with the player.
The FA then charged Puncheon that in posting the comments, he "failed to act in the best interests of the game and/or acted in a manner which was improper and/or used abusive and/or insulting words, in contravention of FA Rule E3(1)".
Announcing the outcome of the disciplinary action, the FA said in a statement: "Crystal Palace's Jason Puncheon has been fined £15,000 and warned as to his future conduct after he admitted an FA charge for Twitter comments he made in relation to Neil Warnock."
By Martyn Herman
LONDON Thu Mar 6, 2014 2:24am GMT
Chelsea's Andre Schurrle (C) celebrates after scoring a goal against Fulham during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London March 1, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
(Reuters) - Chelsea have a gilt-edged opportunity to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend and there is nothing their main title rivals can do about it.
With second-placed Liverpool having a week off and Arsenal and Manchester City in FA Cup action, all the chasers can do is hope Tottenham Hotspur can end one of the longest jinx's in English football and upset the odds at Stamford Bridge.
Twenty four years have passed and 15 managers have come and gone at the north London club since Tottenham last won at Chelsea - a miserable sequence that even the most optimistic Spurs fans would struggle to believe will end on Saturday.
Chelsea are gaining momentum in ominous fashion as the home straight to the title race looms and while Manchester City will have three games in hand after the weekend, a nine-point deficit to Jose Mourinho's side would leave them precious little margin for error.
Perhaps a glimmer of optimism for Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and City's Manuel Pellegrini is that Tottenham have the best away record in the top flight and are still harbouring top-four hopes themselves.
Despite not playing fluently, they are fifth and victory at Chelsea would leave them just a point behind City and three adrift of arch-rivals Arsenal who they host next week.
Tim Sherwood's side have picked up 29 points on the road this season, winning nine games out of 14.
Chelsea have been strong at home, though, winning 12 and drawing two as Mourinho's incredible statistic of never having lost a league game at Stamford Bridge rolls on.
Champions Manchester United have the chance to edge a little closer to the top four with a Saturday lunchtime kickoff at West Bromwich Albion who earlier in the season won at Old Trafford for the time in 35 years.
Albion fans mocked United manager David Moyes that day, suggesting he would be "sacked in the morning" but it was their manager Steve Clarke who was cast aside and West Brom are now hovering just above the relegation zone with new boss Pepe Mel under pressure.
REMOTE HOPES
Defeat for United would surely end their remote hopes of finishing in the Champions League places, leaving their best route back into the competition to win it, although with a 2-0 deficit to overturn against Olympiakos in the last 16 that scenario looks unlikely too.
Midfielder Juan Mata said March could be a make or break month for United.
"We have five Premier League games against important rivals such as Liverpool and Man City," he told United's website.
"We do know it is a crucial month to climb up positions on the league table and we are going to give our best to try and win every single match."
The weekend's other matches all involve teams battling to avoid the drop.
The bottom two clubs meet with Cardiff City hosting Fulham in a match where for once the description "a six-pointer" is not out of place. Defeat for either in the Welsh capital would see the trapdoor open a little wider.
"This Saturday is now the biggest game for us, Fulham at home," Cardiff's Ben Turner told the club's website.
"We've been saying for a few games at home that they are ‘must win' recently, and this game more than fits that description. There are ten games left and our aim is to try and win fifty per cent or more of them."
Crystal Palace, three points above the bottom three in 16th place, host Southampton, probably the only side in the top flight to have little to play for this season, they being well clear of danger and too far adrift of the European spots.
Norwich City, who are just a point better off than Palace, take on a Stoke City side who could move into the relative comfort of 10th with three points.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is more worried by the sporting impact of Jack Wilshere's foot injury than any financial implications.
Wilshere sustained a hairline fracture to the navicular bone in his left foot following a challenge with Daniel Agger in England's friendly win over Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday that will rule him out for up to six weeks.
The injury casts a major doubt on the midfielder's inclusion in Roy Hodgson's provisional 30-man England squad for the FIFA World Cup finals, which is due to be named on May 13, and means he will miss a number of key fixtures for Arsenal.
Amid reports that Arsenal could seek financial damages from the Football Association as a result of the injury, Wenger insisted he was largely concerned at losing a player of the 22-year-old's calibre.
"Our shock was losing a competitive player, the finance is not my main worry at the moment," he said on Friday.
"The tackle was strong but I think he wanted to go for the ball.
"You want to encourage him to go to the World Cup and I will do absolutely everything to help him get there.
"When you are Jack's age you just want to play. Certainly his injuries have a weight on his mind."
Ahead of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final with Everton, Wenger is adamant Arsenal are in a strong position to challenge for a first trophy since 2005.
"What is different this year is that we are in a better position to win trophies. We are ready for the battle," he added.
"It is one of the priorities, it's very important to come back with a strong response."
Wenger's only other injury concern for Saturday is Laurent Koscielny, who was described as a "doubt" by the Arsenal boss.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to return to action for the north London derby against Tottenham next weekend, while January acquisition Kim Kallstrom could make his debut at White Hart Lane after overcoming a back problem.
Chelsea's top spot is 'unrealistic', says Mourinho
LONDON Fri Mar 7, 2014 5:02pm GMT
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Fulham at Craven Cottage in London March 1, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
(Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho played down his team's Premier League title hopes on Friday, saying their position at the top of the table was "unrealistic" because they have played more matches than Manchester City.
Chelsea, who host fifth place Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, lead the standings with 63 points with 10 matches to play, four more than second place Liverpool and Arsenal in third.
They are six points clear of Manchester City, who are playing Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday and will have played three games fewer than Chelsea by the end of the weekend.
"We expect a very tough game against a very good Tottenham team who are fifth and so are the biggest threat to the top four teams," Mourinho told reporters.
"We want to guarantee our top-four place and win, but I keep saying, the position at the top is not a realistic situation.
"It is realistic when all the teams have played the same number of matches and then you can say 'I am in front, I am behind', so when some teams have played more matches than other teams the situation is not real.
"I don't look at the top of the table, I just look at tomorrow's game."
Tottenham are fifth on 53 points, but come into Saturday's clash without a win at Stamford Bridge in 24 years.
Yet they arrive with the best away record in the league this season to face a Chelsea team who have picked up more points at home than any other.
Chelsea have not lost any of the 74 home league games they have played in Mourinho's two spells there as manager but he expects a tough examination of that record on Saturday.
"I don't know why that is (Tottenham's poor record at Chelsea)," said Mourinho. "It is just coincidence because every time I have played Tottenham they have always been a very difficult opponent.
"I don't remember, in my previous years here as well, an easy match against Tottenham, so it will be a very difficult match."
Mourinho also said he had sympathy for Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew who was fined 100,000 pounds ($167,200)by his club following his headbutt on Hull City midfielder David Meyler last week. Pardew is facing the prospect of a substantial ban from the FA for his actions.
"I spoke with Alan a couple of hours after the incident, and he knows he made a mistake and he knows he has to pay for it with a punishment," Mourinho said.
"But for me, more than that, he is a good friend and a great guy and I prefer to stay with a good friend and a great guy than the mistake.
"He made a mistake but he's a good man."
Asked if he thought changes needed to be made to the technical area where coaches and managers stand by the side of the pitch, Mourinho said: "I have never had a problem to share with other managers.
"The manager should have the freedom to come out into the technical area. That is not the problem, the problem is human nature.
"I have made mistakes in technical areas too, I have paid for the mistake and (been) suspended for the mistake.
"The biggest punishment is not the money, or the matches you are outside, but it's you, yourself. The worst punishment is the self-blame. That is the big punishment."
(Reporting by Mike Collett; editing by Toby Davis)
The Scot is looking at a number of options to cope with the Manchester United captain's summer exit, hinting that he could promote defenders from within
Manchester United manager David Moyes will look to test out new defensive partnerships before Nemanja Vidic leaves at the end of the season.
The United captain will join Serie A side Inter when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign, having been at Old Trafford since 2006.
Moyes is eager to hand opportunities to young central defenders ahead of Vidic's departure, although he conceded this would likely happen closer to the end of the season.
"We've got a few games to go [before the end of the season]," Moyes said, before hinting that the Old Trafford side may look to promote from within.
"I've got young centre-backs to see and I'll be looking to introduce them in the final month or two of the season."
The Premier League holders went into the international break off the back of a dismal showing in Greece as they lost 2-0 to Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Moyes feels the pause denied them the chance to bounce back immediately from the loss in Athens but the Scot was pleased to see the likes of Darren Fletcher, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa play for their respective countries.
"It's allowed some players to get games, but it's also been a hindrance on the back of a bad performance and bad result against Olympiacos," he said.
"We wanted to put that right much sooner but the way the fixtures worked out meant we didn't have a game.
"We need to get back to creating more opportunities than we have done. We've played quite well in games but not scored and taken our chances.
"The introduction of Juan Mata and his interplay with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie has helped the creativity.
"[But] creativity isn't just the key. We also need to keep the back door shut."
The Bayern Munich star has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and has now fanned the flames by refusing to rule out a summer exit from the Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has fuelled further speculation about his future as he admitted "much is possible" this summer, as he continues to be linked with Manchester United.
David Moyes is believed to be keeping tabs on the Germany international as he plans an overhaul of his underachieving squad in the summer.
With the Premier League champions currently lagging in sixth place - 11 points off the top four - the United boss is keen to make his mark in the upcoming transfer window, and Kroos has offered hope a deal could be struck.
Speaking before the second leg of Bayern's Champions League last-16 tie with Arsenal - which they lead 2-0 - Kroos hinted he might be willing to join a club outside of the Champions League next season.
"Much is possible," he told reporters when asked if he would be willing to forgo the chance to play in Europe's elite club competition next season.
When the subject of his future was raised, Kroos said: "I have noticed that a lot has been written about it. There's nothing new. No decision has been made. There's no agreement.
"That will stay that way until the summer, then a decision will be made. It's no secret the Premier League is an interesting league."
Kroos has made 22 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring once and providing four assists.
'I'm too opinionated' - Sherwood rules out being Van Gaal's No.2
By Harry Sherlock
Mar 10, 2014 11:46:00 AM
The Tottenham boss has revealed he would not be interested in moving into an assistant role if the decorated Dutchman arrives at White Hart Lane this summer
Tim Sherwood admits he would not be willing to step into an assistant manager's role at Tottenham if a new boss is appointed in the summer.
Netherlands chief Louis van Gaal has long been linked with Spurs, with the Dutchman repeatedly claiming that he would like to manage in the Premier League after the World Cup in Brazil.
Sherwood - given an 18-month contract after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas in December - had been mooted as a possible assistant to Van Gaal but he has now scotched any talk of accepting any kind of demotion at White Hart Lane as he is "too opinionated".
After watching his side fall to a humbling 4-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the former midfielder was asked if he felt chairman Daniel Levy would appoint a new manager in the summer.
"The silence is deafening, isn't it? It's up to Daniel," he replied.
“It’s up to the club to make that decision. One thing I guarantee people is that there is no one who cares more than me. I want the team to do very well and it hurts me when they don’t. I need people to be hurting like I’m hurting."
And when pressed explicitly on whether he would be willing to assist the prospective new boss, he admitted: "I never want to be a number two.
"I feel like I can do the number one job. I don’t think I’d be good at number two. I'm too opinionated. I wouldn’t want to do the number two job."
However, Sherwood did concede that he would be interested in moving upstairs and taking over the role of technical director, currently occupied by Franco Baldini.
"I do think there is a place for a technical director," he said. "I’m someone who sees the club from the bottom to the top on the training field.
"There’s a definite place for that. A lot of clubs need to have a person like that, otherwise you get no continuity, you just end up buying seven or 10 players every window and your turnover of players is far too great."
Atromitos' Konstantinos Giannoulis (R) challenges Newcastle United's Dan Gosling during their Europa League soccer match in Athens August 23, 2012 REUTERS/John Kolesidis
(Reuters) - Newcastle United midfielder Dan Gosling has admitted an English Football Association misconduct charge relating to betting, the FA said on Monday.
In a statement on their website the FA said that Gosling admitted "multiple breaches of Rule E8(b) for misconduct in relation to betting."
This rule prohibits footballers betting on competitions they have played in that season or matches that they have any direct or indirect influence on.
"Gosling has requested a personal hearing, the date of which will be set in due course," the FA said.
The 24-year-old has made five appearances for Newcastle this season, having returned to the club from a loan spell at Blackpool earlier in the season.
Fulham eye miracle survival, plan extra defending session
Mon Mar 10, 2014 7:16am GMT
Fulham's Steve Sidwell reacts after losing against Cardiff City 3-1 during their English Premier League soccer match at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, March 8, 2014. REUTERS-Rebecca Naden
(Reuters) - Fulham need a miracle to survive relegation from the English Premier League but defender Johnny Heitinga still believes they can avoid the drop as manager Felix Magath plans extra sessions to plug the team's leaky backline.
A 3-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Cardiff City on Saturday left Fulham rooted to the bottom of the table on 21 points, four away from safety, and without a win in nine games.
"It was not good enough. We have to take a look in the mirror now because there are only nine games left," Heitinga, signed in January from Everton until the end of the season, was quoted as saying by British media on Monday.
"It's not difficult to see what went wrong, we conceded too many goals. At the moment, this is a team that plays without confidence and concedes goals too easily.
"I still believe in the miracle. There are still 27 points to fight for, and we play some of the teams around us, but to stay in the Premier League now would be like winning the Champions League for us.
"It does not matter how we survive, but we have to find a solution to stay up and it needs to be quick, because it is already five past midnight now."
Cardiff went ahead through Steven Caulker on the stroke of halftime after the visitors failed to clear a long ball into the box then left the defender to slot home a cross from close range.
Another January signing, Lewis Holtby, put Fulham level 15 minutes into the second period but Caulker headed the home side back in front seven minutes later before another cross resulted in a Cardiff goal with Sascha Riether diverting into his own net.
"I am shocked that we concede goals from corners because that is the easiest situation. You have time to stand and organise so I don't know why," Magath told reporters.
"We have to talk and in the next week we will have training sessions on defending. Especially now on corner kicks because that is the first time I have seen we are so bad from corners."
Fulham have now conceded a league worst 65 goals this season with Magath so far unable to stem the tide that begun under the guidance of Martin Jol and then his replacement Rene Meulensteen.
Magath was appointed last month having steered a number of German clubs away from relegation but admitted saving Fulham and ensuring a 14th consecutive season in England's top flight for the southwest London club would be his greatest achievement.
"This is the most difficult situation I have ever been in because you have a team that is not used to a relegation fight but we have to get used to it fast," the German said.
"If we do not change our style of play we will have no chance. We need to win all five home games, that's the most important thing. I think that could be enough."
Fulham host Newcastle United, Everton, Norwich City, Hull City and Crystal Palace over the remaining weeks with tricky trips to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur also to come.
Fulham came close to relegation in the 2007-08 season before Roy Hodgson was able to lead them to four wins in their final five games to stay up only on goal difference.
Now England manager Hodgson signed Norway international Brede Hangeland in the January window that season to help avoid the drop and the tall defender said it was up to the players to preserve their Premier League futures once again.
"Everyone is deflated, it's a bit like losing a cup final, but we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and fight together, as a group," he said.
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
Investment firm Baron Capital have secured nearly a quarter of the club's shares listed on the NYSE with a reported new €700 million kit deal with Nike seen as a major attraction
American investment firm Baron Capital have acquired nearly a quarter of Manchester United's shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
United's owners, the Glazer family, listed the club on the New York Stock E in 2012 - but have retained a 90 per cent holding in the company.
Despite their problems on the pitch this season, United's share price has been slowly rising in recent weeks and Baron Capital's movement in the market could go some way to explain that increase.
In a securities and exchange commission filing on the United investor relations website, the club confirmed that Baron Capital now own 9,581,636 shares, worth a reported $151 million (£90.9m).
A further boost to the Old Trafford coffers has reportedly been sealed in the shape of a €700m kit deal with Nike - which Baron revealed had piqued their interest.
On the investment firm's website they provided information on the portfolio that includes the shares in United, and expressed confidence in their future prospects.
Their commentary read: "Shares of Manchester United dropped in Q4 (quarter four of 2013) due to a delay in the signing of a new global merchandise deal with Nike and the team’s poor performance on the field.
"The Nike deal is still expected to be signed, but has been pushed out from this fiscal year. We remain positive on the company’s prospects going forward."
Newcastle boss Pardew given seven-game ban for Meyler headbutt
By Tom J Doyle
Mar 11, 2014 3:33:00 PM
The Magpies manager has been handed a lengthy suspension and a £60,000 fine by the FA, with the 52-year-old also subject to a three-match stadium ban as part of his punishment
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been hit with a seven-game ban by the Football Association after admitting a misconduct charge for headbutting Hull midfielder David Meyler.
Pardew will serve an initial three-game stadium ban and will have to stay away from the touchline for a further four matches, subject to an appeal.
The Magpies boss has also been fined £60,000 and given a warning about his future conduct by the FA.
Newcastle released a statement on their official website stating: "The club and Pardew have accepted the decision and now wish to draw a line under the matter."
The club also quote Pardew as saying: "As I have made clear, I deeply regret the incident and again wholeheartedly apologise to all parties for my conduct, which I understand was not acceptable.
"I will accept the punishment handed down by the FA today. My focus now turns to preparing the team for this weekend's game against Fulham and finishing the season as strongly as possible."
Pardew was fined £100,00 and given a formal warning by the club following the incident during the Mapgies' 4-1 win over Hull on March 1.
Meyler and Pardew clashed as the Tigers player sought to retrieve a ball that had run off the pitch in the 72nd minute, with the Newcastle manager being sent to the stands by referee Kevin Friend after attacking Meyler.
Pardew will therefore be absent from the ground for Newcastle's upcoming fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Everton, and will not be allowed in the dugout for their clashes with Southampton, Manchester United, Stoke City and Swansea City.
He will be allowed back on the touchline for his side's trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on April 28.
Pardew was given a two-game touchline ban last season for an altercation with an assistant referee, and was warned by the FA over his future conduct after a foul-mouthed tirade aimed at Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini in January.
Revealed: Van Persie has exit trigger clause in Manchester United contract
Mar 11, 2014 9:11:00 AM
The Dutchman has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to other clubs and quit Old Trafford if the Premier League champions finish outside the top four this season
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
Robin van Persie has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to other clubs should Manchester United miss out out on a top-four Premier League finish.
This could pave the way for Van Persie to move this summer, with the player expected to push for a transfer overseas should the league champions fail to reduce the nine-point deficit to fourth position by the end of the season.
Any potential move would still have to be sanctioned by the United board, and a fee would have to be agreed with the buyer, but the get-out option increases the likelihood that the Dutchman will not be at Old Trafford next season.
The striker was a picture of frustration during United's 3-0 weekend win at West Brom before being substituted by manager David Moyes.
After shooting United to the title last season, Van Persie's second season at Old Trafford has been disrupted by injury, mixed form and a series of behind-the-scenes clashes with Moyes.
The forward's concerns about the training methods and tactics of Moyes and his staff emerged last October, and he went public with some of his misgivings following United's calamitous recent defeat to Olympiakos by citing the positional play of his team-mates as a reason for his own dip in form.
Van Persie will turn 31 in August and is now willing to explore the possibility of one final pay day abroad.
Real Madrid, Inter, Juventus and Monaco are among the continental clubs closely monitoring the potential availability of the prolific Dutchman.
At this stage, it is considered unlikely that he would remain in England if he leaves United.
Arsene Wenger has no desire to take the former Arsenal star back to Emirates Stadium, while his age and wages would put off Liverpool's owners. The only realistic English avenues would appear to be Chelsea or Manchester City.
Any suitor would have to match the salary of Van Persie, who has two years remaining on a £250,000-a-week contract that runs until June 2016.
In turn, Moyes might believe that it is an appropriate time to cash in on the No.9, who was a £24 million signing from Arsenal in 2012, and grant him a swift exit.
The United boss has already begun the process of sourcing a new front man as he prepares to spend a summer transfer kitty worth at least £120m.
United intermediaries met with Edinson Cavani's camp in January, although Paris Saint-Germain are ready to resist any bids for the Uruguay international in the next window.
Cantona arrested for suspected assault in London - reports
LONDON Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:36pm GMT
Former soccer player Eric Cantona, from France, takes part in a conference during the Global Sports Forum in Barcelona March 8, 2012. REUTERS/Albert Gea
(Reuters) - Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona, the catalyst for the club's first English league title win for 26 years in 1993, was arrested on Wednesday following reports of assault, British media reported.
The 47-year-old Frenchman, who retired as a player in 1997, was detained near Regent's Park in London, Sky News said on Thursday.
Police refused to confirm the identity of the man but said in a statement they had arrested a male in his mid-40s.
"He was taken into custody and subsequently cautioned for common assault," a spokeswoman said, adding that the male victim did not require medical attention.
No further details were immediately available.
Cantona could not be reached for comment when contacted via his agent by Reuters.
