Man City and Spurs are adding some variety to the tediously predictable Premiership and the same thing is happening in the virtual football world. For the past decade or so, Pro Evolution Soccer (in all its guises) has played a far better game than the glitzy official licensed FIFA series....
Man City and Spurs are adding some variety to the tediously predictable Premiership and the same thing is happening in the virtual football world.
For the past decade or so, Pro Evolution Soccer (in all its guises) has played a far better game than the glitzy official licensed FIFA series. But in the past couple of years, things have changed. FIFA has radically improved, with an emphasis on simulation rather than arcade. Think gritty 1-0 away wins rather than the 5-4 goal fests of yore. PES, while still hugely entertaining, has stagnated with online play especially antiquated. Unless the forthcoming PES 2010 is a return to form, the trend looks set to continue as FIFA 10 is a winner.
The key addition this year, and the main reason that FIFA 10 is so enjoyable, is 360-degree control. This gives a real fluidity to the previously rigid player movement, allowing skillful players the opportunity to weave past defenders or avoid tackles. This is the closest yet to the "feel" that PES has always had and easily the main improvement on FIFA 09. Another area where FIFA has historically struggled is ball physics. While passes pinged and crosses hung in the air correctly on PES, FIFA's ball movement felt heavier and less satisfying. Not so now. Short balls zip and lofted through balls move accurately. Headers and some shots are still an issue though, with the occasional goal bound effort lacking the oomph you would expect.
There are some other issues. Player models are as appallingly ugly as ever, while the commentary feels slightly off the pace at times. The management part of the game feels undercooked too. Also, the pace is much slower and more realistic than other football games and PES fans in particular may find it a bit too lethargic. New features such as adding your own face to a virtual player or creating bespoke set-pieces feel a little gimmicky, but on the pitch FIFA 10 plays a more fluid and expressive game than any other FIFA before it. PES 2010 has got it all to do. {
#}
Labels: FIFA, FIFA 2010, Players
posted @ 8:35 AM,
,
Communications & Power Industries, Inc. (CPI) has been selected by Sentech Limited to provide high-power amplifiers (HPAs) to be used in broadcasting the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM) to millions of football fans. CPI, a subsidiary of CPI International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPII), is a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. Sentech is a State-owned, broadband network business that supplies communications services and solutions to wholesale and retail customers in certain markets in South Africa and the rest of the African continent.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060426/CPILOGO)
Under the approximately $1 million contract, CPI will supply Sentech with outdoor C-band HPAs via its local sales and service representative Comscience (Pty) Ltd. These communications amplifiers will support broadcasts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa matches from 10 football stadiums in nine cities around the country in June and July 2010. Work on the contract will be performed by CPI's Satcom Division and Microwave Power Products Division.
"We are proud that the world's premiere sporting event is relying on CPI, with our long history of producing high-quality HPAs and our world-class customer support, for its critical satellite broadcasting operations," said Joe Caldarelli, chief executive officer of CPI.
About CPI International, Inc.
CPI International, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is the parent company of Communications & Power Industries, Inc., a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. Communications & Power Industries, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes products used to generate, amplify, transmit and receive high-power/high-frequency microwave and radio frequency signals and/or provide power and control for various applications. End-use applications of these systems include the transmission of radar signals for navigation and location; transmission of deception signals for electronic countermeasures; transmission and amplification of voice, data and video signals for broadcasting, Internet and other types of commercial and military communications; providing power and control for medical diagnostic imaging; and generating microwave energy for radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer and for various industrial and scientific applications.
About Sentech Limited
Sentech Limited is a State-owned, fully commercial national enterprise providing broadcasting signal distribution and telecommunications services in South Africa. The company offers signal distribution services for broadcasting. The company also provides international telephony and business communications solutions, as well as data and multicasting services. Sentech deploys satellite and terrestrial-based technology using IP-based protocols for the services offered. The company serves telecommunications, multimedia, and broadcasting industries. Sentech Limited was incorporated in 1990 and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Certain statements included above constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations, beliefs or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the results projected, expected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, competition in our end markets; the impact of a general slowdown in the global economy; our significant amount of debt; changes or reductions in the U.S. defense budget; currency fluctuations; U.S. government contracts laws and regulations; changes in technology; the impact of unexpected costs; and inability to obtain raw materials and components. These and other risks are described in more detail in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All future written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We undertake no duty or obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in our expectations.
SOURCE CPI International, Inc.
http://www.cpii.com
Labels: FIFA, FIFA Sponsors, World Cup
posted @ 10:51 AM,
,
With 24 teams converging on Egypt for the FIFA World Under-20 Championships, there will also be a myriad of scouts and teams at the tournament looking to spot the next starlet. A good performance at these championships is generally a pretty good indicator of future potential, as a glance at the previous Players of the Tournament will only serve to confirm.
Back in 1979 one Diego Maradona claimed the award, whilst in 1987 Robert Prosinecki caught the eye. More recent winners include Barcelona’s Seydou Keita in 1999 and Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero in 2007.
Here are ten candidates who could be in line to claim honors in 2009.
Ransford Osei – Ghana and Twente
Already a full international, Ransford Osei caught the eye for Ghana at the world U-17 event held in 2007 and the African Youth Championships. His seven goals at the latter tournament helped Ghana to their most recent success in the competition. Described as an opportunistic striker, Osei is also blessed with great speed.
He is currently on loan at Twente in the Dutch league, which should prove to be an outstanding educational experience for the 18-year-old. He is yet to feature under Steve McClaren, but has scored goals at his parent club, Maccabi Haifa.
Douglas Costa – Brazil and Gremio
Arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated players at the tournament will be Douglas Costa, the Brazilian left-sided midfielder. Having already broken through into the first team at Gremio, Douglas has come to the attention of several big-name European clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The diminutive midfielder has a delicious left-foot and is a noted free kick specialist. Unsurprisingly, he has already been dubbed the 'new Ronaldinho', who also came through the ranks at the Porto Alegre side.
He was instrumental in Brazil’s success at the South American U-20 Championships.
Hernan Perez – Paraguay and Villarreal
Perez’s growing reputation in the game was confirmed after Spanish side Villarreal moved to snap up the midfielder after just one professional game for his previous side: Libertad. After notching five goals, and finishing joint top scorer at the South American U-20 Championships, there was an increasing list of potential suitors, so Villarreal decided to move quickly to sign him up until 2014.
Well known for developing South American talent, Perez should find himself in good hands.
Perez is one of a growing number of exciting players to emerge from the country in recent seasons, and the midfield schemer will be central to Paraguay’s hopes of pulling off a shock in Egypt.
Richard Sukuta-Pasu – Germany and Bayer Leverkusen
After catching the eye at the UEFA U-19 tournament in 2008, Sukuta-Pasu has continued his development at the BayArena, where he is now considered an important member of the first team. His main strength undoubtedly lies in his willingness to run with the ball, making him equally accomplished as a right winger or an out-and-out forward. His pace is another key asset, and standing at 6ft 2in, he is also decent in the air.
Possessing all the requisite attributes needed to be a top quality striker, it would appear to be only a matter of time before he becomes a first team regular for Jupp Heynckes at Bayer Leverkusen.
Allowed to join up with his team-mates for these finals, unlike many of the side who helped Germany to glory some 12 months ago, an inexperienced team will count on his input to help them confirm their status as one of the fancied teams in Egypt.
Krisztian Nemeth – Hungary and AEK Athens
Another who had an outstanding Euro 2008 U-19 tournament, Nemeth has already been snapped up by Liverpool. Used frequently by Rafael Benitez in friendlies this summer, the attacker has been allowed to get some experience in Greek football with AEK Athens, and he has already scored for his new side in the Greek Super League.
Whilst not the tallest striker, Nemeth is both good in the air and with the ball at his feet, and already has an excellent technique. A cool finisher, Nemeth undoubtedly possesses all the necessary attributes to become a top class forward in time.
Fran Merida – Spain and Arsenal
One of a number of talented Spanish players at the tournament, Merida has already enjoyed a taste of first team action at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. After coming through the youth team at Barcelona, Merida has been in North London since 2005. Whilst others starlets at Arsenal, such as Aaron Ramsey, have attracted more media interest, Merida has quietly gone about his development and shows some outstanding signs of potential.
A midfielder with an eye for a creative pass, Merida was one of the better players for Spain at this summer’s UEFA U-19 Championships held in the Ukraine. Whilst the Spanish collectively were off form, Merida was one of the few to escape without criticism.
Tomas Necid – Czech Republic and CSKA Moscow
Whilst the Czech side of 2009 probably don’t have the collective ability of the 2007 team who went all the way to the World U-20 final, one who is destined for the senior side seems to be Tomas Necid. The forward is already under contact at CSKA Moscow after catching the eye with Slavia Prague in a two-year spell at the club.
Necid has already been capped at senior level, and with three goals in five matches for the full team, it looks like it will only be a matter of time before he graduates.
Before that, the Czechs will be hoping that he can form a striking partnership with Tomas Pekhart, who also has an eye for goal. If those two can dovetail, then this Czech side may yet be in a position to repeat their success of two years ago.
Paolo Henrique – Brazil and Santos
Another off a long line of talents who have emerged in recent seasons at the Vila Belmiro, attacking midfielder Paolo Henrique is another who looks like he’s got the ability to play for the full Brazilian team.
He came to attention in the Santos Junior teams, but was quickly promoted to the senior side, for whom he has already played several matches.
Much like team-mate Douglas Costa, Paulo Henrique also has a cultured left-foot, so it will be interesting to see whether they can play as a pair in the midfield behind the strikers.
Nicolas Lodeiro – Uruguay and Nacional
With plenty of experience already under his belt at club and continental level, forward Nicolas Lodeiro could be one of the stand-out players at the tournament. His thoughtful range of passing helped Nacional to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, and he also caught the eye at the South American U-20 Championships. With rumors of interest from Liverpool, Lodeiro might not be spending much longer in his homeland if he can recreate his recent club form for his U-20 side.
Sam Baldock – England and MK Dons
Whilst the striker may be playing at a slightly lower level than many included in this list, in many respects football at League One is more competitive. After bursting onto the scene last season under the guidance of then-manager Roberto Di Matteo at the MK Dons, Baldock was struck down by injury later in the 2008-09 season. Not part of the English team that got to the U-19 final in the Ukraine earlier this summer, Baldock now has the chance to show the English management team that he has what it takes at this level.
Standing at just 5ft 7in, Baldock has learned to cope with the physical attentions of League One defenders, who aren’t generally noted for their willingness to be made to look foolish by technically gifted players. Baldock has shown a competitive instinct of his own, and although the England side won’t be as strong as the one that participated in the U-19 UEFA Championships earlier this summer, Baldock could be one to help galvanize this weakened squad.
Walter Townsend, Goal.com
For more on the U-20 World Cup visit Goal.com's Youth page.
Labels: FIFA, Players
posted @ 11:09 AM,
,
Football officials are watching the security situation in Honduras, hoping they won't have to move next month's World Cup qualifier against the United States. Airports have been closed since Monday, when violence began after ousted President Manuel Zelaya returned to Tegucigalpa.
The United States is to play Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Oct. 10 and would clinch its sixth straight World Cup berth with a win.
"It's too early to say where it stands, but certainly we'll watch what's going on," FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer said on Wednesday. "The preference is to obviously keep it on site."
Blazer, the secretary general of the Confederation of North and Central American Football, said a decision will be made by FIFA in consultation with CONCACAF. He said he hopes for a determination next week and said it will depend on security and airport access.
"We're continuing to monitor the situation and remain in contact with CONCACAF and FIFA," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said.
Labels: FIFA, Security, USA
posted @ 9:21 AM,
,
Electronic Arts today announced that the Dutch Nation Football (soccer) team will appear in FIFA ‘10 as they do in real life.
According to today’s press release, EA and the Royal Netherlands Football Association reached an amiable accord to bring all Dutch footballers to digital form in FIFA ‘10, EA’s latest football simulator.
The Dutch team was playable in past FIFAs but players’ likenesses were fake and their kits (jerseys) were ficticious. No more! says EA, as the agreement, based on what, we don’t know, brings the entire Dutch team, including standouts Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Mark van Bommel, and their respective kits to life in FIFA ‘10.
FIFA ‘10 is due out October 2 in Europe (where it’ll sell millions) and in North America on October 20 (where it’ll sulk in isolation on shelves).
Eddie Makuch is Blast's Director of Video Game News Contact him at Makuch.E@BlastMagazine.comLabels: FIFA 2010, Teams
posted @ 8:01 PM,
,
Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama, says the White House is right behind the U.S. bid to stage the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.
In an interview with World Football Insider’s sister publication Around the Rings, the head of the new White House Office on Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport, spoke about the government’s support for the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid and also for the World Cup bid.
Asked whether Obama, a Chicago native, was also prepared to back the football bid, she said: "Absolutely, absolutely. I think that the White House will be fully behind the World Cup as well.
“We will compete wherever we have the opportunity to compete. We think that our country, at this moment in time, is the perfect place to host world competitions.
“I think President Obama has made it clear that he wants the kind of administration that is warm and welcoming to people who are outside of the United States, that this is a place where we want visitors to come and have a great experience, whether it is visiting Chicago or whether it is visiting the rest our wonderful country.
“So I think looking at the president’s popularity around the world it sends a very important message that the United States is back.”
Jarrett spoke with Around the Rings at the White House earlier this week after an event hosted by the Obamas to support the Chicago bid. Jarrett and First Lady Michelle Obama will represent the White House at the IOC Session in Copenhagen, Denmark where they will promote the Chicago Olympic bid. The IOC vote for the 2016 host city comes Oct. 2.
Last month, the U.S. bid to stage the World Cup in 2018 or 2022 received its largest donation to date. Cal South, southern California’s state soccer association, contributed $100,000.
In August, the U.S. bid committee also launched a new website dedicated to bringing the World Cup back to the country for the first time since 1994. The website - www.goUSAbid.com - is designed to aid fundraising and bid initiatives in the build-up to FIFA’s announcement in December 2010 of the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.
The U.S. is one of 11 countries vying to stage the 2018 or 2022 World Cups. It faces competition from Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands/Belgium (joint bid), Russia, and Spain/Portugal (joint bid) for 2018. Qatar and South Korea are only bidding to host the 2022 edition.
For more information on the USA Bid, visit www.goUSAbid.com
Labels: FIFA 2018, World Cup
posted @ 2:45 PM,
,
When you have a game that is as solid as the last releases in the FIFA franchise, what remains is to take the base and build – and that is what the EA Sports team did for the upcoming release of FIFA Soccer 10.
The game’s flow has not changed that much, nor has the wonderful commentary work, but instead EA has taken steps to make this game come alive in ways that mirror the sport in its real-life setting.
Attention has been paid to the management side of the ball, providing a deeper experience that is much more true to life.
The disk received for this preview had its share of glitches, but being that it is only a preview disk, those are non-consequential.
Ok, let’s delve into what makes FIFA 10 a different beast from its predecessors. First of all, the manager mode has been revamped to make this game a lot more life-like, and that includes more than 50 improvements to key areas. No longer can you randomly transfer players about; this is not based on club finances, prestige, and player compatibility. Match results will be based on team and player strengths and weaknesses and players develop more realistically, based on age and environment. If you play for a low-level MLS team, you are likely not to improve as fast as if you played on a higher profile European team.
The big new element, which bleeds over from manager mode to gameplay, is the set pieces. Players can now design set pieces, assign them to a d-pad trigger and then select the kicker easily. You can also lay off short passes if the defense has managed to sniff out your design and in the sake of possession you deem it necessary to pass underneath and reset your offensive run. The d-pad can also be used to adjust your team mentality. You may wish to go into a more defensive set with a one or two goal lead late in the game, or if you are down by a goal, you may want your team to push and get more aggressive minded (offensive).
Gameplay improvements include 360-degree dribbling, which impacts skilled dribbling abilities. Your attacker can face up to a defender and using lateral ball-handling skills, leave them wondering where you went and where their jock is? Ball-control skills have been improved and the AI is overall much better. If you are trying to send through a ball to a striker and another player goes in motion and glides through the passing lane, they will no longer lock onto the pass that was not intended for them.
And while on the topic of AI, one of the hardest things to team young players (in real life) is reading the game. If a defender goes on a run, players tend to stand and watch and not adjust to fill defensive gaps vacated by the player. That used to be paralleled in FIFA but no longer. Space is occupied defensively and runs are made away from defensive players and not into the teeth of the defense.
Graphically, FIFA looks very similar to last year’s game, with solid animations, collision paths and skill moves that are very impressive to both trigger and watch.
Slated for release in mid-October, FIFA Soccer 10 has made significant improvements to the gameplay elements that are certain to resonant well with fans of the series.{#}
Labels: FIFA 2010
posted @ 9:33 AM,
,
In another step toward reinforcing its place among the global family of soccer nations, Major League Soccer will for the first time suspend all of its games during the opening group stage of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next summer.
“The decision to stop league play during the group phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is part of M.L.S.’s commitment to deepen its connection with the millions of soccer fans in the United States and Canada,” M.L.S. Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement Wednesday. “The World Cup will be a focal point for all M.L.S. fans, and several M.L.S. players will compete with their national teams at the tournament.”
The group phase of the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin June 11, 2010, features 48 of the 64 games in the tournament. M.L.S. said its final league game before the World Cup will be played June 10, with the break continuing through at least June 25, when the final game of the group stage is scheduled.
M.L.S. also said it would not schedule any league games against the two World Cup semifinals (Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7) and the tournament final (Sunday, July 11).
M.L.S. has been around since 1996, its inaugural season, and has played through three World Cup tournaments (1998 in France, 2002 in South Korea and Japan, and 2006 in Germany). Until now, M.L.S. has been one of the few leagues to continue competition during the tournament.
With the addition of the Philadelphia Union to the Eastern Conference for the 2010 season, the 16 M.L.S. clubs will play a balanced, 30-game schedule, facing each of the other 15 teams twice, home and away. The league will retain its two eight-team conferences for the 2010 season, with eight teams qualifying for the postseason. M.L.S. will add two teams — the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Portland Timbers — for the 2011 season. {
#}
posted @ 9:24 AM,
,
Spain have a very good chance of winning their first World Cup in South Africa next year but it might just be England’s turn and Cote d’Ivoire are potential dark horses, midfielder Xavi said.
European champions Spain breezed through qualifying for the 2010 finals with eight wins out of eight and have lost only once in 40 matches since December 2006.
That sole loss was a 2-0 defeat by the US at the Confederations Cup in June.
”We have a superb generation of players, we have already qualified for South Africa and also have the experience of playing there,” Xavi, voted player of the tournament at Euro 2008, said in an interview with Reuters.
”We have become a winning team that is very competitive at the world level and we have a great chance and that fills us with excitement.”
Under their Italian coach Fabio Capello, England appeared to have found a new swagger and a solid foundation for possible success, Xavi said, adding that Brazil, Italy and Germany would also be among Spain’s main rivals.
He praised the ”individual quality” of England players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, who he said was on particularly good form, and said a defence including captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand would be hard to penetrate.
”England were the big absence from Euro 2008 and I expect they are itching to show they can win the World Cup,” said the 29-year-old Barcelona player.
”And we might see a surprise this time from an African country like Cote d’Ivoire,” he added. ”They look very strong to me right now.”
Labels: Spain, World Cup
posted @ 7:13 PM,
,
The FIFA World Cup tour will play a great role in promoting Tanzania and its tourist attractions internationally, a senior sports official has said.
The Director of Sports in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports, Leonard Thadeo, said in an interview yesterday the tour of the authentic World Cup Trophy provides Tanzania with a good opportunity to promote itself internationally.
?Apart from promoting our tourist attractions, the tour will also motivate our young soccer players to improve their skills and strive to qualify for the prestigious FIFA World Cup finals,? Thadeo said.
The Trophy’s visit, which is sponsored by Coca-Cola Company, is the second in the country after the previous one in 2006.
Thadeo said Tanzania’s history of being a peaceful country, coupled with its hospitality, contributed to its being chosen as one of the two African nations that hosted the trophy for the first time in 2006.
?Tanzanians have always received guests in the most positive manner, a culture that is heightened by the foundations of peace, solidarity and harmony that the people of Tanzania have shared for many years,? he said.
?This has motivated and convinced people visiting Tanzania to come back, as well as want to live and work here.?
Thadeo said Tanzania stands to gain a lot from the forthcoming tour.
?Normally, during such high-profile visits, international media organisations keep a close watch on the countries which host the Trophy. This time the media attention will promote Tanzania at the international level,? he said.
?The FIFA World Cup Trophy will also promote our new Olympic standard National Stadium. In what is called sports tourism, foreign soccer teams will realise the potential to come to Tanzania and set-up training camps here and, in the process, visit our tourist attractions and other important sites.
?Such visits will greatly benefit Tanzanians as foreign teams will be a new source of income to Tanzanians who engage in the hospitality industry as well as the service and merchandise industries. International recording artists will also come to Tanzania and stage music concerts at the ultra-modern National Stadium.?
On the 2010 World Cup to be held in Africa for the first time, Thadeo said it provides the continent’s soccer talents the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn contracts abroad.
?New talents will be discovered and will be given the chance to work as professional soccer players, either in Africa or outside the continent,? Thadeo said.
He agreed with views of some stakeholders that the country could quality for the FIFA World Cup finals within the next ten years.
?According to FIFA world rankings, Tanzania has risen 79 positions within the last five years -- from being number 172 to number 93 -- which is something even more professional teams have not been able to achieve. This shows that within the next ten years we will rise above the ranks and be able to qualify for the World Cup finals,? he said.
Thadeo thanked the government for supporting sports development in the country by paying the costs of all foreign coaches assigned to the national athletics, soccer, boxing and judo teams.
?The government has also created a conducive environment for firms and individuals wishing to invest in sports to do so peacefully and without difficulties,? he said.
Labels: Tanzania, Tourism
posted @ 7:12 PM,
,
Have a look at
this!
posted @ 9:41 PM,
,
English Premier League side Chelsea have said they will mount the "strongest appeal possible" following the transfer ban placed on the club by world football's governing body FIFA.
The punishment, which would prevent any new member joining the squad until 2011, was dished out after the club were found to have "induced" Gael Kukuta to breach his contract in a transfer from French league side Lens in 2007.
In a statement on their official Web site, Chelsea announced their plan to: "Mount the strongest appeal possible following the decision of FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber over Gaël Kakuta.
"The sanctions are without precedent to this level and totally disproportionate to the alleged offence and the financial penalty imposed. We cannot comment further until we receive the full written rationale for this extraordinarily arbitrary decision," the statement concluded.
The ruling came after Lens complained to FIFA that Chelsea had acted improperly over the transfer of 18-year-old left-winger Kakuta two years ago.
The complaint was referred to the body's Disciplinary Resolution Chamber (DRC) who decided to impose a ban on any further player recruitment by last season's Champions League semifinalists. Have FIFA made the right decision? Sound Off below.
A statement on FIFA's official Web site read: "The DRC found that the player had indeed breached a contract signed with the French club.
"Equally, the DRC deemed it to be established that the English club induced the player to such a breach. As a result the player was condemned to pay compensation in the amount of €780,000 ($1.1 million), for which the club, Chelsea, are jointly and severally liable, and sporting sanctions were imposed on both the player and Chelsea in accordance with art. 17 par. 3 and 4 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players."
Kakuta, who was voted the side's academy player of the year in his first 12 months with Chelsea, received a personal suspension of four months as a result of the ruling.
"Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision."
The first football transfer window in Europe runs from January 1-31 in 2010; the second from the end of the current season until August 31 in Europe, and September 1 in Britain next year.
Chelsea were also ordered to pay Lens "training compensation" of €130,000 ($185,000), in a decision the club could appeal at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Football governing bodies have intervened on two previous occasions in recent times regarding the acquisition of new players by Chelsea.
In 2005, Nigeria midfielder Jon Mikel Obi was ordered by FIFA to return to Norwegian club Lyn Oslo to see out his contract before eventually joining Chelsea, after protracted transfer negotiations had led to disagreement with Manchester United who also claimed they had signed the player.
Chelsea were also fined £300,000 ($490,000) by the English Premier League over the capture of England defender Ashley Cole from Arsenal in 2005.
The club were found guilty of breaking rule K3, which forbade them approaching Cole, who still had two years left on his Arsenal deal, "by any means while under contract." Watch a former Chelsea manager discuss the ban »
The Blues were also warned they could face being docked points if a similar offence occurred during the 2005/2006 season. (
#)
Labels: Players
posted @ 11:17 AM,
,
A World Cup without France, Argentina or Portugal might previously have been unthinkable. Now it's a very real possibility for each of these world powers, and failure to qualify for the showpiece event in South Africa next year will have dire consequences for the employment of some of the highest profile managers in the international game.
Sven Goran Eriksson, sacked by Mexico after failing to impress, was the biggest name to fall from the qualifiers this year although El Tri are now in a decent position to get through. But a bad result or two could also see the likes of Diego Maradona, Raymond Domenech and Carlos Queiroz relieved of their duties in disgrace.
In truth, these three have been walking a tightrope for some time and many would argue that they have not proved that they have what it takes to manage an international side. Domenech, of course, is the exception having led France to the World Cup final in 2006 but that now seems a lifetime away after abject failure at Euro 2008.
Argentina's Maradona, appointed in a flurry of emotion, is a name, an icon, and not a coach; Domenech has been living on borrowed time since his failure to get France out of their group at Euro 2008; while Portugal's Queiroz, it could be argued, has never impressed when given the managerial reigns - although remains a talented No.2.
The problem appears to be the reluctance of football associations to go back on their decisions. Maradona in particular is almost assured his place at the front of the national team because of the presence he has in the country.
But when he was presented almost a year ago, many criticised the appointment as one without footballing sense. The side were already struggling - having won just one match in seven at the end of Alfio Basile's reign - and the appointment of a man without any success as a coach, who had been out of the game for 13 years and who had a history of issues in his private life was deemed bizarre. But the AFA stood firm.
The hearts ruled the head for a second, yet no-one listened when Bolivia put six past them. The altitude was the cause in La Paz, but those in charge still appear to be dizzy from Maradona mania. A struggling win over Colombia, then defeat to Ecuador and finally, what would normally be a nail in the coffin, a home hammering against Brazil, was not enough to seal his fate and it seems only Argentine failure to qualify from CONMEBOL (for the first time in 40 years) will see him removed.
The fact that Maradona has called up 62 players, 29 of whom have one cap or none, suggests a desperate search for squad depth. Ten of the current squad ply their trade in Argentina (a high number given the resources on offer) and he has also attempted to use no less than six goalkeepers - none of whom have impressed.
Indeed, his approach to his squad has hindered Argentina's hopes. His refusal to play Juan Roman Riquelme and the overlooking of players who could add greatly to his armoury - notably Gonzalo, Esteban Cambiasso and Gonzalo Higuain - is his own fault, as are his tactics. Although perhaps he should never have been put in that position in the first place.
Standing only two points from elimination with three to play, Maradona cannot afford defeat against third-placed Paraguay; especially as the last qualifier is a tough away test in Uruguay. One feels he may need more than a 'Hand of God' to help him.
In a similar position, Queiroz's Portugal could find themselves out of contention completely if they lose to Erwin Koeman's resurgent Hungary. While Queiroz does not hold anything like the kind of aura of Maradona, the Portuguese FA have perhaps been blinded by his excellent record as a No.2 at Manchester United. One look at his ten month spell in charge of Real Madrid suggests that he does not have the credentials to take charge of an international team.
Like Maradona, he has a host of talented players to choose from - including the best in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo - but the results have been poor enough to suggest he should have been sacked a long time ago. A 4-0 win over Malta may have started things off well, but failure to win any of the subsequent four matches, including 0-0 draws with Sweden and Albania, mean he could have been handed his P45 back in November - particularly after the 6-2 friendly drubbing against Brazil.
Worringly, Queiroz seems to blame his players. "They need to do more," Queiroz said back in March. "There's no reason why [Cristiano] Ronaldo, Nani, Simao, Maniche and Tiago shouldn't play as well when they are on international duty as they do for their club teams." Surely the onus is on the manager to motive them and not just pass the buck, but it won't be an easy task to hold onto his job for a man labelled ''dull'' and ''theoretical'' by a country still pining for the passionate dynamism of Felipe Scolari.
Another on borrowed time is France's Domenech, the source of much debate since the French FA decided not to ditch him after their failure at Euro 2008 and dreadful start in qualifying. Having somehow managed to keep his job since 2004, Domenech no longer has the respect of his countrymen and, while they have enjoyed a mini-revival since the opening defeat to Austria, Les Bleus are back in the spotlight after dreadful performances against the Faroe Islands and Romania.
The FFF president, Jean-Pierre Escalettes, has pledged his support to his charge in the past, saying: "He has the job of qualifying us for the World Cup. And I repeat that even if we have to go into the play-offs, it's still Raymond Domenech's job." But he was a shock choice when it was announced and many have questioned his suitability for the top job.
Many expected former World Cup winner Laurent Blanc or the respected Jean Tigana to be given the role, but the FFF were swayed by Domenech's decade worth of experience with the French Under-21 side, if not by his attempts to bring Lyon into the public consciousness in the early 90s. One could still argue, despite a Zinedine Zidane-inspired World Cup final appearance, that it was the wrong choice and certainly that he should have been removed in 2008.
Recent quotes from Thierry Henry suggested that the squad does not back his tactical acumen and while he was not so bold as to suggest that the side had ''no style, no guidance and no identity" (as first reported), it is easy to see the point as the side have struggled for direction since the retirement of 'Zizou'.
Defeat to Serbia would end their hopes of automatic qualification and, while they remain in a decent position to qualify via the play-offs, the potential banana skin of a team like Croatia, Russia or Greece could finally end Domenech's reign.
Ultimately, the managers will take the blame, should the worst occur. But the reality is that the criticism should be levelled at the associations for their blind faith in bosses who should not have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading their nations for so long.
Of course, should the sides reverse their fortunes and scrape through to South Africa then they will claim their decisions have been justified; but, looking back, they may live to regret not choosing to cut the cord sooner.
Labels: FIFA, FIFA 2010, Jobs
posted @ 11:10 AM,
,
Cameroon continued to revive their World Cup qualifying chances on Wednesday after goals in each half from Jean Makoun and Samuel Eto'o lifted them to a 2-1 victory over Gabon.
The Indomitable Lions, who claimed just a single point from their opening two games to sit bottom of Group A, made it two wins over the same opponents in a matter of five days to now head the pool.
The looked in charge throughout the game in Yaounde and were in front after 24 minutes thanks to Lyon midfielder Makoun.
Inter Milan striker Eto'o (64) then added a second shortly after the hour mark before Hull striker Daniel Cousin grabbed an injury-time consolation goal for Gabon.
It was a second win in as many games for new Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, whose side now have seven points, one more than the Gabonese.
Togo and Morocco are the other sides in the group.
Labels: FIFA
posted @ 11:08 AM,
,
Wayne Rooney doesn't sing the national anthem, but when he is on song then England are genuine World Cup contenders.
Fabio Capello will fine-tune the team before it reaches South Africa, and has a couple of problems to resolve, not the least the No.1 jersey. But there is no question that Rooney is England's No.1 forward.
The big problem is that England just do not have a Plan B. And when Rooney has been injured in a major tournament before, England's chances fell apart.
Capello showed his hand with the selection of Emile Heskey, instead of the on-fire Jermain Defoe. The Italian coach favours a big target man to take the battering from the defence to allow Rooney more freedom to drop deep and roam to find space.
Rooney was nowhere near the most eye-catching player in the first half when England romped to a two-goal lead, while scoring the fifth was a gimme by the keeper; he looked almost embarrassed to take it. But Rooney is the leading scorer in the qualification goalscorers' list, and England may need to boast the winner of the Golden Boot in South Africa to stand any chance of landing the glittering prize.
Yet, study the playbacks, the video confirming to Capello there is still much to improve upon, and Rooney is always in the picture whenever England are at their best. It was one of many deft touches from Rooney that put Gareth Barry in possession as England built up a formidably impressive move that led to Lennon's chance to cross for Gerrard to score the decisive second.
But Heskey has become a non-goalscoring striker, and despite all his attributes as the buffer for Rooney, this isn't the formula to win a World Cup.
England cannot rely on Rooney, as the best teams, when the big chips are down, will mark him much more carefully, wind him up a touch more effectively. And Rooney does live on a short fuse.
The striker has scored half of his ten goals in a year for England when Heskey has worn the No.9 shirt, but Capello's early qualification, the first time England have managed it with two games to spare, provides an unprecedented opportunity to experiment.
And expect plenty of surprises. Capello enjoys plucking something out of nothing, and he will go for something surprising, maybe in goal and certainly in attack as he searches for a more potent combination up front.
One of the options is to see how he could accommodate Defoe with Rooney and possibly a more subtle centre-forward, a player with strength and pace, but who, unlike Heskey can also finish. Carlton Cole has all the attributes apart from the conviction that he can finish at the very highest level. There are a few months to go for Cole to prove otherwise.
But Capello is sure to attempt to look beyond the obvious to find a solution, and he will be meticulous in that devotion to unleash upon the world an England team that might already be Europe's top goalscorers in qualification, but who could turn up in South Africa with more than just Rooney to rely on, and a means of integrating Defoe into the attack.
Who knows, he might even give Michael Owen a go if England's leading goalscorer suddenly re-discovers his form with Manchester United. Now that would be a shock.
No apologies for flagging up the negative aspects after a night of such celebration at England strolling to the finals instead of their usual penchant for leaving it to a knife-edge finish.
Such jubilation will heighten up the usual media frenzy anticipating the 20,000-plus England supporters travelling to the other side of the world in the hope of finally seeing their team prevail. But realism will bite into Capello's preparations alright, and he will be under no illusions about the enormity of the task ahead.
Capello is another whose lips do not move when the national anthem is played, and his broken English is far from his promise of learning the language, but he might find himself as one of the nation's biggest ever heroes if he can land the World Cup by overcoming such deep problems.
There will be a letter from the Queen and the freedom of the country if the Italian can become the first foreign coach to lead England to glory in the World Cup. That would certainly be a shock to the system to those little Englanders who have always opposed a foreign coach in charge of the national football team.
He might even learn the national anthem by next July.
Labels: Players
posted @ 10:13 AM,
,
Labels: Images
posted @ 10:07 AM,
,
European clubs have criticised FIFA and its president Sepp Blatter over the Olympic soccer tournament, saying they have backtracked on an agreement to restrict it to under-21 teams.
"We are very surprised about the change of opinion of FIFA," European Clubs' Association (ECA) chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement.
"In several meetings, we had the consensus to change the eligibility for the Olympic Games to under-21 players with no over age players.
"We think it's not acceptable and encourage FIFA to maintain its first position."
The Olympic soccer tournament is currently open to players aged under-23 with up to three over-age players allowed per team.
"We remember some statements from Mr Blatter supporting this proposal. We thought it was clearly accepted by FIFA," Barcelona president and ECA vice-chairman Joan Laporta told reporters.
"We expect Mr Blatter to honour his commitments."
The Beijing Games were marked by a number of club-versus-country disputes, the most publicised involving Laporta's Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi.
Barcelona eventually allowed Messi to take part after winning the case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and Argentina went on to win the gold medal.
"We had the right to keep the player, it was our decision to release him," said Laporta. "They won the gold medal and Messi had a marvellous season for Barcelona, winning the championship."
(Editing by Ed Osmond; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Labels: FIFA, FIFA 2010, Players, Teams
posted @ 12:02 PM,
,
Juventus striker Amauri has revealed his firm desire to play in next year's World Cup for Italy.
The 29-year-old Brazilian player is in the process of acquiring Italian citizenship. "I hope to make it to South Africa," Amauri said. "If the call-up arrives, I will be honoured to wear the Azzurri colours. "I have chosen Italy as opposed to Brazil because it's where my football career took off."
Italy coach Marcello Lippi had hoped to have Amauri available for selection for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Cyprus. However, recent problems with Amauri's passport application have seen the striker's chances of a call-up by Lippi decrease.
Reports in Italy claim that Amauri will have to wait a further few months before the process is completed. When asked about Amauri's situation, Lippi said: "I will only talk about Amauri once he has his Italian passport."
Labels: Brazil, Players
posted @ 1:11 PM,
,
Ghana became the first African nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Accra sealed their place in the finals.
Click Here
The Black Stars, who made their first appearance at the 2006 tournament in Germany, booked their ticket to South Africa after Benin and Mali could only manage a 1-1 draw during their game earlier in the day.
That left Milovan Rajevac's needing a win at the Ohene Djan Stadium and, in front of a capacity 45,000 spectators, they did not disappoint. Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari broke the deadlock after 13 minutes, before Chelsea star Michael Essien doubled the advantage after 53 minutes to make it four wins from four for the west Africans in Group D.
They join hosts South Africa, Brazil, Holland, Japan, Australia, South Korea and North Korea in the finals, becoming the eighth confirmed finalists.
The other match in the pool ended disappointingly for both Benin and Mali, who had to settle for a draw. In a tense encounter in Cotonou, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute thanks to Mamadou Diallo, but Mohamed Aoudou grabbed an equaliser a minute from the end.
Nigeria's chances to qualify for the global showpiece took a massive dent after Oussama Darragi scored against them in stoppage-time to snatch a 2-2 draw for Tunisia.
The Super Eagles, who went into the match trailing their opponents and Group B leaders by two points, looked on course for victory after Michael Eneramo put them 2-1 up with 10 minutes remaining. Peter Odemwingie (23) had put the home side ahead in Abuja, before Nabil Taider (25) equalised, but the late drama means that destiny is no longer in the hands of Shaibu Amodu's team.
In the other game in the pool, Mozambique moved to within two points of the Nigerians after Manuel Tico-Tico (67) scored the only goal to lift them to a 1-0 win over Kenya in Maputo.
There was also plenty of drama in Lome, where Adel Taarabt netted an injury equaliser to deny Togo all three points. In what is turning out to be the most tightly contest Group A, Moustapha Salifou's fourth-minute strike looked to have put the Sparrow Hawks on course for all three points. However, midfielder Taarabt had the final say at the Kegue Stadium to help the Atlas Lions keep their qualification chances alive.
They remain bottom of the group with three points from four games, one behind Cameroon (four), Togo (five) and Gabon (six). The Indomitable Lions and the Gabonese, though, have a game in hand.
Labels: FIFA 2010, Ghana
posted @ 9:32 AM,
,
he race to stage the 2018 World Cup finals is going to be the most competitive ever, Andy Anson, chief executive of England's bid, said on Friday.
Playing down any idea that England were favourites to win the right to host the event, he said with 11 nations competing for the votes of just 24 FIFA Executive Committee members, it was impossible to say who was likely to win.
As well as England, there are bids from Spain, Russia, Australia, the United States, Netherlands-Belgium, Qatar, Indonesia, Mexico, Japan and South Korea for either 2018 or 2022.
FIFA will announce the hosts for the two tournaments in Zurich in December next year and Anson told a news briefing in London that while England represented a safe pair of hands other countries also had selling points.
"There are 11 countries ultimately bidding and they are just as desperate to win as we are," he said.
"That makes it incredibly challenging and that's why we cannot be complacent. Any talk about England being favourites is slightly misplaced because it's so competitive.
"I don't think we are going to be the only ones who feel really passionate about winning.
"It's going to be an incredibly tough race and that's why we have to work extra hard to make sure our messages are very clear."
Continued...Labels: FIFA 2018
posted @ 9:00 AM,
,
The Sony World Photography Awards is looking to uncover the best amateur football (i.e soccer) photographs in the world for the 2010 Campaign Award. The winning photographer will win tickets, travel and accommodations to a FIFA World Cup game in South Africa.
The award seeks to combine the global love of football and sports photography to find an image that captures the emotion and the passion from the fan's point of view.
The competition is free to enter and open to amateur photographers from across the globe. The closing date is Friday, December 4th, 2009.
Amateur photographers can also enter the Sports category, part of the main Sony World Photography Awards competition. Up to three images taken in 2009 can be entered for the chance to win the Sony World Photography Awards Amateur Photographer of the Year little and a grand prize of $5,000 (USD) and Sony camera equipment.
To learn more go to www.worldphotographyawards.org.
Labels: FIFA, FIFA 2010, South Africa
posted @ 11:17 AM,
,
India moved up seven places in the FIFA rankings to the 149th spot following their ONGC Nehru Cup football triumph.
Two wins in the group stage against Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka pulled India out of the dismal 156th spot. India's win against Syria in Monday's final was not counted since it ended in tie-breakers.
Syria, however, stayed at the 95th spot while Lebanon, who had defeated India in the group stage, dropped two places to the 150th spot.
Second runners-up Kyrgyzstan, despite losing two matches in the tournament, stunned everybody by jumping 17 places to the 143rd spot while Sri Lanka dropped three places to the 159th spot.
Meanwhile, South American champions Brazil are on top of the FIFA rankings followed by Euro winners Spain in the second place while the Dutch are third. Germany and world champion Italy are joint fourth.
posted @ 12:27 PM,
,
FIFA.com
With only 100 days to go until the start of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 presented by TOYOTA, tickets for the tournament officially went on sale today. FIFA and the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) are encouraging fans to act quickly in order to secure their seats and avoid disappointment when this prestigious event comes to the UAE for the first time in December.
Tickets for the tournament, being held at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium and Zayed Stadium between 9-19 December, can be purchased by logging on to www.FIFA.com/uae2009 or calling 800-5425 or +971 2 449 9955 (if you are calling from overseas).
The official launch took place at the Emirates Palace and was attended by Chuck Blazer, member of the FIFA Executive Committee and chairman of the FIFA Club World Cup Organising Committee, along with Yousuf Abdullah, General Secretary of the UAEFA and His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmood, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Speaking at the event, Yousuf Abdullah, said: "The new world champion of club football will be crowned in Abu Dhabi in December and this is a unique opportunity for the people of the UAE to be part of an historic international event. Some of the biggest names in football will be playing right here in our backyard for the very first time."
The final match schedule will not be complete until November when the respective AFC and CAF Champions League finals are contested, but there is already great demand for tickets. The opening match will pit the UAE's Al Ahli FCD against OFC Champions League winners Auckland City, whilst the semi-finals will feature FC Barcelona in one tie and Argentinian side Estudiantes de la Plata, captained by Juan Sebastian Veron, in the other.
Chuck Blazer said: "This competition goes from strength to strength every year. I remember Sir Alex Ferguson saying last year that whatever the club goes on to achieve in the future, people will always be able to look back at the records and see that in 2008, Manchester United were the champions of world club football."
"I know that people in the UAE are very passionate about their football and with both stadiums having undergone extensive refurbishment, I am sure fans will enjoy a fantastic tournament."
Ticket prices and packages
Tickets are available in four price categories for each matchday and have been designed with affordability and accessibility in mind. The price categories reflect the variation in views of the pitch. Ticket prices start from as little as AED 10 for category four tickets and go up to AED 300 for category one tickets for the closing ceremony and the final.
Female and family stands
To ensure the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 is an event that can be attended and enjoyed by everyone, dedicated female-only and family stands will be available at both stadiums.
Off the pitch, spectators will also be able to enjoy a football fan zone which will include a range of entertainment activities for the whole family as well as merchandise stores and food and beverage outlets. The fan zone will open two hours before every match.
Advance purchase and reserved seating
The public will be required to purchase tickets in advance and all ticket holders will be assigned specific seats in line with FIFA competition requirements.
At the time of ticket purchase, customers will be allocated a seat in their requested price category and will be able to view the zone in the stadium where they will be seated. All customers who purchase tickets online or by phone will receive a confirmation e-mail or text message.
In recognition of Visa's valued sponsorship, FIFA prefers Visa.
Media accreditation
All members of the media must be registered on the FIFA Media Channel in order to apply for accreditation for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. The accreditation process will open in early October. To register, click on the link on the right-hand panel.
Labels: FIFA, FIFA 2010, UAE
posted @ 10:13 AM,
,
Olukayode ThomasThe controversy over who gets the TV production right for the FIFA U-17 World Cup - Nigeria 2009 - was laid to rest yesterday as the championship owner, FIFA, named Africa Independent Television (AIT) as the production company.
In an e-mail to NEXT Sports, FIFA said we “finalised the organisational structure for the TV production of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 and confirmed DAAR Communications’ appointment as local TV producer for the tournament.”
“In addition to supporting the International Broadcast Coordination Centre, DAAR will work alongside FIFA and HBS (FIFA’s production consultants for the event) to ensure that FIFA’s TV production standards are met. FIFA is happy that local resources are involved in the TV production and congratulates DAAR on its investment in TV infrastructure, which will benefit Nigerian sports in the future. To involve local resources in the production was one of FIFA’s main objectives when it concluded the partnership with the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in 2008,” the world body said.
A field of controversy
Before yesterday’s statement, the issue of who has the production rights generated a lot of controversy between AIT and NTA.
The controversy was caused by FIFA, which named AIT as the Production Company, but later reversed itself.
The moment the reversal was announced by FIFA, the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) quickly awarded a controversial ₦8.2 billion contract for the upgrade of its equipment. Public outrage greeted the award of the contract, with many Nigerians alleging fraud.
When FIFA realised that NTA equipment’s upgrade from Standard Definition to High Definition will not be ready for the World Cup, which begins next month, it quickly reversed itself again and named AIT the production company last month.
This new development drew the ire of Dora Akuyili, the minister of information and communication, who awarded the contract. Akuyili said the FIFA vice president, Jack Warner, who made the AIT announcement, was engaging in propaganda.
But, speaking on the choice of AIT yesterday, the station’s Channels Director, Aisha Falode, said “we had always said that we are the host broadcasters because when FIFA came on their numerous visits, assessing the facilities for TV in Nigeria, it was only AIT that met their requirement of HD (High Definition broadcasting). AIT does not only have HD broadcasting equipment, it has it in abundance. We have 10, 12 satellites up link, we have satellites down link and we have satellite production truck. All our cameras are only HD.”
Magnanimous in victory
In spite of the protracted feud, Falode said AIT will work with everybody. “I have just said we are ready to work with everybody, NTA inclusive; we will be willing to collaborate with those who are willing to collaborate with us. We will partner and extend a hand of friendship and collaboration to all television stations in Nigeria, including NTA. It is left to them to either decline or accept the collaboration offer we have extended to them. What happened in the past is a bye gone,” she said.
posted @ 11:12 AM,
,
