controversy Archives

The Goal That Never Was

Wenger Angry Over Eduardo Suspension

Chelsea Hit Hard By FIFA

Somewhat out of the blue, FIFA have announced that they've banned Chelsea from registering any new players within the next two Premier League transfer windows, or to put a date on it, until January 2011.

Why?

According FIFA's official website, French Club Lens "lodged a claim with FIFA seeking compensation for breach of contract" from former player Gael Kakuta, who joined Chelsea from Lens in 2007. FIFA also state that the French club are also requesting "sporting sanctions to be imposed on the player and the English club for breach of contract and inducement to breach of contract respectively."

What does this mean?

Lens president Gervais Martel sums it up with: "The player was under contract with us, and they came and stole him away from us."

As a result of the Dispute Resolution Chamber's (DRC) ruling, Kakuta was forced to cough up a massive 780,000 euros, as well as Chelsea having to fork out an additional 130,00 euros for "training compensation".

In addition to monetary penalties, both player and offending club were imposed with sporting sanctions FIFA state are "in accordance with art. 17 par.3 and 4 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players", which basically means Chelsea cannot register players until 2011 and Kakuta has been ineligible to play in official matches for four months.

What next?

Chelsea will make their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and will "mount the strongest appeal possible" and will claim the sanctions arbitrarily dished out by the DRSC are "totally disproportionate to the alleged offence".

What now for Chelsea?

As an impartial bystander I have to say the punished dished out to Chelsea seems a little bit harsh for something seemingly happening everyday by other major European clubs.

Nevertheless, if their appeals fail they must accept FIFA's ruling and then what? Most pundits considered the Chelsea team's average age to quite high already and Anchelotti must consider how he's to keep all of his players fit and healthy until the beginning of 2011.

In his favour, however, is the considerable depth in squad that they have as well as an array of young talent more than eager to burst out of the youth team and take a more permanent role in the first eleven.

Will this affect this years title challenge? Mentally, maybe. However, I don't thing this drastically changes much as Chelsea's dealings in the summer transfer market wasn't as substantial as some and Abramovich's spending spree seems to have somewhat be floundering over past few seasons.

With smart managerial expertise at the helm I fully expect Chelsea to ride out the 'storm' and come out swinging in January 2011 - god help anybody who’s in their way.

Ferguson Backs UEFA Action

Today, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has come out to back UEFA's decision to ban Arsenal’s Eduardo for two Champions League Matches.

The Croatian striker was found guilty of deceiving the referee in Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Celtic last month, which Wenger considers to be a "witch-hunt" and claims that UEFA have set a "dangerous precedent whereby any decision made by an official can be contested after the match".

"I have to agree that something had to be done," the Scottish manager said.

However, as much as FIFA's decision to ban Chelsea from registering any players until 2011 was a curveball yesterday, Ferguson supports the way Wenger has dealt with the situation.

"I agree with Arsene, I would ask the same question 'is it going to happen to everyone?'

"You become insular and protective of your own player and own team, we're all selfish that way.

The Chelsea Transfer Affair - Reaction Junction

Appeal Reaction

On Thursday, FIFA announced that Chelsea were prohibited from registering any new players until January 2011 (as well as amassing a number of fines) over allegedly poaching young French player Gael Kakuta from Lens in 2007 and yesterday the club received an update on their situation.

Matthieu Reeb, secretary general for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS for short), yesterday came out and suggested that Chelsea may have to wait three months before the CAS reveal their appeal decision.

"If the appeal is fielded within the deadline of the next 21 days we should have the appeal in the next two or three weeks," Reeb explained to Sky Sports News. "Then the CAS can proceed in an expedited manner depending on whether the party has agreed to expedite the procedure."

"But at the least we will probably issue a decision at the end of November or mid-December.

"We will have a panel of three arbitrators, so three judges. One will be selected by Chelsea the other by FC Lens and FIFA and the Chairman will be CAS.

"It will be a final decision which would replace the FIFA decision if necessary. The CAS decision can be appealed only before the Swiss Supreme Court which is for the Swiss tribunal.

"It could be a final ruling before Christmas."

Chelsea Players Reaction

How did the Chelsea players react to the situation? Will it affect their season? Will it affect the players mentality or damage morale? Club Captain John Terry responded to the news yesterday, although under orders not to get too opinionated in doing so.

"What is my reaction to the FIFA ban? It was a big shock to me and it is very difficult," he admitted.

"But it is difficult for me to talk about it. I have spoken to the club last night and again this morning and they have reiterated that I can't speak about it as they are appealing very strongly.

"It is something I can't speak about today. They are appealing and it's ongoing from there. Until after the appeal has gone in, or another decision has been made, I can't say anything."

So, yeah, not much insight there.

Former Chelsea Player Reaction

So how will the club fair in the Premier League and Europe - so many games with a potentially limited side?

Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben believes that Chelsea will struggle to maintain their momentum carrying them to the Premier League title this season in the wake of the bad.

He told Sky Sports News: "It is very bad news for the club. It is still my club in England. I had a great time there so I am feeling very sorry for them."

When asked if Chelsea could struggle to compete, he added: "Yes. It is a two-year ban and they cannot buy any new players. But they have a great squad."

So, not so much a controversial opinion by the Dutch International, more stating the obvious.

Bight Future?

But hold up! It's not all doom and gloom for Chelsea! They have two players coming back from injury that should go to strengthen their squad. Midfielder Joe Cole, who has been sidelined since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage back in January, and, um, Paulo Ferreira, who has not played since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament last April.

So chin up you Blues!

Man Utd Next in the Firing Line

After Chelsea were hit with a lengthy transfer ban earlier in the week over allegedly 'poaching' a young player from French side Lens, it has now been confirmed that Le Havre president Jean-Pierre Louvel has contacted FIFA about Manchester United's signing of Paul Pogba.

Earlier in the week, FIFA announced they were yet to receive an official complaint from Le Havre but it seems with the success of Lens' appeal over Gael Kakuka Jean-Pierre Louvel thinks he now has a shot at getting a little compensation from a big Premier League club and hopes FIFA will come down just as hard on United as they did with the Blues.

"The player had a no-hire agreement, and so had to sign his first contract in France," Louvel told radio station France Info.

"But he didn't sign it because Manchester United contacted the parents and made astronomical and excessive financial propositions for a 15-year-old boy.

"We have submitted the case to FIFA. The letter to leave has not been agreed by the French Federation, so today FIFA has been referred.

"I hope we will get the same result (as the Gael Kakuta case), which could justify to those clubs they can't do anything and they have rules to respect."

I wonder just how many more will crawl out of the woodwork.

Man Utd Take a Stand

Yesterday Le Havre President Jean-Pierre Louvel contacted FIFA to lodge an official complaint over the alleged 'player poaching' of French youngster Paul Pogba, upon hearing Lens had successfully won their case against Chelsea last week. Today, Manchester Utd take a stand.

Man Utd officials have written to Le Havre threatening to take legal action if the allegations over "financial inducements" continue.

Le Havre claim that Man Ud offered money and a house to Pogba's family in order to prise the youngster away from the French club, however, Utd are angered at suggestions that they are broken the rules and say that there was no foul play involve in Pogba's capture.

"In response to the wholly unfounded comments widely reported in the media of Le Havre AC President, Jean-Pierre Louvel, Manchester United wish to categorically confirm that as a matter of club policy and in accordance with the applicable football regulations, we do not offer inducements to the parents of players who sign for the club such as monetary payments or the purchase of houses," said United in a statement.

"Manchester United have today written to Le Havre AC to put it on notice that action will be taken if such allegations are repeated in relation to the transfer of Paul Pogba.

"Manchester United is entirely satisfied that the transfer of Paul Pogba has been conducted in accordance with the regulations set down by the world governing body, Fifa.

"Manchester United is ready to defend any claim brought against it by Le Havre at Fifa.

"It is to be noted that all contractual documentation relating to the player's registration with the club has already been fully ratified by the Football Association and the Premier League." (source Sky Sports News).

In some regards, I'm happy about Utd's stance in this matter. Jean-Pierre Louvel is clearly taking advantage to the current climate and circumstance, hoping to earn a bit of coin at the expense of a club's reputation - that is of course, if there wasn't any wrong doing in the matter.

I feel at this juncture, despite the press coverage, we don’t really know the whole story and we probably never will.

The Poaching War Continues

Earlier today FIFA confirmed that a third French side had lodged an official complaint against a Premier League side, this time Rennes' technical director Pierre Dreossi accusing Manchester City of poaching Jeremy Helan.

According to Sky Sports News, Rennes initially lodged the complaint last Spring as the club felt there was wrong doing in prising the young French player away from the club.

In an official statement, FIFA announced: "We can confirm that there is a case pending with FIFA’s Player Status Department involving Jeremy Helan, Stade Rennais FC and Manchester City."

If found guilty of the charges, both the player and the Premier League side will undoubtedly face charges similar to those of Chelsea last week, but are expected to contest the complaint claiming they "have no case to answer in the Jeremy Helan transfer dispute."

Accoding to the club's official website: "Manchester City is aware of the ongoing contractual dispute in the French Labour Courts between Jeremy Helan and Stade Rennais FC.

"The dispute between the player and the club pre-dates any interest from Manchester City.

"Manchester City obviously cannot comment on the case until the French Judicial Process has run its course, however, we are comfortable that we have acted within the rules throughout the process and in no way induced any breach of contract by Jeremy Helan."

On the Home Front

But it's not just French clubs who have issues with some of the Premier League Club's transfer activity, it also seems Crewe had lodged an official complaint too, accusing Liverpool of illegally approaching 15-year-old academy player Max Clayton.

Crewe's director of football Dario Gradi told the Daily Express: "Max has come in and told us that he wants to leave right now to join a big club.

"You worry financially for the clubs where the players are stolen from.

"It's simple, the big clubs are stealing other people's players."

"I'm delighted with what has happened with Chelsea," added Gradi. "I would hope all the big clubs are frightened to death. There is no excuse for breaking the rules.

"We lost a 12-year-old to Everton. He was our best 12-year-old. The lure is that the bigger clubs pay big expenses.

"This kid will be getting several hundred pounds a week in expenses. We pay expenses but nothing like that. It's more a case of giving out £20 if someone can pick a kid up en-route.

"At least Fifa have given the smaller clubs hope."

But is that really poaching? Liverpool came in for an offer and it was rejected. Now the kid wants to leave to go to a bigger club? Dario Gradi doesn't say that Liverpool have coaxed the youngster into asking for his release, it seems they’ve just expressed interest - is that such a bad thing? Surely it was the player who has made the decision he wants out?

Should clubs be reported to FIFA when expressing in young, up and coming stars or has this been sensationalised, blown out of all proportions and gone too far? Or are we not being told the whole story?

It'll be interesting to see how this develops and what kind of precedent FIFA set in this matter.

Justice Served?

The FA has confirmed that Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been hit with a double charge following Saturday's victory over former club Arsenal.

The Togo International has been charged with violent conduct after clearly and purposefully stomping on Robin Van Persie's face as well as improper conduct after running the entire length of the pitch celebrating the goal at the Eastlands.

And rightfully so too. The goal celebration seemed innocent enough to the neutral viewer, but I can easily empathise with the Arsenal fans after he first would them and the Arsenal players up by maliciously standing on Van Persie's head. However, what people are quite willing to forget blinded by Adebayor's actions on the pitch was the poor ground steward who was knocked unconscious by a missile thrown from the Arsenal fans (as discussed here at Soccerlens).

Adebayor apologised for his actions over the celebration, but claims innocence over the face stamp. Really? I don't think so, but judge for yourself:

If found guilty of violent conduct, Adebyaor will be dealt a three-match ban and will miss Saturday's derby against Manchester Utd and that suspension could only be increased if also found guilty of improper conduct.

"The Football Association today issued two charges against Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor following Saturday's Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal," said a statement issued by the FA.

"Under the fast-track disciplinary process, Adebayor has been charged with violent conduct following an incident with Robin van Persie, which resulted in the Arsenal player receiving facial injuries.

"Referee Mark Clattenburg has advised the FA that he did not see this incident, but has confirmed that had he done so, he would have sent Adebayor off for violent conduct. The player has until 6pm on Wednesday evening to respond to the charge.

"Adebayor has also been charged with improper conduct following his actions when turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters after scoring.

"The Greater Manchester Police have written to The FA with their views on this incident. A separate date will now be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor's goal celebration." (source: sky sports news).

Bitter Blues

For those of you who didn't watch yesterday's thrilling Manchester derby, with the event crammed with slopping defending, time-keeping controversy and crowd trouble I defy anybody to argue that wasn't an all round entertaining affair.

The 4-3 scoreline in one sensed illustrated just how close the two teams have become, but it also clearly illustrated poor defending and ever-alert forwards. The entertain was marred somewhat by the crowds reacting badly to Carlos Tevez' return to Old Trafford, which at half time culminated in a missile being thrown from the terraces which veered away from the intended target of Tevez and hit substitute Garrido in the face.

Also in the match, a fan ran onto the pitch and whilst the stewards soundly tackled him to the ground and tried to drag him off the pitch, Craig Bellamy decided it to be the perfect time to demonstrate his boxing skills, striking the fan across the cheek, which now is being investigated by the police and the FA.

Naturally, Mark Hughes attempted to defend his players actions. After he defended Adebayor clearly stamping on Robin Van Persie’s face last week, how could he not?

"I did not see it but the guy should not have been on the pitch. That is not acceptable." Clearly, Mark. He added, "Brian Clough clipped someone's ear. He was lauded a national hero. Maybe it'll be the same with Craig but I doubt it." Well, yes but Clough wasn’t a known thug, was he?

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At the end of the derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, a member of the public ran on to the pitch, and was detained by police and security staff.

"During this time, there was an altercation between the man and a player from Manchester City FC.

"No formal complaint has been made by either party but police are continuing to make inquiries."

An FA spokesman said: "We are investigating the incident and we will be looking at the referee's match report."

However, the incident seemed somewhat overshadowed by the extra time controversy which lead to Man Utd’s winning goal.

"We need an explanation because I don't know why the referee has added that amount of time on," said Hughes.

"We just feel a little bit aggrieved that they were given that time."

"I have not had a word with the referee yet but the the fourth official [Alan Wiley] tried to give me an explanation of sorts as I was questioning the amount of time added on even before the game finished," stated Hughes.

"His explanation did not sit comfortably with me. He said a minute plus had been added because of our celebration. We scored on 90 minutes, the board was already up for four minutes, so Mr Wiley said he was going to add that minute on.

"The amount of time from when we scored to when we kicked off was something like 45 seconds. He has got that wrong as well. It was 95 minutes, 26 seconds.

"Obviously, he has played too much time and we ended up playing 97 minutes. I just needed an explanation as to why so much time was needed. United were given a little more time than they should have been given to get the goal.

"Historically it has happened before. I was in teams here where we always had a little bit of benefit. I never felt it was an issue when we played here.

"But since I have left maybe I have changed my view on that. I am not going to question anyone's integrity but I do not know where has got seven minutes from.

"It would be nice to get an explanation but I don't think I will."

The explanation is simple Mr. Hughes: 56 seconds taken off the clock for Bellamy's goal celebration and another 30 seconds taken off for the substitution. Pure and simple, which puts the goal just within the limits. But truth be told, if I were Hughes I'd be wanting explanations from my ridiculously expensive defence rather than on issues of time-keeping.

Campbell to Leave Notts County?

Well, it happened. It was bound to, wasn't it? How could Sven Goren Eriksson hope to maintain the facade any longer?

Despite the generous wage of £40k a week, Sol Campbell has realised that Notts County is actually a League Two side and, just one month into his five-year contract, has told the club he wants to leave.

Of course, I was being sarcastic. That isn't the REAL reason he wants to leave (I don't think it is anyway...), but, um, no other reason was actually given. It has only been confirmed this morning that Campbell wants to leave and Notts County have told him they will not stand in his way.

Rather bizarre, perhaps Campbell just doesn't like to lose.

West Ham & Millwall charged by FA

Between them, the teams have amassed a total of seven charges by the FA for failure to control theirs, following a pitch invasion in a Carling Cup match on 25th August this year.

Both clubs have been accused to have taken insufficient measures to prevent missile throwing and violent behaviour at Upton Park, with West Ham being held accountable for four of the charges, Millwall for the remaining three. Or as the official FA statement put it the clubs did not ensure their supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion "in and around the ground".