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The Swiss believes those who try to con officials by faking contact or feigning injury are cheating the game and deserve harsher sanctions
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called on referees to use the full extent of their powers to punish players guilty of simulation.
The issue has come into the spotlight in recent days, with Jose Mourinho backing Martin Atkinson's decision to book Oscar in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Southampton, just days after accusing Luis Suarez of diving in the Blues' win over Liverpool.
The incident was the latest in a string of cases of simulation in the English top flight this season, which has seen 13 bookings being dished out for the offence, including three for Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj, and Blatter feels the guilty parties are setting a bad example for aspiring footballers.
"Cutting out this kind of cheating is a matter of respect towards opponents and fans, and ultimately one of self-respect as a professional and role model," he wrote in his FIFA Weekly column.
"The longest breaks in the game nowadays are almost exclusively the result of dives, simulation and play-acting to feign injury.
"This kind of thing is treated with scorn in other sporting disciplines but it has become a normal and accepted part of football nowadays. Even though simulation is incredibly unfair and looks preposterous when viewed in a replay, some people regard it as smart or in the worst case as a harmless misdemeanour.
"I find this deeply irritating, especially when the [supposedly] half-dead player comes back to life as soon as they have left the pitch."
Blatter has placed responsibility for policing the problem in the hands of officials, who he believes have the necessary powers to sufficiently punish players.
"The ball is in the referees' court," he continued. "The instructions are now clear on this matter: if a player is lying on the floor, the opposing team are not required to put the ball into touch.
"The referee should only intervene if he believes a serious injury has occurred."
Sam Allardyce has revealed he is in constant contact with West Ham's owners but it is transfer targets and not his own future as manager that is in discussion.
Friday 3rd January 2014
The Hammers go into their FA Cup third-round clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday sitting 19th in the Barclays Premier League after losing 2-1 at fellow strugglers Fulham on New Year's Day.
Allardyce has seen his squad decimated by injuries in the past couple of months, with the lack of depth a major factor in the club only picking up two league points throughout the whole of December.
And the 59-year-old, who is the only boss of a side currently in the bottom six who was in charge at the start of the season, is more bothered about bringing in new faces rather than worrying about joining the growing list of out-of-work managers.
"I talk to the board members all the time, but what I say with them has nothing to do with you," he said when asked if he had spoken to the owners following the Fulham loss.
"What happens is internal with those people as far as I'm concerned, not what happens publicly.
"If it was a crisis position we are in they would come and sack me, the position we are in is that we are talking about bringing new players in to the football club and overcome the injuries we have got.
"In terms of support from David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady, at the moment when they are talking to me it is about positive action to try and help get ourselves get out of the situation we are in, which I'm very grateful for."
With Stewart Downing in contention to start at the City Ground and Andy Carroll now fully integrated in to training with the rest of the squad at the club's Chadwell Heath complex, Allardyce's injury worries look to be subsiding.
But he will still be without defensive trio James Collins, Winston Reid and James Tomkins against Forest with Ricardo Vaz Te and Mark Noble also injured and captain Kevin Nolan banned.
With those key players absent, and a Capital One Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City just three days later, Allardyce will turn to his Under-21 players for the trip to the East Midlands on Sunday and he is hoping they will see it as a chance to impress on a bigger stage.
"At the moment, my senior squad comprises about 14 fit players, so that's why all the Under-21s will be promoted up into the squad of 25 to face these next group of fixtures," he said.
"The younger professionals will be tested. They were all tested in the summer when we took them away [on pre-season] and we've got to make the squad up with at least seven or eight Under-21 players, who will get the opportunity to play against Nottingham Forest and show us what I can do. We'll ask them 'Are you good enough to play for West Ham?'.
"We all know there is a big jump between there and the first team. Most of them we have tried to put out on loan at first-team level somewhere and now these lads will get a chance alongside a number of experienced players on Sunday."
'He is like a dirty street rat' - Lee Johnson's bizarre praise for Suarez The Oldham boss came up against the Liverpool star in a pre-season friendly four years ago, and has warned his side about the "sharp and horrible" striker
Wenger's backroom team agree two-year Arsenal extensions The Gunners manager has been joined by his long-standing staff, including Steve Bould, Boro Primorac & Neil Banfield, in agreeing contracts that run until 2016
Liverpool - Oldham Preview: Gerrard expected to return for in-form Reds The club captain has recovered from a hamstring problem and may start for Brendan Rodgers' men as they face the side that dumped the out of the competition last year
Derby County - Chelsea Preview: Blues set to field strong side for FA Cup clash The Blues face a tricky test against Steve McClaren's high-flying Championship side and will be without the injured Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic for the trip to Pride Park
Arsenal won't relish facing Adebayor, warns Sherwood The Spurs boss has described the striker as "one of the top players in the division" and says that the Gunners will have been pleased to see him limping off at Old Trafford
Manchester United - Swansea City Preview: Both sides hoping to bounce back in FA Cup David Moyes's side have already suffered six Premier League defeats at Old Trafford this season but face a visiting team who have won just once in their last 10 matches
Rooney could leave if Manchester United miss out on top four, admits Moyes The United manager is uncertain if the striker would commit his future to the club if they missed out on Champions League football but feels he is is happy at Old Trafford
Tottenham striker Adebayor fit to face Arsenal in FA Cup The striker was stretchered from the field in the recent 2-1 win over Manchester United but insists he is ready to start against his former side
Redknapp: Tottenham duo Defoe & Kane unlikely to join QPR The England international is reportedly close to a move to MLS side Toronto FC, while his fellow forward has been recently included in Spurs' first-team squad by Tim Sherwood
Osvaldo handed three-match ban The Argentine, along with Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman, was found guilty of violent conduct and also fined following a touchline fracas on December 14
Liverpool boss Rodgers charged by FA for referee remarks The 40-year-old was angered by decisions going against his side in the recent 2-1 loss to Manchester City, describing the performance of the match officials as "horrendous"
Young ruled out with shoulder injury The midfielder was hurt during a collision with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, while Robin van Persie remains unavailable
Southampton reject PGMOL decision on Clattenburg complaint The club wrote to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited over alleged insulting comments made by the match official towards Adam Lallana, only to see the case dismissed
Pellegrini wants Lescott to see out Manchester City contract The centre-back - who has just six months left on his deal - has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in January, but the boss insists he is still part of his plans
Manchester United send delegation to negotiate for Koke David Moyes was in the Spanish capital last month to scout the Atletico Madrid starlet, with three lawyers now dispatched to attempt to broker a deal for the 21-year-old
Everton open to selling Jelavic, reveals Martinez The Spaniard will not stand in the Croatian's way as he seeks more first-team football ahead of the World Cup, while he also supported John Heitinga's decision to reject West Ham
Mandzukic not interested in Juventus, says agent The Croatian attacker has recently been linked with a move to the Bianconeri, but his representative has stressed a transfer is not an option
Mignolet calls for Liverpool focus ahead of Oldham tie The Belgian has urged his team-mates to guard against complacency in the FA Cup and insists that the Reds will be taking the competition seriously
Richards, Jovetic and Demichelis near Man City return A calf injury sidelined the Montenegrin, who has struggled to make an impact since his summer move, but he is set to give his manager a new option in attack
The Gunners will be without a striker for the visit of Spurs on Saturday but their French manager has denied he has considered a move for the Fulham star
Arsene Wenger denied Arsenal have made a move for Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov in an effort to solve the club’s striker crisis.
Injuries to Olivier Giroud, Nicklas Bendtner and Yaya Sanogo have left the Premier League leaders without a fully fit senior striker ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against north London rivals Tottenham.
Former Manchester United and Tottenham star Berbatov had reportedly been one of the names Wenger had been considered capable of providing cover, but Wenger poured cold water on the idea of the Bulgarian moving to the Emirates Stadium this month.
He said: "[Berbatov] is not a name we have considered at the moment. We have not contacted anybody.
"We are just considering our options. I must confess they are quite restricted."
Despite the Gunners’ busy schedule of late and Wenger’s track record of having rested his key men for domestic cup competitions, the Frenchman insists he will pick his strongest possible line-up for the visit of Spurs who look rejuvenated under the management of Tim Sherwood.
"We want to win the next game, that is vital for us and I would only rest players who could get injured," added Wenger, who could welcome back Mesut Ozil should he pass a fitness test due to take place on Friday.
"In this case I consider this game a top level Premier League game, I have to treat it like that. The FA Cup is an opportunity we want to take, we can give absolutely everything in this game.
"I had the luck to win four FA Cups and I'm keen for us to win it again."
Aston Villa 1-2 Sheffield United: Shock cup exit heaps pressure on Lambert The Blades secured a stunning victory at Villa Park to secure progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup and plunge the future of the Villans' manager into further doubt
Norwich City 1-1 Fulham: Snodgrass leveller forces replay Both managers rung the changes as they remain focussed on Premier League survival, with the Canaries' Scotland international cancelling out Darren Bent's first-half opener
West Brom 0-2 Crystal Palace: Gayle and Chamakh seal Eagles progress The Baggies' four-game unbeaten run under caretaker boss Keith Downing came to end as the visiting south London side's strikers combined to seal a hard-fought win
Stoke City 2-1 Leicester City: Jones & Adam strikes see Potters progress Mark Hughes's men made it five seasons out of five in the FA Cup fourth round with a win at the Britannia on Saturday despite a late comeback from the Foxes
Southampton 4-3 Burnley: Rodriguez punishes former club in seven-goal thriller The 24-year-old striker, who progressed through the academy at Turf Moor, came off the bench to net a second-half goal that helped knock his old side out of the FA Cup
Manchester City boss Pellegrini open to January signings The Chilean explained that while his club have no "important" deals in place, he could add to his squad before the end of the month
Everton 4-0 QPR: Barkley, Jelavic & Coleman fire Toffees through The Croatian striker scored his first two goals of the season as Roberto Martinez's side blew away Harry Redknapp's men to secure a spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup
Newcastle 1-2 Cardiff City: Solskjaer starts with a win courtesy of Campbell The 26-year-old striker came off the bench to net a late winner after fellow substitute Craig Noone had cancelled out Papiss Cisse's opener, handing the Norwegian boss a maiden win
Swansea chief confirms Ince approach The Capital One Cup holders have reignited their interest in the winger, who netted 18 goals in the Championship last season
Blackburn 1-1 Manchester City: Petulant Boyata sees red as Rovers force replay The Championship side came close to knocking out their more illustrious opponents, with Manuel Pellegrini's side, reduced to 10 men, forced to work hard to cling onto the draw
Bendtner out for up to six weeks with ankle injury The Gunners' medics expect the Denmark international to be on the sidelines for at least a month, which could force Arsene Wenger into the transfer market
Mourinho blasts Chelsea 'divers' tag Oscar was handed a yellow card after going to ground against Southampton on Wednesday, while Ramires was accused of simulation after winning a penalty against West Brom in November
Mourinho rules out Chelsea exit for Mata The Blues manager had previously said a January move was possible for the midfielder, but now says "sales have finished" and insists he only wants the best for the player
Wenger's backroom team agree two-year Arsenal extensions The Gunners manager has been joined by his long-standing staff, including Steve Bould, Boro Primorac & Neil Banfield, in agreeing contracts that run until 2016
Rooney could leave if Manchester United miss out on top four, admits Moyes The United manager is uncertain if the striker would commit his future to the club if they missed out on Champions League football but feels he is is happy at Old Trafford
Liverpool's Rodgers charged by FA over referee comments
LONDON Fri Jan 3, 2014 6:16pm GMT
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers throws the ball back onto the pitch during their English Premier League soccer match against Hull City at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England January 1, 2014. REUTERS/Phil Noble
(Reuters) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been charged by the FA after his comments about referee Lee Mason following his side's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester City last week.
Rodgers described Mason's performance as "horrendous" and questioned whether the referee, who lives near Manchester, should have been selected for the match.
He said: "Hopefully we won't have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future."
In a statement, the FA said Rodgers' comments called into question the integrity of Mason and/or "implied that the match referee was motivated by bias".
Rodgers has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the charge.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Southampton forward Osvaldo banned for three matches
Fri Jan 3, 2014 6:01pm GMT
Southampton's Dani Osvaldo (L) shoots and scores a goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City at St Mary's stadium in Southampton, southern England December 7, 2013. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
(Reuters) - Southampton forward Dani Osvaldo will miss the Premier League club's next three games after the FA found him guilty of violent conduct on Friday.
The Argentine-born Italian was involved in a touchline fracas in stoppage time during the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United last month, having already been substituted.
As well as a three-match ban, Osvaldo was fined 40,000 pounds ($65,800) for his part in the incident which also saw Newcastle coach Andy Woodman sent to the stands.
Woodman was fined 1,250 pounds and warned about his future conduct after he admitted a charge of improper conduct.
Osvaldo will miss Saturday's third round FA Cup tie against second tier visitors Burnley as well as the league matches at home to West Bromwich Albion and away to Sunderland.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Ken Ferris)
Cardiff chairman apologies to fans for off field saga
LONDON Fri Jan 3, 2014 2:22pm GMT
Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (L) and Cardiff City Chairman Mehmet Dalman attend a news conference to officially unveil Solskjaer as new manager of English Premier League soccer team Cardiff City at their stadium in Cardiff, Wales, January 2, 2014. REUTERS/Rebecca Naden
(Reuters) - Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman has apologised to fans for the public row between owner Vincent Tan and former manager Malky Mackay that took the spotlight away from their on-field activity.
The duo engaged in a public spat over the budget and transfer fees spent after Mackay guided Cardiff back into the top flight in May following a 51-year absence.
The drawn out saga finally ended last week when Mackay, who had been at the helm since June 2011, was sacked and replaced on Thursday by former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
"I hope you'll forgive us for that and put some trust in us to build this club to what I think it can be built into," Dalman, who was appointed chairman in July, was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"This club has huge potential but it all has to start at the football pitch. So less noise about non-football and a lot of noise on the football pitch."
Mackay was widely respected for the job he did and hugely popular with fans who have protested in recent weeks against Tan, the equally unpopular Malaysian owner of the club who initially angered supporters by changing their kit from blue shirts to red before the start of last season.
Following Mackay's sacking, Tan said in a statement: "Far too much dirty linen has been exposed to the public gaze but I stress, not by me."
Dalman added he was sorry for the "agony" Cardiff supporters had been put through but that they should now look forward and get behind Solskjaer, who has been given money by Tan to spend on new signings during the January transfer window.
"He knows what he wants and yes we have discussed all that," said Dalman. "The first and only objective is to remain in the Premier League."
Cardiff will face Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. In the Premier League, they are hovering above the relegation zone in 17th place with 18 points.
(Writing by Pritha Sarkar, editing by Mitch Phillips)
Too many foreign coaches in England, says Mourinho
LONDON Sun Jan 5, 2014 12:08am GMT
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho watches his team during their English Premier League soccer match against Southampton at St Mary's stadium in Southampton, southern England January 1, 2014. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
(Reuters) - There are too many foreign coaches in the Premier League and British candidates should be given more opportunities, Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has said.
"In this moment in the Premier League - and I'm speaking against myself - I disagree with so many foreign coaches in this country," Mourinho told British media.
"I don't see a reason for that because I don't feel the English managers are in any point behind the foreign ones.
"But I think if there are no jobs in the country as a manager or a player then you have to go (abroad) because this is a short professional life. So go and enjoy. You always have the chance to come back as a manager and a player."
There are now nine foreign managers from outside Britain and Ireland in the top flight after Cardiff City this week named Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to replace Scot Malky Mackay. There were none in 1992 when the Premier League was launched.
West Bromwich Albion have been considering appointing a Spaniard, ex-Osasuna manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, to succeed another sacked Scot Steve Clarke, British media have reported.
"I have to say, the ones that are coming, and I can analyse (them) one by one, all of them are good coaches and good people and they try to do good jobs for them and for their clubs," Mourinho was quoted as saying in The Independent on Sunday.
"So I'm not saying these people are not top people or people that don't deserve to be here the same way I deserve to be here. I just feel sorry that in a football country like England, that is the country of so many managers, they (British managers) are not getting enough jobs in this country.
"At the end of the day, influence from abroad is good, you can learn the differences from other cultures, but I think the main culture has to be always the English, or in this case the British culture," he added.
Mourinho believes more British coaches should go abroad to develop their skills and he praised Derby County's former England coach Steve McClaren, whose in-form Championship (second division) side host Chelsea in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
"If you ask me, the first thing that comes to my memory about Steve is not being the England manager but being a champion in Holland. So I think he did well...," he said, referring to McClaren's 2010 league triumph with Twente FC.
"In this country people shouldn't be afraid to be a bit adventurous, like other coaches from other nationalities are," added Mourinho, who is in his second stint at Chelsea, having initially joined the club from Porto in 2004 before then managing Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
"In Portugal, people say there are lots of Portuguese coaches working abroad and I opened the door for them. People are not afraid to go and find a future in other countries."
(Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
Liverpool 2-0 Oldham: Aspas on target as Reds seal fourth-round place The Spaniard scored his first goal since his summer move to Anfield to break the deadlock before a James Tarkowski own goal made the game safe late on
Derby 0-2 Chelsea: Mikel & Oscar fire Blues through The Nigerian headed in his fourth Blues goal from Willian's whipped free-kick on 66 minutes and Oscar made sure of the win with a swerving strike five minutes later
Arsenal host Coventry, Chelsea could face Stoke in FA Cup fourth round The Gunners are rewarded for beating Tottenham with another home tie while Stevenage will aim to claim a famous scalp against Everton and Southampton take on Yeovil
Tottenham must pick themselves up after Arsenal defeat - Walker Though their loss in the north London derby was "frustrating", the Spurs right-back argues that they never gave up in their FA Cup third-round tie and looks ahead to Crystal Palace
Wenger salutes Gnabry after Arsenal FA Cup win over Tottenham The Frenchman says that he is a "strong believer" in the teenage midfielder but warns that he must produce strong displays on a consistent basis rather than be hyped for one game
Mourinho: Too many foreign managers in England While acknowledging his own position, the Portuguese argues that not enough homegrown coaches get the chance even at Championship level and admires Steve McClaren for going abroad
Moyes: January signings unlikely for Manchester United The Red Devils boss missed out on several players over the summer but does not expect to re-enter the transfer market, while confirming that Daniele De Rossi was a target
2 Lacina Traore set for West Ham medical & work permit hearing The Ivorian striker completed his move to Ligue 1 side Monaco from Anzhi Makhachkala on Saturday but is set to be immediately loaned out to England
Sherwood blames Arsenal defeat on injuries The Spurs boss argues that fitness problems have reduced his squad size significantly following a 2-0 north London derby cup loss at the Gunners
Arsenal host Coventry, Chelsea could face Stoke in FA Cup fourth round
Jan 5, 2014 2:15:00 PM
The Gunners are rewarded for beating Tottenham with another home tie while Stevenage will aim to claim a famous scalp against Everton and Southampton take on Yeovil
Arsenal have been drawn against Coventry City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Gunners will host the League One outfit after beating north London rivals Tottenham 2-0 in the third round on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Chelsea take on Stoke City at Stamford Bridge if they get past Derby County on Sunday and Everton travel to League One Stevenage, while Southampton host Championship side Yeovil.
Manchester City will host Watford or Bristol City if they are able to overcome Blackburn Rovers in their third round replay, while Manchester United or Swansea will travel to Brimingham City, Bristol Rovers or Crawley.
Should they overcome Oldham, Liverpool will face an away tie against Bournemouth or Burton Albion.
FA Cup fourth round draw in full:
Sunderland or Carlisle v Kiddermister or Peterborough
Bolton v Cardiff City
Southampton v Yeovil Town
Huddersfield Town v Charlton or Oxford United
Port Vale or Plymouth v Brighton
Nottingham Forest v Ipswich or Preston
Southend v Hull City
Rochdale v Macclesfield or Sheff Weds
Arsenal v Coventry City
Stevenage Borough v Everton
Wigan or MK Dons v Crystal Palace
Derby or Chelsea v Stoke City
Blackburn or Man City v Bristol City or Watford
Bournemouth or Burton Albion v Liverpool or Oldham
Birmingham or Bristol Rovers or Crawley v Manchester United or Swansea
Sheffield Utd v Norwich or Fulham
Moyes: January signings unlikely for Manchester United
By George Ankers36
Jan 5, 2014 8:00:00 AM
The Red Devils boss missed out on several players over the summer but does not expect to re-enter the transfer market, while confirming that Daniele De Rossi was a target
Manchester United manager David Moyes says that it is unlikely that he will make any signings in the January transfer window.
After failed moves for several players in the summer, Marouane Fellaini was the Red Devils' only major incoming transfer and the Scot's side sit seventh in the Premier League after a testing start to life after Sir Alex Ferguson.
Goal understands that the club have sent a delegation to Spain with a view to securing Koke from Atletico Madrid but Moyes is reluctant to speculate on additions.
"I don't think so," he told reporters when asked if he would buy. "I think most of the business will be more towards the summer rather than January."
The United boss also confirmed that he had been interested in Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi in the close-season.
The Italian noted on Friday that he was glad to have avoided a switch to Old Trafford, claiming it would have been "suicide", but Moyes says that the transfer was not so close to happening.
"We did certainly think about bringing him in the summer time," the ex-Everton manager stated. "[but] I don't think it went as far as a bid."
Youngster Gustavo Varela was the Red Devils' only other acquisition in Moyes's first transfer window.
The Blues boss insists his players do not dive, despite Ramires being booked for simulation on Sunday, and urges other countries to eradicate the problem
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists his players do not dive but say eradicating it from the English game could hurt Premier League teams in Europe.
Ramires became the second Chelsea player in as many games to be cautioned for simulation when he was handed a yellow card by referee Andre Marriner during a 2-0 win over Derby County in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
Fellow Brazilian Oscar received the same punishment from Martin Atkinson against Southampton in the Premier League on New Year's Day, and while Mourinho backs calls to stop diving in the English game he believes there could be repercussions in European competition.
"I maintain it [Chelsea players do not dive], they [the incidents involving Ramires and Oscar] are isolated episodes," Mourinho said after Chelsea's win at Pride Park.
"This time I didn't watch on TV but Marriner was so close, so if he made that decision it is because he is right.
"The last time [on] Oscar just was completely correct; this time I didn't speak yet with Ramires but if the referee was there then perfect.
"The reason [the two players were booked] was the referees were very good. In other clubs there are divers and they are not booked; we had two of the best referees in the country and in Europe.
"I don't know [if others encourage diving] - we do the opposite, but I am worried about the European competitions.
"I know English teams will be punished in European competitions because we are all fighting against it, but in the Champions League and Europa League we will get referees from other countries, players without the education that we are trying to do, and in the Champions League and Europa League something against English teams will happen for sure.
"The referees are attacking it [diving]; the managers supporting the referees; we are doing well; let's see if the others do the same as us."
Malaysian club deny Cardiff owner demanded logo change
Mon Jan 6, 2014 5:20am GMT
Cardiff City's owner Vincent Tan arrives in the director's box before their English Premier League soccer match against Southampton at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales, December 26, 2013. REUTERS/Rebecca Naden
(Reuters) - Malaysian second tier club Kedah have denied that their controversial logo change from green and yellow to red came as a caveat to a two million ringgit ($608,600) investment by Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan.
The logo switch is similar to what Malaysian businessman Tan employed at English Premier League Cardiff, who now play in red despite protests by supporters of the Welsh side who are known as the Bluebirds.
The Bernama news agency said on Sunday the logo change had angered fans of the three-times Malaysian champions, but the club's honorary secretary Aminuddin Omar rejected the suggestion they had their hand forced.
"We did not change the logo or colour according to our own taste or fancy but it was part of a transformation that KFA will be undergoing for the development of football in the state," Aminuddin was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The old logo was the brainchild of former manager Ahmad Basri Mohd Akil, who led the club to a number of honours.
Tan had not interfered in the running of the team since his investment on August 15, the report quoted Aminuddin as saying, adding that the change of logo had been approved by the Sultan of Kedah.
Malaysia's ninth-richest person with a net worth of $1.3 billion and the former chairman of conglomerate Berjaya Group, Tan left school at 16 to start a career as a bank clerk, before purchasing Malaysia's first McDonald's franchise and then buying the country's main lottery agency.
Tan, routinely mocked by British media for his running of the Welsh club, incensed Cardiff fans last month by sacking popular manager Malky MacKay, who returned them to the top flight of English football this season for the first time since 1962.
Undeterred by accusations that he knows little about football, Tan added to his football portfolio last month by agreeing a deal to take over the control and management of Bosnian club Sarajevo.
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by John O'Brien)
Walcott will be 'an Arsenal legend' after gesture to Tottenham fans - Wilshere
By Chris Davie70
Jan 6, 2014 9:46:00 AM
While being stretchered off with a knee injury during their FA Cup win, the forward held up a hand signal which showed the score, outraging some Spurs supporters
Jack Wilshere believes that Theo Walcott has made himself "an Arsenal legend" for his gesture towards Tottenham fans during Saturday's FA Cup third-round victory.
While Walcott was being stretchered off with a knee injury, the England international held up a hand signal which reflected the 2-0 scoreline towards the away supporters inside the Emirates Stadium.
A goal in each half from Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky secured Arsenal's passage to the fourth round of the competition, where they will face Coventry City on home soil.
"He'll be an Arsenal legend now," Wilshere told reporters. "They love Theo already and this is only going to help him.
"[The Tottenham supporters] were giving it to him and he's given a little bit back. I think people have got to look at it as banter."
Wilshere, who was recently banned for two matches after he made an offensive gesture aimed at Manchester City fans, added: "He's a bit smarter than me, I suppose."
Despite leading the line with distinction this season, the burden on Olivier Giroud must be lifted and the likes of Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski are not up to the job
ANALYSIS
By Husmukh Kerai
Even before the demise of tragi-comic, anti-hero Nicklas Bendtner and the untimely injury suffered by Theo Walcott, Arsene Wenger may have conceded that a new striker in January was a priority.
Wenger's side side go in to 2014 just a single point ahead of Manchester City, while Chelsea lurk just behind them. If the Gunners are to end their nine-year wait for a trophy by winning the Premier League at the expense of their big-spending adversaries, they simply must sign a world-class striker.
Olivier Giroud has so far led the line for Arsenal and while at times he has done hat heroically, there are other numerous occasions when the France international's deficiencies have held the north Londoners back.
It may sound like extremely harsh criticism of a player who is deeply appreciated by his team-mates and supporters but Arsenal's position at the head of the Premier League is as much in spite of their French battering ram as it is because of him.
The 27-year-old's durability and work-rate have to be admired but midway through the campaign the former Montpellier man, who has started all but one of his side's Premier League and Champions League matches, looks to have run himself into the ground.
Admirably, the Frenchman takes most of the bumps and bruises to create a platform that allows his supporting cast of midfield maestros to work their magic. On average, only Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta cover more ground than Giroud in the Arsenal team.
Despite those qualities, the Gunners striker is a shade behind the league's top marksmen. A run of seven games without a goal before his last outing at Newcastle has seen his goal tally for the season stall at eight.
When you look at decisive goals or goals scored away from home, Giroud again falls short. Compared to the Sergio Aguero (five in seven), Luis Suarez (five in eight) and Wayne Rooney (six in eight), the Arsenal hitman has only four in 10 away games. In fact, Giroud has only ever scored for Arsenal in the league in London and in Tyne & Wear.
Finishing is not Giroud's forte and his shooting accuracy does not stand up to scrutiny. He finds the target with 42 per cent of his shots in the league, compared with Aguero (61%), Suarez (62%) and Rooney (54%), all of whom have taken more shots in fewer games played.
Those who believe that Arsenal do not need to sign a star forward will naively point to the abilities of Lukas Podolski and Walcott to the lead the line.
Walcott's best form, however, has come from the wide-right position, precisely the reason why Wenger continues to deploy him there. Do not let his performance in Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Tottenham fool you: No other side else is going to afford Arsenal that much space, especially at the Emirates Stadium.
As for Lukas Podolski, he got his chance to start in a central position against Cardiff City on New Year's Day and had just a single shot in the entire game before being replaced by the eventual match-winner, Bendtner. Moreover, having only ever completed 90 minutes twice for Arsenal, the German cannot be expected to be anything more than an impact player.
The ability to attack crosses is imperative for Wenger's leading man. The Gunners average a whopping 21 crosses per league game this season, Mesut Ozil and Bacary Sagna regularly chipping in with over half of those between them.
The fact that Bendtner's two league goals have come from crosses only serves to emphasise that someone with the ability to successfully attack deliveries on a more consistent basis would flourish in this particular Arsenal side. Giroud, for instance, has won 80 headers this season, 51% of all the headed duels which he has contested - Walcott has won just two (13%).
One man who could not be more ideal for the Emirates Stadium is Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa and Wenger is doing what he can to prise the Spain international away from the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
The Brazilian-born striker's numbers jump off the spreadsheet and just cannot be ignored. His incredible shooting accuracy of 71% dwarfs even Suarez's precision while his six goals in nine away games, including the winner against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, prove that he is much more than a flat-track bully.
Costa is less inclined to get involved in the build-up, as his one league assist suggests. His hunger for goals means that he occupies more advanced positions on the pitch, pushing the opposition backline further towards their own goal and opening up more space for midfield runners and creators.
In addition to his style and his impressive strike-rate of more than a goal a game, the Atleti man possesses a devilish streak and a win-at-all-costs nature that is perhaps missing from some of Arsenal's artisans.
The Gunners possess statistically the best defence in the league. Many would argue that they have the most consistent goalkeeper in the division at present. It is also the general consensus that they have the deepest, most talented midfield in the top flight. Wenger is only a world-class forward away from assembling what could be a title-winning Arsenal side.
Under-fire West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has received a vote of confidence from the club's joint-chairmen.
The London club sit 19th in the Premier League and suffered an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Championship outfit Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
In an open letter posted on West Ham's official website, David Sullivan and David Gold acknowledged the "seriousness of our current predicament" but urged supporters to stick behind Allardyce and his team.
"We know Sam has not lost his ambition or desire and is committed to making West Ham United a great Premier League Club," read the letter.
Sullivan and Gold defended Allardyce's decision to rest several senior players for the clash with Forest, in light of an injury crisis at the club.
They continued: "Like all West Ham United supporters we feel frustrated and hurt by our recent results. We understand how you feel and we, the board, feel the same.
"It is never enjoyable being knocked out of a cup competition and losing by such a large scoreline to a lower division side is hard to take for us all.
"We thought the youngsters gave their all and did not stop trying but in the end Nottingham Forest's experience proved too much for us.
"I know Sam would have loved to have put out a more varied side, with our talented youngsters accompanied by more senior players in the starting XI.
"But many key players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near impossible task of coming through three crucial games in the space of six days with a squad of only 14 fit and available senior players. This is not an excuse; it is a fact."
Despite the club's perilous position, West Ham's co-chairmen remain optimistic and expect the squad to be bolstered over the coming weeks.
In addition to the anticipated returns from injury of key players such as Andy Carroll and Winston Reid, West Ham are confident of adding a striker and defender to their ranks.
"Our first priority is to get our key players fit. Our record signing Andy Carroll continues to make good progress following his return to first-team training and he should be back on the pitch very soon along with Hammer of the Year Winston Reid and our other missing central defenders, James Tomkins and James Collins," Sullivan and Gold added.
"Trust us, Andy Carroll is desperate to play and is ready to do his bit for the team and we are confident that the return of all of our injured players will lead to an upturn in our fortunes.
"Thereafter, our second priority is to bring in the new talent needed to bolster our squad in the most needed areas.
"January is not an easy time to do business but we are pleased to confirm we are close to securing one of our key striking targets.
"A defender is high on the list of priorities as well and progress is being made on that front.
"We understand these are difficult times for the club and its supporters, but we must stay united and come through the other side together."
West Ham have offered one of their supporters the chance to watch a game in the directors' box at Upton Park after he was filmed crying at Nottingham Forest.
Tuesday 7th January 2014
The television cameras picked out a young fan who had burst into tears as the Hammers fell 3-0 down in their FA Cup third round clash at the City Ground.
Forest went on to win 5-0, with a hat-trick from Jamie Paterson the highlight for the hosts, against an inexperienced West Ham side and the club confirmed on their website that they intend to repay the support of one of their travelling contingent.
"Sunday afternoon's defeat at Nottingham Forest was tough for all to take, but particularly for one tearful young man in the away end," a statement on the club's official website, www.whufc.com, read.
"Everyone at West Ham United shares this young man's disappointment and are grateful for the large numbers of fans that made the trip to the City Ground.
"To show the club's appreciation for the travelling Claret and Blue army, the Board, manager and captain would like to offer this young fan and his family a chance to watch an upcoming fixture at the Boleyn Ground from the directors' box."
Sam Allardyce's side currently sit 19th in the Barclays Premier League and their spirits will not have been lifted after crashing out at the third-round stage of the FA Cup.
A Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester City - the first leg of which takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday - is a high note so far this season but the Hammers will only have 14 fit first-team players for that encounter.
Manchester United manager David Moyes is expected to recall a number of big names for the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Sunderland.
Monday 6th January 2014
Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and David de Gea are all set to return after sitting out Sunday's shock FA Cup home defeat by Swansea.
Robin van Persie (thigh) and Phil Jones (knee) are unlikely to be involved. Marouane Fellaini (wrist), Ashley Young (shoulder) and Nani (hamstring) are definitely out, Fabio starts a three-match ban and Rio Ferdinand faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee at the weekend.
