Manchester City seal $40M Tevez transfer...

..Courtesy CNN..

Big-spending English Premier League club Manchester City have completed the much-anticipated signing of Argentina international Carlos Tevez.
The 25-year-old was presented to the media on Tuesday afternoon ahead of City's departure the following day for a three-match pre-season tour of South Africa.

City revealed on Monday night that the striker has agreed a five-year contract and would complete his move from bitter rivals Manchester United after passing a medical.

A fee for the transfer has not yet been revealed, but it is reported that City have agreed to pay about $40 million to take over the player's ownership rights from the sports agencies which previously held them.

Tevez denied claims by his former manager Alex Ferguson that he had decided to leave Old Trafford as long ago as January.

Ferguson also said that he had offered the player a new contract on the night United played Inter Milan in the Champions League in March, but Tevez did not return his calls or text messages.

"I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time," Tevez told reporters through an interpreter.

"The only time he spoke to me was after the Champions League final in Rome when I was going back to Argentina. It doesn't seem that this is the way to treat a player in two years at the club. It doesn't seem there is a line of communication.

"It is United people talking about signing a contract (in January) but it is not true that it was decided then. I felt Sir Alex Ferguson and (United chief executive) David Gill did not do enough to try to keep me.

"The fact I did not stay at United was not because of the fans. They must understand a part of my heart will always be with them. They were always extremely supportive, even when I wasn't playing."

City manager Mark Hughes confirmed that the club had been in contact with Arsenal over a move for Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been linked with a $40 million move to Eastlands.

"I think there's been discussions between ourselves and Arsenal but, as is my usual response about players that we haven't signed, really it's not the right time or place to discuss that -- only in as much as yes, there has been contact," Hughes told reporters.

It is Ghana and DR Congo into Finals

The Leopards of DR Congo set-up a final clash with Ghana’s Black Stars at the ongoing African Natiuons Championship (CHAN) courtesy a 2-1 victory over Zambia’s Chipolopolo in their semi-final clash on Wednesay at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

First half strikes from Lofo Bongeli and Kaluyituka Dioko was all the Congolese needed to confirm their place in Sunday’s final of the competition designed exclusively for local based players.

The Congolese stamped their authority on the game from the start with regular possession.

On four minutes, midfielder Lofo struck the opener with a long range shot from his favorite left foot that caught Zambia goalie Kaumbwa Davy of guard.

As the Zambians warmed themselves into the game, Kaluyituka made matters worse for the Southern Africans with the second goal 12 minutes on.

Lofo turned provider as Kaluyituka finished off with a grounder that beat Kaumbwa again.

The Leopards were a delight to watch as they attached and defended gallantly in their quest to thwart the Zambians effort at goal.

The Chipolopolos dangerman Given Singuluma was given no breather by the Congolese defenders and this affected his team’s attempts at reducing the deficit.

And to add salt to injury, Jonas Sakuwaha goofed with their brightest opportunity in the 43rd minute by shooting feebly into the waiting hands of Congolese goalie Kadiaba Muteba.

The Zambians resumed strongly but the Congolese rear of Mihayo Kazembe, Mabele Bawaka, Gladys Bokese and Joel Kimuaki remained resolute.

Five minutes from time, Singuluma headed home from Kennedy Mudenda’s freekick, but it came very late.

The last five minutes belonged to the Zambians as they consistently pinned the Congolese to their half, but the equalizer remained elusive.

Meanwhile, Zambia will face Senegal in the third place play-off on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Quotes
Herve Renard (Coach, Zambia)
"We were down by two goals and we to draw parity. We fought very hard but the equalizer never came.
"We have to accept the result. My team played well despite the loss and I am pleased with their output especially the second half."

Muntubile Santos (Coach, DR Congo)
"It was a very tough game and am very happy with the result. We took a two-goal lead very early and it proved crucial.
"The second half was different, but my defense responded positively. We are in the final, but our dream cant be complete without the ultimate."

Ghana, DR Congo qualify for semis

Ghana’s Black Stars displayed a spirited performance to beat the Leopards of DR Congo 3-0 in the ultimate Group B clash at the Stade de la Paix, Bouaké on Sunday.
The result also ensured the Ghanaians finished as group winners, and qualified alongside the Congolese despite their wide-margin loss.

The two teams’ ticket to the next stage was made possible after fellow contenders Libya and Zimbabwe played to a barren draw in the group’s other clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

The Libya-Zimbabwe stalemate ensured Ghana finished on five points, one adrift of DR Congo with Zimbabwe and Libya in that order on three and two points respectively.
For the Ghanaians, it was their best outing at the tournament and surprisingly it came at a time their coach Milovan Rajevac watched proceedings off the bench, due to suspension.
At Abidjan, the game started on a low tempo with both teams struggling to find their feet. The match, despite serving a decider for the determination of the group’s semi-finalists, was characterized by a handful of chances.

Libya’s Hmadi Osama 39th minute was the closest of the first half.
Both teams resumed strongly in the second half but failed to make any meaningful attempt, trying to keep the ball to in their half and wanting to catch the other on the counter.

However, Zimbabwe was gifted with two opportunities to break the deadlock in the latter stages of the game but it was captain Gilbert Banda’s that cost them most.
Banda, left unmarked in the Libyan defence failed to connect Karuru Ovidy’s cross with the yawning net at his mercy.

For the semi-final, Ghana will play Senegal in Bouaké while Zambia squares DR Congo in Abidjan on Wednesday.

Quotes
Sunday Marimo (Coach, Zimbabwe)
“It’s very painful to exit a competition without losing and we should have won this game.
We played very well in the first half, peaked in the second half but failed to convert our chances.
“We have learnt a from this tournament, and the experience is crucial for my players.”

Faouzi Benzarti (Coach, Libya)
“I am very disappointed we couldn’t win today. The experience is very good for my team and we hope to build on that for the future.”

Senegal, Zambia into Semi Finals

Senegal and Zambia have qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing maiden edition of the African Nation Championship (CHAN) after stalemate in their final Group A matches on Saturday.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal was held to a barren draw by hosts Cote D’Ivoire at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan whilst Zambia played to a one all draw with Tanzania in the Northern Ivorian city of Bouaké.

The result ensured the Chipolopolos of Zambia finished as group winners on five points, same as Senegal but on superior goals.
Tanzania follow in that order on four points with hosts Cote D’Ivoire pegged at the bottom with a point.

For the hosts, they continued with their disappointing output at the performance as they exited without scoring a goal.

In their final game against Senegal, the Elephants came close to breaking the goal scoring jinx, but the post denied Diomande Aboubacar’s effort in the 75 minute.

Earlier in the first half of the game characterized by midfield action, Senegal midfielder Badiane Vito was unlucky to see his goalbound shot ricochet of the post.

It was an improved performance from the hosts, who for the first time in the competition made clear their intentions of scoring with several raids into the half of the Senegalese.
Knowing very well a draw will take them through; the Senegalese never rested on their oars and matched the host squarely.

However, their plan was to prevent the Ivorians from scoring, which they succeeded to claim a ticket for the medal zone.

The Teranga Lions will face the winner of Group A in next Wednesday’s semi-final at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
Zambia on the other will face the second placed team from Group B in the other semi-final clash in Abidjan.

Qoutes
Georges Kouadio (Coach, Cote D’Ivoire)
“I apologized to all Ivorians for the disappointing performance of my team at the tournament. For today, we did our best but we lacked a potent striker who could bury the chances.
“Lack of strikers is a general problem in this country, because the best players always leave for Europe and other parts of Africa very early.

Joseph Koto (Coach, Senegal)
“Our target was the semi-final and we have achieved that. My team’s problem is playing on the offensive.
“I tried to change the tactics in the second half, but the goals never came.”

Courtesy: Cafonline.com ( visit for more info )

Ghana 1 Libya 1

Ghana’s Black Stars maintained their winless status at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) after being held to a one all draw by Libya in their Group B clash on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Zimbabwe 1 Congo 1

The Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Leopard of DR Congo played to a one all draw in their Group B clash on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The result opens up the group, and puts all teams in contention for a place at the next stage of the competition designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic.

DR Congo maintains her position at the apex with four points followed by Zimbabwe on two points, with Ghana and Libya, who play later at the same venue in that order.

Victory will have seen the Leopards become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, but the outcome means they will know their fate after the final fixture against Ghana on Sunday.

The Warriors, who slumped to a two-goal lead in their opening clash against Zambia last Monday, again displayed an output that confirms their thirst for success at the novelty championship.

They had a bright start and could have been up by the fifth minute but Chirato Edmore and Philip Marifu blasted wide in the 3rd and 5th minutes respectively.

The Leopards, however were the first to score and dangerman Mputu Mabi ensured that on 19 minutes when he headed home from Bedi Mbenza pass at the edge of the Zimbabwe goal area.

The Warriors responded positively and Marufu drew parity with a header from a corner-kick on the 28th minute mark.

The Congolese was gifted with an opportunity to take the lead once again but Mbenza’s effort kissed the post.

The second half was a ding dong battle but the Congolese efforts towards the winner yielded no dividends.

In the 78th minute, Mputu’s screamer missed by inches and ten minutes later, substitute Mvete Luyeye headed wayward just in front of goal.

Zimbabwe will play Libya in their final game on Sunday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Tanzania's Taifa Stars beat Cote D'Ivore

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars handed hosts Cote D’Ivoire their second loss at the ongoing maiden edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by beating them 1-0 on Wednesday in their Group A clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Striker Ngasa Mrisho’s 37th minute header completely killed off the hopes of the host nation at the tournament designed exclusively for local based footballers.
The result leaves Cote D’Ivoire firmly at the bottom of the group standings pointless and with no chance of making it to the next stage irrespective of the outcome of their final fixture against Senegal on Saturday.

For Tanzania, it serves a booster to their aspirations of progressing to the next stage, with the ultimate clash against leaders Zambia.

The game started on a high tempo with the Elephants launching consistent raids into the half of the Tanzanians, who matched them squarely.
Cheered by the home crowd, the Ivorian’s out-shadowed their opponents by holding onto the ball with the likes Karamoko Alassane, Guehi Kouko and N’gossan Antoine earning the applause of the fans with their skillful play.

The Tanzanians resorted to operating on the counter, and anytime they attacked the Ivorian defence was caught wanting.

The hosts were the first to come close to scoring but Diomande Herve’s header from Karamoko’s free-kick missed narrowly with Tanzania goalie Mohamed Shaban left sprawling.

Not even the consistent switch of tactics by the Elephants could yield the opener as the Tanzania midfield duo of Khalfan Nizar and Kigi Makasi thwarted most of their attacks.

During one of their counter moves upfront after foiling an Ivorian attack, Khalfan fetched Shindika Henry on the right, before the latter crossed to Ngasa who headed past Elephants goalie Angban Vincent for the only goal of the match.

The Ivorians resumed the second half strongly but the Tanzanian defence remained resolute.
Coach Georges Kouadio brought on Djebi Trazie and Bile Georges for Tanoh Jacques and Karamoko respectively in his quest to fortify his attack, but his strikers were always short of ideas in front of goal.

The latter stages of the saw the Ivorians multiply in attack, but the Taifa Stars rearguard defended gallantly to claim their first win of the Championship.

Quotes
Georges Kouadio (Coach, Cote D’Ivoire)
“I am very disappointed we lost again. We had never anticipated for such fortune during the competition.
“We attacked throughout the game, but the Tanzania defence was up to task. They were tactically better and deserved the victory.”

Marcio Maximo (Coach, Tanzania)
“My players were tactically disciplined and the result showed. My team is a young team with an average age of 22.
“The experience is very good for my team, and we will build on that in subsequent matches.”

Cote d’Ivoire vs Tanzania

Today matches will be as follows:

Cote d’Ivoire is playing Tanzania at 19:00

Zambia vs Senegal at 16:00

Tomorrow's matches ( February 26 )

02-26-2009 Zimbabwe vs RD Congo 15:00

02-26-2009 Libya vs Ghana 18:00

Goodluck to all teams

Ivory Coast must beat Tanzania to stay alive

Image redemption will be the main agenda on the minds of hosts Cote d’Ivoire as they face Tanzania in their second Group A clash on Wednesday at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Elephants who were thrashed by the Chipolopolo of Zambia 3-0 in the opening match of the maiden edition of the tournament meant for players playing in their domestic leagues, and any result short of victory will be detrimental to their chances of progress.

The host team has also lost the confidence of their teeming fans who watched in disbelief as Zambia tore their team into shreds, and this places ample pressure on coach Georges Kouadio and his team to put a winsome performance to claim back the support.

Kouadio, who partly blamed the huge presence at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in the opening match as a contributing factor to the inability of his players to live up to expectation, believes his players have overcome that pressure and anticipates a better display against the Tanzanians.
“We have to win against Tanzania to remain on course, and we are working feverishly towards that.”

The Taifa Stars also lost their opening match by a lone goal against the Teranga Lions of Senegal, and a replica of that result ends their ambitions at their second ever major continental championship.
Tanzania coach Marcio Maximo, who had tipped the hosts as one of the favourites envisages a tough test against the Elephants, who will have the fullest backing of the whole of Cote d’Ivoire.

“It is always difficult playing against the host nation at every tournament. We are not here to participate but to compete and make our mark.
“We lost the first game and we can’t afford another loss again. We must avoid another loss to remain in contention and we are doing everything possible in that regard."

For either of the two sides, any result other than victory will seriously hamper their chances.

In the other Group A match, Zambia and Senegal, both winners in the opening day will clash earlier national stadium with the aim to consolidate their grip on the top spot.

Fixtures
Zambia vs. Senegal
Tanzania vs. Cote d’Ivoire

CHAN Tornaments - DR Congo Beat Libya

The Leopards of DR Congo moved to the top of Group B courtesy a 2-0 victory over their Libyan counterparts on Monday in Bouake, at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The clash which sums of the opening day matches of the maiden edition of the competition designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues was largely dominated by the Leopards.

The result pushes DR Congo to the summit of the group standings on the maximum point, followed by Ghana and Zimbabwe on one point each with Libya at the bottom pointless.

The Congolese announced their thirst for a win from the onset and the attack marshaled by T.P. Mazembe striker Mputu Mabi kept the Libyan half busier with consistent onslaughts.

Despite dominating possession, it was the Libyans who managed to find the back of the net on 35 minutes through Abdusalem Nader, but it was ruled following an infringement in the build up.

The Leopards resumed the second on the same momentum and the Libyans will soon give-in. Mputu, was a consistent menace to the Libya rear and anytime he had the ball, the latter’s defence was compelled do more to overcome them.

In the 57th minute, Luyeye Mvete came close to breaking the deadlock but his connection from Mabi’s cross from the left missed narrowly.

A minute later, Kaluyituka opened scores by connecting from close range a cross from Mputu again.

The Libyans appeared worn-out following the consistent pressure and often fouled their markers, the penalty area inclusive.

Five minutes past the hour mark, Mputu earned his side a penalty after Libyan defender Younes Shibani had fouled him during one of his raids into their half, and Lofo Bongelli connected for the second goal.

The remainder was a ding dong battle, but the Congolese remained on top failed in their quest to increase their tally.

Congo next play Zimbabwe on Thursday, with Ghana engaging Libya.

Beckham Unable to Stop Inter

David Beckham was unable to stop Internazionale running out 2-1 winners in the Milan derby at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Goals by Adriano and Dejan Stankovic put Inter two up in the first half and Jose Mourinho's side looked to be cruising to all three points before Alexandre Pato's 71st minute strike pulled one back for Milan and ensured a nervy final 20 minutes for the Nerazzurri.

The result saw the reigning champions of Italy take a huge step towards reclaiming their title after opening up a nine-point advantage over their nearest rivals Juventus, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Sampdoria earlier in the day.

Milan remain in third but the defeat dealt their Scudetto hopes a major blow - the Rossoneri now trail their city rivals by 11 points.

Despite the hype prior to kick-off, Beckham had a minimal impact on the game and the former England captain was substituted on 58 minutes, although his withdrawal appeared enforced by a hamstring injury.

The other subject of pre-match excitement, Paolo Maldini, defied his 40 years to play an integral part in what was his last Milan derby, even though his defence was breached twice before the end of the opening period.

Inter stormed out of the blocks and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was presented with a great chance to open the scoring inside the first minute when Esteban Cambiasso's free-kick found him unmarked six yards out. But the erratic Swede, who is just as capable of infuriating as he is of astounding, misjudged the flight of the ball and headed over the bar.

But his profligacy in front of goal was overshadowed by a far worse miss by Stankovic 18 minutes later. Cambiasso was again the architect, sliding the ball across to the Serb who inexplicably took a touch when a first-time shot was all that was required. The delay allowed Massimo Ambrosini to get back and make a crucial intervention and the chance went begging.

Stankovic was to make amends soon enough, but not before Adriano broke the deadlock on 29 minutes, albeit under controversial circumstances.

The Brazilian appeared to handle the ball as he bundled it over the line from Maicon's wickedly teasing cross, but the referee's whistle sounded only for a goal and not for the infringement Milan keeper Christian Abbiati was screaming for.

Fourteen minutes later and Inter had doubled their lead, Stankovic putting his earlier hesitation well behind him to fire home first-time from Ibrahimovic's knock down.

Two-nil down and Milan had a mountain to climb to get back into the game, one that nearly became much steeper soon after the break when a slip from Kakha Kaladze let in Adriano, only for the Brazilian to send his shot wide of the mark

Adriano turned creator moments later, playing in Ibrahimovic who was denied by a fine fingertip save by Abbiati.

Inter were in complete control of the game and seemingly set for a comfortable victory but once Pato had latched onto Marek Jankulovski's cut-back from the by-line and found the back of the net, the complexion of the game altered dramatically.

Gone was the swagger the home side had been playing with while Milan were rejuvenated and poured forward in search of an equaliser as the half progressed.

The introduction of Pippo Inzaghi for Beckham presented Inter with a real headache, the veteran striker posing a constant threat with his penchant for hanging off the last defender and his predatory instincts.

The 35-year-old had the ball in the back of the net of 78 minutes, only to see his rocket into the roof of the net chalked off for offside, and he went close again with a header with eight minutes remaining.

In between those chances, Pato brought a save from Julio Cesar with a low strike but the final chance of the game fell to Inzaghi as the closing stages of the match began to resemble a siege on the Inter goal.

Julio Cesar came to Inter's rescue again however, and Inter held on to close in on a fourth Scudetto success - and claim bragging rights in Milan at least until next season.
source: Yahoo Sports

Breaking News!! - Man United beat Derby County

Manchester United's bid for an unprecedented quadruple gained momentum after a 4-1 win over Derby County at Pride Park booked a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

United went two goals up before half-time thanks to strikes from Nani and Darron Gibson with Cristiano Ronaldo adding a third soon after the break.

Derby defender Miles Addison pulled one back on 56 minutes to give the hosts some brief hope only for substitute Danny Welbeck to seal victory for the Premier League side with a fourth in the 82nd minute.

The result saw United reach the last eight, where they were drawn to play Swansea or Fulham.

Chelsea were handed an away trip to Blackburn or Coventry while Cardiff City or Arsenal or Burnley will play Sheffield United or Hull City.

Goodbye Scolari!!

Chelsea midfielder Deco has spoken of his dismay and shock at the decision to sack manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The 31-year-old was signed in the summer by Scolari for £7.9million from Barcelona after the pair worked together at international level.

The former Porto ace was away on international duty when he heard the news as Portugal prepare for a friendly with Finland on Wednesday.

And he admitted the main reason he had been persuaded to move to Stamford Bridge was to play for Scolari.

"Scolari is a good coach and he should have been given more time to get the project right," he told the Daily Star.

"I was shocked when I heard the news, I almost could not believe it. The reason I came to Chelsea was to play for Scolari.

"He explained the ambitious project they had here and I decided to sign and rejected a lot of other offers."

Striker Didier Drogba also revealed his surprise.

The former Marseille man has not featured as much as he would have liked this season after failing to rediscover his form of previous campaigns.

"It's true results haven't been the best," he told the Daily Mirror.

"But we had time to put things right and enough fighting qualities, especially with our progression in the Champions League. But our bad results have been decisive.

"I didn't know much about the sacking. Someone called me and told me what had happened.

"When I left London no-one was talking about this happening. The club never spoke to the players."

Barca beat Mallorca 2-0

Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez scored to lead Barcelona over Mallorca 2-0 Thursday night in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Henry headed in a cross by Bojan Krkic in the 35th minute, and Marquez scored his first goal for Barcelona on a free kick in the 74th, curling the ball over a wall of defenders and into the upper left corner of the goal.

The second leg of the total-goals series is scheduled for March 4.

On Wednesday, Sevilla beat visiting Athletic Bilbao 2-1 in first leg of the other semifinal.

Fernando Torres struck two late goals at Anfield to sink Chelsea and ensure Liverpool kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

The game looked destined for the draw that would have suited only Sir Alex Ferguson until Torres made his dramatic intervention to close the gap on United to two points, although Liverpool have played a game more.

Chelsea saw Frank Lampard sent off on the hour for a foul on Xabi Alonso, a decision they contested bitterly as they claimed he took the ball first before making contact with the Liverpool midfield man.

But they can have no serious complaints about the result after Liverpool dominated throughout, taking the game to Chelsea in a game played out in freezing conditions.

Torres broke the deadlock a minute from time when he headed in a near-post cross from Fabio Aurelio, then set the seal on the win in stoppage time with a simple finish after substitute Yossi Benayoun had robbed Ashley Cole.

Anfield was ecstatic at the final whistle, with recent traumas seemingly forgotten and hopes of a first title since 1990 revived again.
Source - BBC

2 Italian players banned for skipping dope test!!

Italian soccer players Daniele Mannini and Davide Possanzini were banned for one year by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday after missing post-match doping tests.

CAS partially upheld an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency which wanted the players suspended from all soccer for up to two years. The bans run through Jan. 14, 2010.

“It is a bewildering and stupid sentence,” said Mannini’s defense lawyer, Mattia Grassani. “Mannini and Possanzini were treated badly and as though they were already declared dope cheats.”

Mannini, now of Serie A club Napoli, and Possanzini were found to have not cooperated with a drug-testing team after playing for Brescia in a Serie B game against Chievo Verona in December 2007.

Both were cleared of wrongdoing by the Italian football federation, then banned for 15 days last March by the Italian Olympic committee.

The panel halved the maximum penalty allowed of two years, and reduced it by a further 15 days for the suspension already served.

Mannini, a 25-year-old winger, has played 15 A games for Napoli this season. The 32-year-old Possanzini is one of Brescia’s top strikers, scoring 45 goals in 3 1/2 seasons with the Serie B club.

Chimbonda back to Spurs

The 29-year-old Chimbonda has agreed terms and completed a medical to complete his return to his former club after the Black Cats agreed to let him go. Though the move is complete, the deal was completed too late for Chimbonda to play for Spurs against Stoke on Tuesday night.

Chimbonda had made just 16 appearances for the North-East club since his summer move from White Hart Lane, but has started the last four games.

After a promising first few weeks at the Stadium of Light, he lost his place in the side under former boss Roy Keane amid rumours of disciplinary problems.

Is Chelsea for sale????

Chelsea could yet change hands, despite Roman Abramovich and his lawyers’ insistence to the contrary, as a Swiss firm backed by German businessmen are considering a takeover bid for the Premier League club.
The negotiations, if they do eventually take place, will be handled by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the very same man who brokered Abu Dhabi United Group’s purchase of Manchester City last year.
Speaking to The Guardian, Al Fahim said, “It’s not entirely clear if Chelsea is for sale, but regardless of that, we first need to see if we are in a position to buy it.
“Given that Roman Abramovich has invested over £500m into the club, it would not be cheap, and with the current credit crunch, nobody wants to be over-exposed on one deal.
“But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal.”
Abramovich has already made it perfectly clear that he does not wish to sell the Blues, taking the publishers of The Sunday Times to court after they claimed he was looking to cash in on the club.

Liverpool failed to return to the top!

Liverpool missed the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table as Tim Cahill rescued a 1-1 draw for Everton at Anfield.
The first half was a largely scrappy affair with defences on top but Fernando Torres, starting up front alongside Robbie Keane, missed a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock and Jose Reina had to pull off a couple of smart stops at the other end.
Torres then had a confident penalty appeal turned away early in the second period before Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a powerful low strike from 20 yards in the 68th minute.
Liverpool looked in little trouble at the back but with three minutes to go Cahill headed home Mikel Arteta's free-kick to extend Everton's unbeaten run to six games and deal a blow to their Merseyside rivals' title hopes.

Real Madrid fought back to win

Real Madrid came from behind to beat bottom club Osasuna 3-1 in a controversial Liga match at the Bernabeu.
Osasuna went ahead through Nekounam's 20th-minute header from Jaroslav's cross but Madrid fought back through second-half goals by Sergio Ramos, Higuain and Robben.
But the win was soured by two terrible refereeing decisions that saw the unfortunate Juanfran sent off when Alfonso Perez Burrull incorrectly booked him twice for diving when he should have awarded penalties.
The first booking came on 13 minutes when Fernando Gago clumsily slid in on the Osasuna winger, taking him down first with his thigh and then with a trailing leg.
Gago got nowhere near the ball and it should have been a spot-kick.
The second decision was yet more woeful. With less than 10 minutes remaining and with Madrid leading 2-1, Pepe clearly trod on Juanfran's foot as he burst into the box and prepared to pull the trigger.
But inexplicably Burrull blew for simulation and sent the distraught Juanfran to an early bath.
The defeat was even more frustrating for Osasuna because two of the goals came from goalkeeping howlers by Roberto.
Sergio Ramos equalised four minutes after the second-half restart when he surged forward from right-back and released a low drive that Roberto allowed to squirm through his hands.
Higuain put the hosts in front with a tap-in after a clever give-and-go with Robben while, in injury-time, Robben added a gloss on the win when his own daisy-cutter was mis-handled by the poor Roberto.
The result puts Madrid in second place, level on points with Sevilla but with a superior goal difference, while Osasuna remain at the foot of the standings

Spurs end Jones pursuit

Harry Redknapp has revealed that Tottenham have had an offer for Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones turned down.
Spurs were linked with a move for the Trinidad and Tobago international earlier this week and Redknapp admits a bid was lodged with the Black Cats.
Sunderland rejected the approach, believed to be in the region of £14million, and Redknapp has now ended his interest in the striker.
Redknapp said: "The chairman made an offer for Kenwyne Jones. They don't want to sell him, so that is the end of that one.
"There is nothing more you can do. He spoke to Niall Quinn. But they decided he is not for sale, and that is their decision."

Beckham to start on Saturday

David Beckham will start in his San Siro debut for AC Milan on Saturday against Fiorentina.
“Beckham will play from the first minute,” Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said in his weekly news conference Friday at Milan’s training center.
Beckham also started his first official game with Milan last weekend, playing 89 minutes in a 2-2 draw at AS Roma.
The former England captain is on loan for two months from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham is hoping to stay in shape during the MLS offseason and maintain his spot on England’s national team under coach Fabio Capello.
Ancelotti said he was pleased with Beckham’s performance against Roma.

Rooney to be sidelined for 3 weeks

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be sideline for three weeks with a hamstring injury after scoring the goal that lifted the defending champions into second place in the Premier League.
Rooney scored his ninth goal of the season after 56 seconds to clinch a 1-0 victory over Wigan on Wednesday, but limped off the field about five minutes later.
“With a hamstring you are talking a minimum of three weeks,” United manager Alex Ferguson said. “We hope it isn’t any longer than that.”
Rooney will miss the second leg of the League Cup semifinals against Derby next week and the FA Cup match with Tottenham, as well as at least four league matches.
A victory in the first of those league matches on Saturday at Bolton would enable United to take over first place from Liverpool, which leads the standings by two points.
Rooney’s injury could provide an opportunity for Carlos Tevez to impress Ferguson as negotiations continue over a new contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson's hit back on Benitez

Alex Ferguson is winning the mind games with Liverpool’s Rafa Benitez. Now his team appears to be surging toward a third straight Premier League title after beating Chelsea 3-0.
It was another great weekend for Manchester United. If the Red Devils win their next two games, they could lead the standings by Sunday night.
Winner of 10 Premier League titles with Man United, Ferguson won two more individual tussles with Benitez and Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who are still chasing their first.
At Liverpool, the placid Benitez stepped out of character Friday with tirade against the United manager, accusing him of intimidating referees and getting off lightly with the Football Association. He said Ferguson was nervous about Liverpool because it was at the top of the league at the halfway point.
The following day, Liverpool surprisingly drew 0-0 with lowly Stoke, throwing away two precious points.
On Sunday, Ferguson’s team outscored feeble Chelsea to make a major move in the title race. After the match, Ferguson blew off Benitez’ comments and said pointedly he was interested only in guiding his team to yet another league title. Liverpool’s last was in 1990.
“There was a lot of venom in what he has said,” Ferguson said. “I don’t understand where it has come from. He is obviously disturbed about something. When he reflects on it he must realize what a ridiculous thing he is saying.”

CECAFA Challenge Cup Uganda 2009

( courtesy of http://www.allafrica.com/ )

Kenya 's Harambee Stars and Burundi became the first teams to qualify for the semi-finals at the on-going GTV sponsored Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.
Harambee Stars of Kenya, five time Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup champions finished top of the group after a 1-0 victory over Burundi in the last group game played at Nakivubo stadium.
Midfielder Osborne Monday converted a penalty in the 60th minute to give the Kenyans victory and opportunity to top the group.
"We started poorly with two draws and everyone wrote us off. But this is a determined team," said Kenya 's coach Francis Kimanzi who watched the game from the stands after he was sent-off in their game against Djibouti.
In the earlier game, guest side Zambia failed to make it to the last four after succumbing to a 2-0 loss at the hands of defending champions Sudan, who also bowed out of the event.

When we are about to post this news, Uganda and Tanzania have stormed in to the semi finals after Uganda beat Tanzania 2-1 in the match which decided the group leader.

In a mission??

I can imagine that David Beckham is in a special mission after his move to AC Milan. He has a lot to prove to Fabio Capello if he really wants to shine again with England. He still got it and hopefully he is going to deliver when with AC Milan. What is his chance of being a regular with England??

Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo insisted that the rumours about him moving to Real Madrid is absolutely not true.
Ronaldo who scored 42 goals last year, he admits that he would like to stay at Old Trafford where he feels at home. The star appreciates the fan of Manchester United and acknoledged that they are real make him feel at home.
Real Madrid have showed a big interest of signing the star without success.
However, Real director Pedro Trapote was quoted in December claiming that his club have a deal in place to sign the Ballon D'Or winner at the end of this season.
Ronaldo, though, has reiterated that the claim is false, telling United's official website: "There's always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world.
"People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season.

First IX from English Premier League

Fans, according to Goal.com’s Alan Dawson, he has rounded up the English Premier League’s form players and slots them into his Best XI of the season so far. They will be using formation 4-3-3. Here is the list;

Goalkeepers

Ross Turnbull (Middlesbourgh)

Defense

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)

Brede Hangeland (Fulham)

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)

Gael Clichy (Arsenal)

Midfield

Stephen Ireland (Manchester City)

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)

Attack

Robinho (Manchester City)

Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

SECOND XI (Formation: 4-3-3)

Goalkeeper
Scott Carson (West Bromwich Albion)

Defense
Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea)
Michael Turner (Hull City)
Martin Laursen (Aston Villa)
Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Midfield
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Rory Delap (Stoke City)

Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic)
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

There is an argument that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to be on the First IX instead of the Second IX. What do you think??