31 MAY 2001

Davids and Couto Banned

FIFA have banned Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids and Lazio defender
Fernando Couto from international football for failing drugs tests. The duo
had already been banned from club competitions by the FIGC (Italian FA).
The Italian Olympic Committee will sentence both players who face a ban
of between 12 -24 months.

Manchester United News

Manchester United's South African midfielder Quinton Fortune has been
placed on the transfer list at his own request. Fortune has been frustrated
by a lack of first team football this season.

Former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona will be given a role coaching
the youth team next season.

Aragones Will Quit Mallorca

Mallorca coach Luis Aragones will leave the club at the end of the season.
Mallorca are on the verge of qualifying for next seasons Champions League.
Aragones is rumoured to be taking over Atletico Madrid.

Hitzfeld Robbed

Literally when burglars broke into his home and stole over £60,000 worth of
property.

Vreven In Demand

Bolton, Derby and Middlesbrough have been linked with a move for Utrecht's
27 year old Belgian defender Stijn Vreven.


30 MAY 2001

Real Madrid Sign Thuram?

There is an unconfirmed report that Real Madrid have signed French defender
Lillian Thuram from Parma. More details when available.

More Trouble For Daum

Christophe Daum, sacked as Leverkusen coach last October after failing a
drugs test, has been charged with buying cocaine in 1999 and 2000.

UEFA Thinking of Salary Cap

UEFA's Mike Lee hinted that salary cups could be introduced following
Tottenham defender Sol Campbell's demands of £130,000 per week :

"When you look at the finances of many European leagues and even the
top clubs the effect of spiralling salaries is potentially crippling"

UEFA Country Coefficient Ranking

Here are the final UEFA national coefficient rankings based on results over
a five period of clubs from the respective leagues in the European Cup,
UEFA Cup and now defunct Cup Winners Cup.

Rankings re-printed with permission from UEFA European Cup Football.

A full list of the national team rankings and club team rankings can be
found at :

http://www.xs4all.nl/~kassiesa/bert/uefa/index.html
Final UEFA Country Coefficient Ranking 2000-2001 Season
Rank Country 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 Total
1 Spain 11.60 8.43 10.00 18.57 16.61 65.21
2 Italy 10.14 12.29 12.00 12.00 9.81 56.24
3 England 7.40 7.79 7.44 14.50 14.17 51.29
4 Germany 9.14 11.00 6.36 11.07 11.06 48.63
5 France 7.13 6.80 8.64 10.29 9.50 42.35
6 Netherlands 6.25 6.83 4.83 6.25 6.08 30.25
7 Turkey 6.88 4.40 3.20 7.75 7.75 29.98
8 Greece 3.50 6.50 6.20 5.42 6.75 28.37
9 Russia 2.75 9.88 7.00 4.25 3.83 27.71
10 Portugal 7.40 3.42 3.50 5.83 6.13 26.27
               
                
UEFA Club Coefficient Ranking

Here are the final UEFA club rankings based on results from this seasons
Champions  League and UEFA.

Rankings re-printed with permission from UEFA European Cup Football.

A full list of the national team rankings and club team rankings can be
found at :

http://www.xs4all.nl/~kassiesa/bert/uefa/index.html
Final UEFA Club Coefficient Ranking 2000-2001 Season
Rank Team Country Cup Matches Points Total
1 Valencia Spain CL 17 28 36.305
2 Bayern München Germany CL 17 30 35.531
3 Real Madrid Spain CL 16 23 31.305
4 Liverpool England UC 13 23 30.083
5 Alaves Spain UC 13 21 29.305
6 Deportivo Spain CL 14 19 27.305
7 Barcelona Spain UC 14 19 27.305
8 Leeds England CL 16 20 27.083
9 Arsenal England CL 14 19 26.083
10 Man United England CL 14 18 25.083
             
             
29 MAY 2001

Frank de Boer's Second Test - Positive

The results of Barcelona defender Frank de Boer's second test for nandrolone
were positive. The defender now faces a domestic and international ban. 

Campbell Talking To Inter

Sol Campbell held talks with Inter officials on Monday. The Italian press
speculate he is close to a move but bearing in mind he is a free agent I
would be surprised if he didn't also discuss terms with the other clubs.

Milan Give Up on Mendieta But Close-in On Contra

Milan have gave up in their bid to sign Valencia captain Gaizka Mendieta after
Valencia stated that the player could only leave if Milan pay his buy-out
clause of £40 million.

Meanwhile Alaves president Gonzalo Anton will travel to Milan later in the
week to discuss the transfer of Romanian wing-back Cosmin Contra. Contra's
buy-out clause is set at £7 million.

Premiership Rumours

Lazio bench warmer Fabrizio Ravanelli has been linked with a move to
Derby or Leicester.

Chelsea are currently holding talks with French midfielder Emmanuel Petit.
Barcelona have accepted Chelsea's £6.5 million offer.

Monaco midfielder John Arne Riise is expected to join newly promoted Fulham
later in the week.

Real Madrid Wipe Out Debts

Real Madrid will sell their training ground to the Madrid council for £218 million,
instantly wiping out their debts which are thought to stand at over £170 million.

Roma President Praises Montella

Roma's President Franco Sensi has heaped praised on Italy striker Vicenzo
Montella whose goals during the second half of the season have kept his club
on course for the scudetto :

"If the championship will end as everybody hope it ends, it will be to
Vincenzo's merit."

Montella is furious with coach Fabio Capello for continually leaving him on the
bench and is though to want a move away from Rome at the end of the
season.

Cuper Turns Down Barca

Valencia coach Hector Cuper has rejected an approach from Barcelona having
already signed a contract to coach Parma next season (according to some
sources). The Catalan giants will now target former Juventus and Inter coach
Marcello Lippi.

Irureta Extends Contract

Javier Irureta has extended his contract with Deportivo for another 4 years.

Hitzfeld - Lizarazu & Elber Going Nowhere

Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has dismissed claims that wing back
Bixente Lizarazu and striker Giovanni Elber would leave the newly crowned
European Champions.

Zidane Not Interested In Man United Move

When Juventus playmaker Zinedine Zidane was asked about rumours linking him
with a move to Man United he replied :

"I never say never but at the moment my thinking is that a move to England
would not be right." - 


27 MAY 2001

Lizarazu - Next Target For Man United

Man United hope to complete the signing of Bayern Munich's injury prone
full back Bixente Lizarazu later in the week. The 31 year old is valued at
£7 million. 

Campbell's Future

Despite press speculation linking Sol Campbell with a move to Arsenal or
Man United neither club are willing to match the defenders World Record
wage demands of £130,000 per week which works out to £6,760,000
per season.

Campbell denied his decision to reject Spurs contract was a financial one :

"I will be 27 in September and need to be playing in the major European club
competitions soon. It's the hardest decision of my career."

Eriksson - Beckham Best Passer in the World

"If you talk about our captain (Beckham) it is difficult to find a better
passer in the World." - England coach Sven Goran Eriksson

Best crosser yes but best passer?

Ferguson's Influence At Barca?

Barcelona's latest two signings, Francesco Toldo and Phillippe Christanval,
were both targets of Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson last season.
Time will tell whether the arrival of the two players is a coincidence.

Ferry Van Vilet Killed In Car Crash

NAC Breda midfielder, Ferry Van Vilet and his girlfriend died when their car
hit the central barrier of a motorway on Friday evening. Van Vilet was just
20 years old.

Campbell Rejects Spurs Contract

Tottenham has failed in their attempts to keep Sol Campbell. The club had
agreed to pay his wage demands, a staggering £100,000 per week, but would
not agree to a clause he wanted in his contract which would allow him to leave
on a free transfer if Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League at
the end of next season. Barcelona are favourite for the defenders signature.

Latest Drug Test Failures

Parma have confirmed Stefano Torrisi was one of the latest players to fail
a drugs test. The second positive test was for use of painkillers by a Bari
player whose name has not been revealed. 

Gattuso Extends Contract

Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso (Douglas Fairbanks Jr) has extended his
contract until 2005.

Cuper Will Coach Inter

In a radio interview Luis Suarez, who is part of the staff at Inter, said :
"Next season the manager will change and I do not know if Cuper would let
Javier Zanetti leave."

Zanetti has been linked with a move to Barcelona for the past two seasons.

Milan Join Chase For Contra

Milan have joined Inter and Real Madrid in the chase for Alaves' outstanding
Romanian wing back Cosmin Contra.


25 MAY 2001

Two More Serie A Players Fail Dope Tests

The FIGC (Italian FA) have confirmed that two more Serie A players have
failed drug tests bringing the total in Serie A to seven as follows :

Christian Bucchi (Perugia, FW) 
Salvatore Monaco (Perugia, DF)
Jean Francois Gillet (Bari, GK)
Fernando Couto (Lazio, DF)
Edgar Davids (Juventus, MF)

Three Serie B players have also failed tests.

Toldo Joins Barca?

According to the Italian press Fiorentina goalkeeper Francesco Toldo has
signed a four year contract with Barcelona. The transfer fee is in the region
of £18 million. Toldo will earn £2.5 million a season, around £48,000 per
week.

Last of the Mohicans

When asked about his new Mohican haircut Beckham replied "It's just me."
Really? I thought it was Mr T.

Kaladze's Brother Held To Ransom

Milan midfielder Kahka Kaladze's brother, Levan, is being held to ransom for
£400,000. 

£3 Million To Get Rid of Ferguson

Press reports claim Manchester United will pay Alex Ferguson £3 million to end
his contract. The club want to appoint a new successor and start re-building
the squad in time for the new season.

Mixed Signals From Viera

"I'm in talks in order to make a decision about staying or not but everything
is clear in my mind." - Patrick Viera

Xavi Extends Contract

Barcelona midfield Xavi Hernandez has extended his contract until 2007.

Milan Chasing Mendieta

Milan have admitted interest in Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta but are
not willing to pay his buy out clause of £40 million. Valencia's president,
Pedro Cortes, refuted claims that Mendieta had signed a deal with Milan.

Former Barca Goalkeeper Dies In Car Crash

Former Barcelona 'keeper Javier Gonzalez Urrutiokoetxea has died in a car
crash aged 49.

Poom Extends Contract

Derby goalkeeper Martin Poom has extended his contract until 2004.


24 MAY 2001

Real Target Vieri

Real Madrid's director of football, Jorge Valdano, has been in Milan holding talks
with Inter striker Christian Vieri. Real are rumoured to be offering £15 million.
If they add another £10 million they may have a chance of signing him.

Blomqvist - Will Play For Food

Jesper Blomqvist, the forgotten man of Manchester United, is willing to play for
free when his contract expires at the end of the season to prove himself to
Alex Ferguson. Blomqvist has missed the season through knee injury. If he
plays anything like he did before his injury he hasn't got a prayer of getting
a new contract.

Ecuador Coach Resigns

Ecuador coach Herman Dario has resigned. Dario was shot earlier this month
by a group of men which included the father of a player he didn't pick for a
match.

Terim - Waiting For Milan

Former Galatasaray and Fiorentina coach Fatih Terim has diplomatically
stated that he has not signed a contract to be Milan coach next season
though many believe it's a done deal.

"It's true next season I will coach in Italy. At least for the moment I am not
going back to Turkey. I am hoping for a call from Milan."

I expect Milan will wait until the end of the season before officially announcing
Terim as their new coach.

Meanwhile neighbours Inter and locked in a battle with Barcelona over coach
Hector Cuper. Cuper has stated on numerous occasions that he would leave
Valencia at the end of the season.

McClaren Turns Down Hammers

Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren has turned down an offer
for the vacant manager's job at West Ham because he is not willing to move
his family to London. McClaren has already spoken with Middlesbrough over
the position of first team coach and is expected to return for further talks.

Terry Venables will almost certainly leave the club having signed a five year
contract with television station ITV whose coverage of football is absolutely
appalling.

Newcastle Rejects

Newcastle United have given free transfers to Kevin Gallacher (FW),
Daniel Cordone (FW), Des Hamilton (DF) and David McMahon (FW).

Lampard - Bidding Begins at £12 million

West Ham managing director, Paul Aldridge, told the clubs website :
"We have just turned down a bid of £12 million (for Frank Lampard) which is
the second offer over £10 million we have had this week."

Aston Villa and Leeds have been linked the with talented midfielder.

Nesta signs New Contract

Lazio captain Alessandro Nesta, who was never in danger of leaving the club,
has signed a five year contract worth £13.6 million or £2.72 million a year,
£52,300 a week (approximately).

Lazio are also expected to re-negotiate the contract of the equally awesome
Pavel Nedved.


22 MAY 2001

Patrick Viera Player of the Year

Arsenal's defensive midfielder Patrick Viera has been named Carling Player
of the Year (the official Premiership award). A spokesman said :

"Viera has it all. Skill on the ball, pace and the ability to score and create
goals. He has shown us how it should be done."

Leeds Bid for Lampard

"Leeds United will not be making a bid in double figures for Frank Lampard.
These things can sometimes take a while to negotiate."
Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale

I think Leeds will bid in the region of £8 million.

Marseille Were NOT Stripped Of European Cup

Ahead of tomorrows final many media sources are again stating Marseille
were stripped of the 1993 European Cup (1-0 V Milan) due to the infamous
match fixing scandal. Marseille were stripped of the French league title they
were not stripped of the European Cup. UEFA still list Marseille as 1993
Europeans.

Ronaldo Ready For Action!

"He is ready to play a professional match at every level."
Surgeon Gerard Saillant

Inter's president, Massimo Moratti, responded with "There is no rush to have
Ronaldo playing. It's wise to keep this quiet."

If he was trying to 'keep this quiet' why make any comment at all? I doubt
Inter will be willing to release Ronaldo for this years Copa America.

Toppmoeller In For Vogts

Klaus Toppmoeller has been named as new coach of Leverkusen. Previous
coach Hans-Hubert 'Berti' Vogts was fired yesterday.


21 MAY 2001

Premiership Coach of the Year

Ipswich's George Burley has been named the LMA (League Managers Associatin)
Manager of the Year.

Ferguson Looses Assistant?

Alex Ferguson's assistant, Steve McClaren has been offered the position of
West Ham coach :

"I will make my decision in the next few weeks. I am open minded about the
decision."


Vogts Fired

Leverkusen have fired coach Hans-Hubert 'Berti' Vogts. The club finished
fourth in the Bundesliga, qualifying for a Champions League place.

Arsenal and Milan Battle Over Dhorasoo

Arsenal and Milan have been linked with a move for Lyon playmaker Vikash
Dhorasoo.

Desperate Offer For Venables

According to press reports Middlesbrough Chairman Steve Gibson has offered
Terry Venables Saturday's off (so he can fulfil TV commitments) if he stays on
as coach!

Campbell About To Make The Biggest Mistake of his Career?

Tottenham defender Sol Campbell has dismissed reports linking him with Barca
and hinted at stayed with the London club :

"I can say that playing abroad is not in my mind at the moment."

Milan Win Race For Javi Moreno

Milan will complete the signing of Javi Moreno from Alaves later today.
Adriano Galliani said of the striker :

"A physically strong front striker, who reminds you a bit of Gerd Muller and a
bit of Boninsegna. From what I have seen of him over the last few months his
characteristics should marry well with those of Shevchenko"

Seamans' Days are Numbered - Dudek On the Way

Arsene Wenger will finally replace ageing 'keeper David Seaman with the
arrival of Jerzy Dudek from Feyenoord. Dudek is expected to complete
his transfer on Tuesday for a fee of £5.7 million.

I have been critical of fat boy Seaman's performances for the past two
years but he is seen as an 'untouchable' by the media in England and has
rarely been criticised despite some miserable displays in recent seasons.


20 MAY 2001

Juve Set To Phase Out Old Guard?

Marseille have been linked with Juve's injury prone midfielder Antonio
Conte and ancient defender Ciro Ferrara (34).

2002 World Cup Spending

A Tokyo newspaper has claimed that Japan's spending for the 2002 World
Cup has gone over £2.3 billion.

Ronaldo's Mother-in-law Let's Rip

Ronaldo's mother-in-law has slammed the player for leaving her daughter
Milene Domingues and little Ron at home while partying and also criticised
the player for his lack of ball control :

"Fenomeno? Only if he is a fenomeno with the prostitutes"

Thanks to Irineu de Carvalho for the dirty details.

Nedved Wants Man United Move

Lazio's Pavel Nedved, in my opinion along with Figo the best left sided player
in the World, said :

"My dream is to play for (Manchester) United in the Champions League."

He's better off where he is.

Jeremies Out of European Cup Final

Bayern Munich have suffered a massive blow ahead of Wednesday's European
Cup final with the news that defensive midfielder Jens Jeremies will miss the
match through keen and thigh injuries.

World Club Championship - Clubs Want Compensation

Jubilo Iwata (Japan), Wollongong Wolves (Australia) and Zamalek (Egypt)
want compensation from FIFA following the cancellation of the 2nd World Club
Championships.

Ferguson Recommends O'Neill As Successor

Alex Ferguson has suggested Martin O'Neill is the ideal man to replace
him when he quits as Man United coach at the end of next season (or
earlier) :

"Martin's (O'Neill) a no nonsense manager who is strong and has a
personality. Just  what you need at a big club."

England Squad V Mexico, Greece

Sven Goran Eriksson has announced the following squad for the friendly
against Mexico on the 25th and the World Cup qualifier against Greece
on the 6th of June :

GOALKEEPERS
Seamen (Arsenal)
James (Aston Villa)
Martyn (Leeds)
DEFENDERS
P Neville (Man United)
Cole (Arsenal)
Ferdinand (Leeds)
Powell (Charlton)
Brown (Man United)
Carragher (Liverpool)
Keown (Arsenal)
Southgate (Aston Villa)
MIDFIELDERS
Gerrard (Liverpool)
Beckham (Man United)
Scholes (Man United)
Butt (Man United)
J Cole (West Ham)
Carrick (West Ham)
McManaman (Real Madrid)
Parlour (Arsenal)
FORWARDS
Sheringham (Man United)
Fowler (Liverpool)
Heskey (Liverpool)
Owen (Liverpool)
Smith (Leeds)


19 MAY 2001

Football Merchandise Sales Top £2 billion

A recent survey of the four leading football merchandise markets i.e. the UK,
Italy, Spain and France has revealed, unsurprisingly, the UK lead the way with
a massive £1.2 billion in sales. French clubs are next, generating £340 million
in sales while Italian and Spanish clubs generate sales of £300 million each.

More Football On Sky Sports

With Sky Sports loosing rights to screen games from the Nationwide league
next season the satellite giants have rebounded by signed a contract to show
matches from the Bundesliga. No idea of the fee paid. Sky currently have
rights to the Premiership, La Liga and Scottish league.

2 Foreigners For Chelsea

Chelsea are expected to complete the signings of Marseille defender William
Gallas and Ranger's Giovanni Van Bronkhorst next week. Chelsea will pay
Marseille in the region of £6 million and Van Bronkhorst is valued at
£5.5 million.

Ferguson Update

In an interview with Sky Sports when asked if he would be coach of Man
United next season Alex Ferguson replied "that is my intention.".

Ferguson, New Barca Coach?!?!?!
 
Speculation is mounting that Man United may pay out the remainder of Alex
Ferguson's contract allowing him to leave immediately. Ferguson confirmed
he had received offers from other clubs (most probably Barcelona and Inter) :
"I don't know if I will manage another club. There are some offers so I will
make decisions over the next few months."

Celtic coach Martin O'Neill is favourite to succeed Ferguson as Man United
coach

Lawrensen - Would Trade Three Cups For Champions League Place

During a conversation on BBC's Football Focus program the host asked former
Liverpool great Mark Lawrensen "You'd give up all three cups (Worthington
Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup) for winning today." to which he replied "For getting
into the Champions League? Yes I would.". Liverpool need to defeat Charlton
later today to guarantee a Champions League place. Lawrensen won a
Champions League medal with the club in 1984 - the infamous spaghetti legs
penalty shootout victory over Roma.

FIFA Threaten Boro With Expulsion

In a letter written to Middlesbrough Football club FIFA have called for the
FA to expel Middlesbrough from the Premiership if they do not pay former
striker Marca Branca £500,000 in unpaid wages by 2 June 2001.

Giant Koller Heads To Fulham

Anderlecht striker Jan Koller will join Premiership new boys Fulham and not
Dortmund as originally reported.

Ferguson Hints At Coaching Another Club

Alex Ferguson will not stay on in any capacity when his contract with
Manchester United ends next season. In an interview with the clubs TV
channel he said :

"The decision has been taken. I'm going to leave."

Ferguson also didn't rule out coaching outside England :

"I will have to decide what I want to do. There are some offers and options
so I will make a decision over the next few months."

Ferguson had been linked with Barcelona and Inter.


18 MAY 2001

World Club Championship Cancelled

This years World Club Championship, due to kick off in Spain at the end
of July, has been postponed until 2003.

"The time when the competition was to be staged is especially awkward
because of national and international games." - FIFA President Sepp Blatter

Agent - Hedman Is Going To Italy

"Hedman is on way to Italy (possibly Parma). Whoever will buy him, will
make good business."
Claes Elefalk, Agent of Coventry City goalkeeper Magnus Hedman
 
Gregory - Make Us An Offer

"It is all right me saying that he (Gareth Southgate) wants to go but there
still has to be someone to come along and make us an offer".
Aston Villa coach John Gregory

Wrights Extends Contract

Ipswich goalkeeper Richard Wright has extended his contract for a further
three years.


17 MAY 2001

Disastrous News For Man United

Manchester United are about to piss £11 million down the toilet by offering
Gary 'hospital pass' Neville a six year contract. Notice how, unlike many of
his team-mates, Neville has never been linked with a move to another major
club. Coincidence?

Inter Banned

The scooter incident (see News for 9 May 2001) has cost Inter a home ban -
the last two games of the season.

Cuper's Agent - Coaching Barcelona Would Be a Dream

"All I can say is that for Cuper and any other coach, coaching Barcelona
would be a dream." - Alajandro Camano, Hector Cuper's Agent

Davids Suspended

The FIGC (Italian FA) have suspended Edgar Davids indefinitely pending
sentencing for failing a drugs test.

Tottenham Deny Barca Deal

Tottenham have dismissed Spanish newspaper reports claiming star defender
Sol Campbell has signed a deal with Barcelona. The club will hold a meeting
with Campbell at the end of the week.

Another Premiership Player Retires

30 year old Charlton striker Andy Hunt have been forced to retire after
failing to recover from post-viral fatigue syndrome.

Hadji - Chairman Says I'm Too Good

"I had talks with the chairman and told him of my desire to stay but he told
me you are better than the first division. You should find a team in the top
division". - Coventry midfielder Mustapha Hadji


16 MAY 2001

Davids Second Test - Positive

Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids faces a suspension of upto 2 years and will
almost certainly miss the next World Cup with Holland after results of his
second test for Nandrolone came back positive.

Trezeguet Thinking of Liverpool

"I have spoken to Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and he asked me to join
Liverpool. It's one of the options I'm looking at." - David Trezeguet

Celtic Legend Dies

Celtic legend Bobby Murdoch has died of a stroke aged 56. Murdoch was part
of the Celtic team that won the 1967 European Cup.

2006 World Cup TV Rights

Kirch Group have signed an agreement with terrestrial broadcasters ARD and
ZDF. Both channels broadcast un-encrypted (free) in Europe. ARD and ZDF will
be given the option to cover the 2006 World Cup (to be held in Germany). ARD
and ZDF have rights to cover 24 matches from next years World Cup.

Transfer Rumours

Marseille defender William Gallas will join Chelsea for around £6 million.

Fiorentina are about to waste £6 million on Lazio's talentless Yugoslavian
midfielder Dejan Stankovic. Fiorentina may offer Czech defender in a player
plus cash deal.

Ulivieri Remains At Parma

Renzo Ulivieri will remain as Parma coach next season. Valencia's Hector
Cuper was rumoured to take over as coach next season.

Terim - Has He Signed or What?

"We are waiting for the end of the championship to take a decision. Cesare
Maldini has a contract till the end of June but if he does very well he will
continue, helped by Mauro Tassotti. The Turkish coach Terim is the only
alternative to Cesare." - Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani

"Fatih Terim said that he had just signed a contract with AC Milan"
Former Galatasaray director Yurdasen Karahasan