Materazzi - Zidane Mystery Solved

In an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport Italy defender Marco Materazzi
revealed what he said to provoke Zinedine Zidane into head-butting him in the
chest in July's World Cup final :

"Yes, I was tugging his shirt but when he said to me scornfully 'If you want my
shirt so much I'll give it to you afterwards' is that not a provocation? I answered that I'd prefer his sister, it's true. It's not a particularly nice thing to say, I recognise that but loads of players say worse things. I didn't even know he had a sister before all this happened."

Zidane continually refused to disclose the nature of Materazzi's comments only
saying they were "very personal and concerned his mother and his sister."

Italy Legend Facchetti Dies

Inter president Giacinto Facchetti has died aged of 64. In a glorious career spanning 18 years, the marauding full back Facchetti won 4 scudettos and 2 European Cup with Inter and 94 caps for Italy. Facchetti succeeded Massimo Moratti as president of Inter in 2004 after Moratti, who still runs the club, endured constant criticism by the fans.

Angola Win Rights To Host 2010 ANC

The CAF (Confederation of African Football) have announced that Angola have won
the rights to host the 2010 African Nations Cup. In a surprise move two of the
losing bidders, Guinea & Gabon and Libya were awarded the rights to host the 2012 and 2014 tournaments respectively.

Chelsea Blackmailed by Gallas

Chelsea released a statement revealing the reasons why they had to let defender
William Gallas join Arsenal on transfer deadline day (31 August 2006) :
 
"Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club. Despite leaving he continues to attack Jose Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged. Chelsea made William Gallas a very substantial and attractive new contract offer to stay towards the end of last season. This was rejected. The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. These were just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder. Having failed to secure his demands, his position became increasingly intransigent and unacceptable. He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer. As is now well-documented he refused to join up with the team in Los Angeles during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club. Before the first game of the season against Manchester City, when only four defenders were available and John Terry was doubtful with an injury, he refused to play. He went on to threaten that if he was forced to play, or if he was disciplined and financially punished for his breach of the rules, that he could score an own goal or get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes. Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. So a collectively-agreed solution in Chelsea's interests had to be found, hence his departure."

Platini Prepares Assault on UEFA Presidency

"I have decided, in agreement with Canal+ to suspend my consultancy contract
with the channel and any other associated activities. I therefore hope to concentrate exclusively on my campaign for the UEFA presidency which I hope to
conduct with clarity and transparency." - Michel Platini