Football News, Results & Other Worldwide Articles in General

SUNDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2023 - GREEK SUPER LEAGUE - Olympiakos v Panathinaikos - Match abandoned - Crowd

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Juankar has made 10 appearances for Panathinaikos this season

Panathinaikos say defender Juankar was "taken to hospital for tests" after being hit by a firecracker during the club's Greek Superleague match at Olympiakos on Sunday.

The Spanish substitute collapsed on the edge of the field after being struck while warming up before being carried off on a stretcher.

The match was called off afterwards with the score 1-1 after 50 minutes.

Panathinaikos say the result of the game will be "decided in the courts".

Juankar, 33, who plays primarily at left-back, has made 109 appearances for the Greens since signing from Malaga in 2020.

The Athens derby, referred to as the derby of the eternal enemies, has been marred by ugly scenes in the past, with a 2019 match between the rivals abandoned when fans fought with riot police.


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Saudi 2034 World Cup: Why this decision should not surprise anyone..By Dan Roan, BBC sports editor.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is the most high profile player to have joined the Saudi Pro League

The prospect of a World Cup in Saudi Arabia has long been anticipated, with the country's unprecedented investment in sport over recent years always seemingly intended to lead to this moment.

No-one who has been paying attention to the way that the country has turned the world of golf upside down through the rebel LIV Series, or started to dominate the hosting of top boxing, or sent shockwaves through football's international transfer market, can be that surprised.

And yet, despite the staggering level of Saudi ambition in sport, the idea of a World Cup in the kingdom will still shock many.

Now that the country is all but guaranteed to be staging the tournament in 11 years' time, it has the potential to be even more controversial than Qatar's hosting last year; with concerns ranging from human rights issues, and Fifa's handling of the bidding process, to the calendar disruption and impact on player welfare due to what is likely to be another winter World Cup because of extreme summer temperatures.

In fact, with an expanded 48-team format, the level of disruption could be even greater than for Qatar 2022, along with the requirement for significant infrastructure construction, intensifying sustainability concerns.

Many critics will see this as the ultimate expression of 'sportswashing' - a form of soft power - by the biggest exporter of oil in the world - a country where there are grave concerns over women's rights abuses, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech, the continued use of the death penalty, the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and scrutiny over the country's involvement in the conflict in Yemen.

The Saudi authorities deny this, insisting their bid is designed to help modernise the country, to grow the game, inspire a youthful population, boost tourism, diversify the economy before the arrival of a post-oil world, and be a unifying force.

They point to the progress made in women's football for instance, and argue this is a natural next step after successfully hosting many events across multiple sports, establishing the Saudi Pro League as a footballing force, purchasing Newcastle United, and preparing to stage the Club World Cup this winter, along with the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

But whatever the true motive of Saudi Arabia's rulers, its emergence as the one bidder for 2034 will intensify scrutiny on Fifa's processes and judgement, with some observers voicing concerns that this outcome had almost been engineered as an effective fait accompli in a deal lacking transparency and accountability.

First there was Fifa's shock announcement earlier this month, bringing forward the bidding process for 2034 by three years when decreeing that the host country must come from either Asia or Oceania, and giving just 26 days for bids to be declared.

This followed its approval of the 2030 tournament being given jointly to the continents of Europe, Africa and South America, despite the dismay of environmental campaigners, thereby ruling them out of bidding for 2034 under Fifa's rotation policy.

Then - within minutes - came the Saudis' formal announcement of their bid, swiftly followed by the backing of the Asian Football Confederation.

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Fifa president Gianni Infantino, second right, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, far right, during the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022

In another move seen by some as being designed to help the Saudis, Fifa then relaxed its rules around the construction of new stadiums, with bidders now needing just four established venues (rather than the current seven).

The fact that Australia has now decided not to bid will also raise concerns that they knew taking on the Saudis would have been futile.

Fifa - if it had held a news conference and taken questions following its announcement earlier this month - would probably have suggested that this method of 'anointing' hosts via uncontested bids - is preferable to the past, when years-long contests between many countries were vulnerable to the threat of vote-swapping, bribery and corruption.

But the way that this process has seemed to pave the way for the Saudis will leave many uneasy.

In March, the World Leagues Forum - which represents domestic leagues around the world - expressed its "concern" over what it claimed was Fifa's lack of consultation over the global football calendar including expanding the 2026 men's World Cup and the new versions of the Club World Cup.

Its mood - along with that of other stakeholders such as player and fan representatives - is unlikely to have been improved by the way decisions have been taken since.

Human Rights Watch has also accused Fifa of ignoring its own rules, saying: "The possibility that Fifa could award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup despite its appalling human rights record and closed door to any monitoring exposes Fifa's commitments to human rights as a sham."

Fifa has declined to comment, but privately insists that human rights remain an integral part of the bidding process. Certainly Saudi Arabia will be far from the only controversial host of a sporting mega-event in recent years.

And what is clear is that this underlines the extraordinary shift in sporting power towards the Middle East. Up until relatively recently, the idea of tiny Qatar and neighbouring Saudi Arabia hosting two World Cups within the space of just 12 years would have have been inconceivable to most. But given these countries' wealth and Fifa's approach under president Gianni Infantino, anything now seems possible.

The Saudis, meanwhile, will continue to defend themselves against what they see as hypocrisy, pointing to the trade that many Western countries seem happy to do with them, and hinting at ignorance, as suggested recently by boxer Tyson Fury after he fought in Riyadh.

The authorities will draw comparisons with the way that Qatar, despite so much criticism, managed to stage a World Cup deemed by many who attended to be a success.

And others will argue that the media exposure accompanying the build-up to the World Cup could help accelerate reforms - as suggested by Jordan Henderson recently when responding to the intense criticism over his move to the Saudi Pro League.

Many others, however, will fear such a view is unrealistic, and will be dismayed at the prospect of Saudi Arabia 2034, concluding that this represents the continued sidelining of human rights, and the wishes of many fans, as important considerations when the hosting of such events is determined.

The Saudi authorities and Fifa now have 11 years to try to convince the doubters, but the scrutiny is highly unlikely to fade.

Pat Jennings: Former Northern Ireland goalkeeper says statue means 'everything'..

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Jennings hailed the quality of the statue and said he was touched by the "fantastic" turnout for the unveiling

Pat Jennings says it means "everything" to him after a statue in his honour was unveiled in Newry on Wednesday.

The legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper praised the statue as "unbelievable" and "fantastic".

Jennings played 119 times for Northern Ireland and won the the FA Cup with both Tottenham and Arsenal, and the Uefa Cup with Spurs in 1972.

"That's the first I've seen it. It's unbelievable, what a fantastic job," Jennings said of the statue.

When asked what it meant, Jennings said: "Everything really. It's something I've never even dreamed of, thought it was something that happened to other people but would never happen to me.

"It's just a brilliant occasion to have this back in my home city."

The bronze statue, which depicts Jennings throwing the ball, was unveiled on Wednesday on Kildare Street at 11:45 GMT.

Among those in attendance were former Northern Ireland players Billy Hamilton and Gerry Armstrong, ex-Tottenham captain Ledley King and former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Brady.

"It's a fantastic turnout," he added. "I didn't really realise that I reached out to so many people."

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Jennings' family attended the unveiling on Kildare Street in Newry

Jennings attended the unveiling after taking ill when attending Tottenham's game against Chelsea on Monday.

The 78-year-old was taken to hospital for tests, which came back clear, and he was later discharged.

"I'm hopefully feeling a bit better," said Jennings.

"I wish I knew what happened to me but I've had all the check-ups and everything came up good, so no worries about that."

Jennings' club career included winning five trophies with Tottenham and Arsenal in addition to being named the 1976 Players' Player of the Year and Football Writers' Player of the Year in 1973.

Jennings' total of 119 caps was a record for the Northern Ireland men's team until he was surpassed by current captain Steven Davis in October 2020.

He won his first cap in 1964 at the age of 18 in a match against Wales alongside fellow debutant George Best.

Jennings played for Northern Ireland at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, making the final appearance of his 22-year international career in a 3-0 defeat by Brazil at the latter tournament in Mexico.

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He became a CBE in the New Year Honours in 2022 for his contribution to football and charity having become an MBE in 1976.

Dani Alves: Former Brazil and Barcelona defender to stand trial for alleged sexual assault..

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Dani Alves has 126 caps for Brazil and was part of his country's squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Former Barcelona star Dani Alves has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub.

The 40-year-old Brazil international was informed of the news at the prison near Barcelona, where he has been kept in preventative custody since January 20 following his arrest. Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court said in a written document, made public on Tuesday: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.

“The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”

The 23-year-old alleged victim claims she was sexually assaulted on December 30 last year. Alves denies any wrongdoing and said sex with the accuser was consensual.

State prosecutors and the alleged victim’s lawyer will now be given five working days to present their indictments, outlining the prison sentence and fines and compensation orders they are seeking for the footballer if he is found guilty. His defence lawyer will also be given the same amount of time to present his arguments in writing and is expected to insist Alves should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.

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Dani Alves is being held at the Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona

No date for the trial has been set, but it is expected to take place early next year. Reports in Spain have pointed to him facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.

The dad-of-two was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of this year. He has made repeated bail requests but they have all been turned down, with judges saying his alleged victim’s version of events was coherent and pointing out Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.

Alves claimed before his arrest he had never met his female accuser but ended up backtracking after being held. He went on to admit he cheated on his model wife Joana Sanz with her but insisted sex was consensual.

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Dani Alves and Joana Sanz in October 2021

In an exclusive interview from his cell in Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona in June with Spanish TV and newspaper reporter Mayka Navarro, he claimed: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz. I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”

He added: “I can only think that she felt bad after having sex, that she took a decision and that she has not been capable of getting herself out of the mess she’s got into and has got me into.

“I appeal to her conscience. There hasn’t been a single night that I haven’t slept well. Not a single night. My conscience is clear. I’ve never voluntarily hurt anyone. And I didn’t hurt her that night either. I don’t know if her conscience is clear and if she sleeps well at night. But I forgive her.”

Benjamin Mendy to take former club Manchester City to employment tribunal..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.

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Benjamin Mendy played his final game for Manchester City in a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in August 2021

Benjamin Mendy is taking former club Manchester City to an employment tribunal over millions of pounds he claims he is owed in unauthorised wage deductions.

France full-back Mendy, 29, left City at the end of his contract this summer.

He was cleared of a series of rape and attempted rape charges made against him.

It is alleged City stopped paying Mendy in September 2021 after he was initially charged and held in custody.

In a statement, it was confirmed leading UK sports lawyer Nick De Marco is handling Mendy's case, which amounts to a "multi-million pound claim" and it is expected the case will be heard in 2024.

Mendy joined Ligue 1 club Lorient at the start of this season and he has so far made three substitute appearances for the French side.

He joined City from Monaco in a £52m deal in 2017 and won Premier League titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

His final appearance for the club came in the Premier League on 15th August 2021.

Mendy was remanded in custody for five months before being released on bail in January 2022, and then went to trial for the first time in August 2022.

In January he was cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

He was then cleared of raping a woman and attempting to rape another in July at a retrial.

City did not comment when approached by BBC Sport.

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Terry Venables dies: Former England manager passes away aged 80

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Tottenham and Villa players pay tribue to Terry Venables during before their Premier League match on Sunday

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Former England manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80 after a long illness.

Venables managed England from 1994 to 1996, most notably leading them to the semi-finals of Euro 96 on home soil.

He also had spells in charge of Barcelona, Tottenham and Australia.

"We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness," read a family statement.

"We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives."

Venables won La Liga and reached the European Cup final with Barcelona, and won the FA Cup with Tottenham.

As a player, he won two England caps and made more than 500 club appearances between 1960 and 1975, largely for Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham.

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Venables with Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar in 1991


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Nottingham Forest's Brian Clough and Tottenham's Venables lead the teams out hand in hand before the 1991 FA Cup final

Object thrown at Roy Hodgson as Selhurst Park turns sour after Bournemouth defeat.. by Ivan Speck.

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An object was thrown in the direction of Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson as he walked to the Selhurst Park tunnel after the final whistle of a lame home defeat by Bournemouth.

Hodgson had already witnessed a mass exodus of disgruntled home supporters when Kieffer Moore’s stooping injury-time header added to a similar goal from Marcos Senesi in the first half.

Asked about the object being thrown at him, Hodgson said: “That’s news to me. So you are telling me there is a fan out there who doesn’t like me? Oh, well, that will definitely stop me sleeping.
“It was a very sad evening for us. Tonight was not the performance that the Crystal Palace fans, or that we, wanted to see.

“The fans are who we play for. At the moment we are producing some lean fare for them. We are trying to change it around.”

“The fans have been spoiled here in recent times. The fact is that the expectations are high hence the boos. But the fact is the fans have been spoilt here in recent times, they’re used to seeing us do very well at home and get good results and this year we’ve not been able to do that.”

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Turkey referee punched: Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca arrested after attack..

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Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya visited referee Halil Umut Meler in hospital on Tuesday

A Turkish football club president has been arrested after punching a referee following a top-flight match on Monday.

MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca ran onto the pitch and struck match official Halil Umut Meler after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said Koca and two others were formally arrested for "injuring a public official".

All Turkish league football has been suspended.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the incident was "totally unacceptable" and violence had "no place in our sport or society".

"Without match officials there is no football," he said. "Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels."

Tunc said Koca and two others had been arrested after prosecutors took statements and a judicial control decision had been imposed on three other suspects.

"The investigation is continuing meticulously," he added.

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MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca throws a punch at referee Halil Umut Meler after the Turkish Super Lig game with Caykur Rizespor

What happened ?
Hosts Ankaragucu had taken an early lead in Monday night's Super Lig match before they had a player sent off after 50 minutes. Caykur equalised late on after also having a player sent off, and chaotic scenes followed the final whistle.

Having been knocked to the ground, Meler received several blows as he lay on the turf, suffering injuries including a small facial fracture.

He was pictured on Tuesday lying in a hospital bed with a swollen face and wearing a neck brace.

Mehmet Yorubulut, chief doctor of Acibadem hospital, said Meler had not suffered any brain damage and was likely to be discharged on Wednesday.

"The bleeding in Meler's left eye started to decrease," said Yorubulut, who added there would be no permanent damage.

Meler, 37, is one of Turkey's top referees and officiates international games for Fifa. He is also on Uefa's elite referee list and officiated West Ham's Europa Conference League semi-final first leg against AZ Alkmaar last season and took charge of Lazio's Champions League group game with Celtic last month.

According to Turkish news agencies, Meler said: "Faruk Koca punched me under my left eye - I fell to the ground. While I was on the ground, other people kicked me in the face and other parts of my body many times."

Koca, 59, was twice elected to Turkey's parliament as part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party.

He is quoted by news agencies in Turkey as saying he does not accept responsibility, adding: "This incident developed due to the wrong decisions and provocative behaviour of the referee. My aim was to react verbally to the referee and spit in his face."

President Erdogan spoke to Meler in hospital and said the incident had "saddened and disturbed" him.

He had earlier said: "Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."

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Referee Halil Umut Meler also received several kicks after being knocked to the ground

What has been the reaction?
Ankaragucu expressed regret following their president's actions, saying in a statement: "We are saddened by the incident.

"We apologise to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Caykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium."

Caykur Rizespor sent a message of support to Meler and said: "We strongly condemn the undesirable events that occurred after the Ankaragucu match.

"We convey our wishes to the entire referee community, especially the referee of the match, Halil Umut Meler, to get well soon."

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Referee Halil Umut Meler was kept in hospital overnight

In a news conference on Monday night, Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said: "The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.

"This attack is a night of shame for Turkish football."

Buyukeksi also visited Meler in hospital on Tuesday and said that Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin had been in contact and told him: 'We are with you, we are ready to do whatever it takes'."

Turkey is set to co-host Euro 2032 with Italy but Buyukeksi said the incident had not jeopardised hosting rights, adding: "There is no negativity. Please let us not misinform the public. Our goal is to ensure that football is played properly in Turkey and to continue as quickly as possible without any problems.

"But right now, our referee is important, the mental health of our referees is important. Other issues are not important."

He also said the federation's board of directors would meet on Wednesday and they will "give detailed information about the decisions we will make about how the league will continue."

He added: "This sad event should definitely not be forgotten. This should be a milestone."

Uefa chief Refereeing Officer Roberto Rosetti say European football's governing body "strongly condemns" the incident, adding: "Violence and abuse against referees have no place in football and must stop immediately.

"We urge the authorities and the responsible disciplinary bodies to take decisive and necessary action against anyone involved in acts of abuse and violence against referees.

"Such unacceptable and distressing behaviour is detrimental to the efforts of national associations to recruit referees, which are essential for the running of the game.

The Association of Active Football Referees and Observers of Turkey called on all referees not to take the pitch until changes are made, adding: "The violent attack on Meler was not only against our referee Halil Umut Meler but also against the entire referee community."

The Turkish Super Lig Professional Football Clubs' Foundation condemned the attack and said clubs were "ready to take all steps to prevent violent incidents".