Rossi Rejected World Cup Chance

Maldini Fury at Materazzi Suspension

Milan captain Paolo Maldini has blasted FIFA for giving Marco Materazzi a two match ban for the comments which preceded Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup final :
 
"It's scandalous to suspend a player for having said something. It's the first time it's been done and it's only because Materazzi is Italian and because they wanted to justify the action of a great champion (Zidane) but who was in the wrong."

Zidane & Materazzi Banned

Following meetings with Zinedine Zidane and Marco Materazzi over their controversial World Cup final incident, FIFA issued the following statement :

Meeting under the chairmanship of Marcel Mathier (Switzerland), the five-man FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a three-match ban and a fine of €4,800 on Zinedine Zidane on account of his head-butt to Materazzi's chest. As Zidane has now retired from international football, the committee took note of Zidane's pledge to do three days of community service work with children and youngsters as part of FIFA's humanitarian activities. Materazzi was suspended for two official matches of the Italian national team and fined the sum of €3,182 for repeatedly provoking Zidane.

FIFA gave both players the right to be heard in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The hearing with Marco Materazzi was held at FIFA headquarters on 14 July, with Zinedine Zidane questioned during today's meeting. In their statements, both players stressed that Materazzi's comments had been defamatory but not of a racist nature. During the course of their hearings, both players also apologised to FIFA for their inappropriate behaviour and expressed their regret at the incident.

Four More Clubs Under Investigation in Calciopoli Trial

Four of Serie A's struggling teams – Reggina (15th), Siena (17th), Messina (18th) and Lecce (19th) are under investigation as part of the Calciopoli 'match fixing' trail. The head of the investigation team Saverio Borrelli said :

"I wouldn't call it a second wave of investigations, my team are taking the same investigation further. Every time a violation of the rules is discovered we try to find out as much as we can."

Transcripts of over 300 telephone calls are being analysed. Reggina, Messina and Siena face investigations over their transfer dealings with Juventus - all three teams had players on loan from Juve last season.

O'Leary Leaves Villa

An official statement read :

"On 17 July 2006, Aston Villa Plc announced that the board of Aston Villa had set up an internal enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the publication of a statement purportedly from the entire first team squad. That enquiry has completed its investigations. Although no misconduct by the manager, David O'Leary was uncovered, as a result of the investigation, it has been agreed that an amicable parting of the ways was in the best interests of all parties. Accordingly, a compensation package reflecting the situation has been established and it has been mutually agreed to terminate the contract of David O'Leary, with immediate effect."

Gaydamak Buys out Portsmouth Chairman

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has sold his remaining stake in the club to the club's joint owner Alexandre Gaydamak for around €46.77 million.
 
West Ham Player Banned for Failing Drugs Test

West Ham midfielder Shaun Newton tested positive for cocaine after the FA Cup
semi-final against Middlesbrough on the 23rd of April. West Ham coach Alan Pardew said :

"We will continue to support Shaun through this difficult time but he will also face internal disciplinary action. It infuriates me to hear of drugs-use in any sport there is
absolutely no place for it and for it to occur at West Ham hurts and saddens me. However, our priority is to help Shaun not abandon him. We will stand by him."

Newton, who has been suspended for seven months, Newton said :
 
"I have let down my family, friends, the club and its supporters, and for that I am truly sorry. It was an isolated incident but I must face up to my responsibilities. I in no way condone the taking of drugs and hope that my experience will act as a deterrent to others."

Parreira Resigns

In a statement the CBF (Brazilian FA) claimed Carlos Alberto Parreira has resigned as Brazil coach to spend more time with his family and not because of his abject failure at the World Cup :

"The coach says he needs to dedicate time to his family after four years leading the Brazilian national team. It was a joint decision and Parreira will no longer have any connection with the Brazilian Football Confederation."

Del Piero & Nedved To Stay In Serie B

Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco claims Del Piero and Nedved will remain with the club in Serie B :

"Del Piero has told me that he and Nedved will definitely remain at the club."

Rooney's Sleeping Habits

"I not only like to have the TV and light on to help me sleep, but also a vacuum cleaner. Failing that, a fan or a hairdryer will do. I've ruined so many hairdryers by letting them burn out. So far I haven't set fire to anywhere." - Wayne Rooney