Exclusive: Goodfellas is adding a new sports-focused sales label to its growing roster of genre-based companies and themed sales strands.
Bannered Oui Michel, the label is launching with documentary Nasty, about controversial Romanian tennis legend Ilie Nastase, which makes its international premiere as a Special Screening in Cannes Official Selection this May.
Directed by Romanian filmmakers Tudor Giurgiu, Cristian Pascariu and Tudor D. Popescu, the doc focuses on the immediate aftermath of Nastase’s sudden worldwide fame when he won his first U.S. Open in 1972 and made it into the Wimbledon and Davis Cup finals that same year.
As per the official synopsis: “Nasty explores his highs and lows, the controversies that surrounded the 1973 world number one ranked player, and the enduring impact he has had on the world of tennis. Lovable, charming and generous, yet temperamental, arrogant and obscene – Nastase disrupted the sport’s antiquated etiquette with a...
Bannered Oui Michel, the label is launching with documentary Nasty, about controversial Romanian tennis legend Ilie Nastase, which makes its international premiere as a Special Screening in Cannes Official Selection this May.
Directed by Romanian filmmakers Tudor Giurgiu, Cristian Pascariu and Tudor D. Popescu, the doc focuses on the immediate aftermath of Nastase’s sudden worldwide fame when he won his first U.S. Open in 1972 and made it into the Wimbledon and Davis Cup finals that same year.
As per the official synopsis: “Nasty explores his highs and lows, the controversies that surrounded the 1973 world number one ranked player, and the enduring impact he has had on the world of tennis. Lovable, charming and generous, yet temperamental, arrogant and obscene – Nastase disrupted the sport’s antiquated etiquette with a...
- 5/6/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Lisbon, April 5 (Ians) Aleksander Ceferin was re-elected unopposed as UEFA President for a new four-year term from 2023-27 at the 47th UEFA Congress held here on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old Slovenian has served as UEFA’s seventh president since 2016 when he replaced French international Michel Platini, who resigned over a conflict of interest and abuse of power scandal.
Ceferin, a professional lawyer, was first re-elected in 2019.
In his acceptance speech, Ceferin, who was the only candidate, thanked delegates for their support. “It is a great honour but mainly it is a great responsibility towards… football,” said the President. “I will do my best not to disappoint.”
“We must never forget how beautiful football is, how it stirs our emotions, how it keeps hundreds of millions of people on the edge of their seats, how football defines who we are. European football is a unique success story. It’s a microcosm of our society.
The 55-year-old Slovenian has served as UEFA’s seventh president since 2016 when he replaced French international Michel Platini, who resigned over a conflict of interest and abuse of power scandal.
Ceferin, a professional lawyer, was first re-elected in 2019.
In his acceptance speech, Ceferin, who was the only candidate, thanked delegates for their support. “It is a great honour but mainly it is a great responsibility towards… football,” said the President. “I will do my best not to disappoint.”
“We must never forget how beautiful football is, how it stirs our emotions, how it keeps hundreds of millions of people on the edge of their seats, how football defines who we are. European football is a unique success story. It’s a microcosm of our society.
- 4/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Lausanne, Nov 8 (Ians) Just a few days before the start of the 2022 football World Cup, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the decision to award the event to Qatar was a mistake. The FIFA World Cup will be played in various venues in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 with 32 teams in the fray.
Qatar is facing a lot of criticism over its stance on same-sex relationships, human rights records and the treatment of migrant workers. Qatar World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman has recently said that homosexuality is “damage in the mind”.
The former Qatar international told German broadcaster Zdf that LGBTQ+ people attending the tournament should “accept our rules”.
His utterances have raised concerns about how the country treats LGBTQ+ people as same-sex relationships and promotion of such relationships is a criminal offense and punishable with punishment ranging from fines to death sentence, the BBC reported on Tuesday.
Human rights...
Qatar is facing a lot of criticism over its stance on same-sex relationships, human rights records and the treatment of migrant workers. Qatar World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman has recently said that homosexuality is “damage in the mind”.
The former Qatar international told German broadcaster Zdf that LGBTQ+ people attending the tournament should “accept our rules”.
His utterances have raised concerns about how the country treats LGBTQ+ people as same-sex relationships and promotion of such relationships is a criminal offense and punishable with punishment ranging from fines to death sentence, the BBC reported on Tuesday.
Human rights...
- 11/8/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Zurich (Switzerland), July 8 (Ians) Former presidents of FIFA and UEFA Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court on Friday. The two men, Platini, former UEFA president, and Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, were cleared of fraud by the Federal Criminal Court in the southern city […]...
- 7/8/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Seville, June 16 (Ians) When Cristiano Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch in Portugal's Euro 2020 opener against Hungary on Tuesday, history had already been made -- the 36-year-old became the first player to appear at five editions of the European Championship. But it was not the only record he set that day -- the double he hit in Portugal's 3-0 win made him the all-time top-scorer in competition history, breaking away from French legend Michel Platini to stand alone at the top with 11 Euro goals.
"It was essential to start on the right note in order to gain confidence," said Ronaldo. "Now, we have to continue and win the next game."
"It was a difficult game, against an opponent who defended very well during 90 minutes, but we scored three goals, and I am very grateful to the team for helping me score two goals," he added.
Now the Juventus striker has his...
"It was essential to start on the right note in order to gain confidence," said Ronaldo. "Now, we have to continue and win the next game."
"It was a difficult game, against an opponent who defended very well during 90 minutes, but we scored three goals, and I am very grateful to the team for helping me score two goals," he added.
Now the Juventus striker has his...
- 6/16/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Zurich, Dec 22 (Ians) FIFA on Tuesday announced that it has lodged a criminal complaint against former president Sepp Blatter over a loss-making museum in Zurich, Switzerland. According to FIFA, the museum enerated a bill of 500 million Swiss francs (462 million euros) that instead "could and should have been channelled into the development of global football".
"FIFA has lodged a criminal complaint with Zurich's cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA's former management and companies appointed by them in relation to the 'Haus zur Enge' has surfaced following an investigation by external experts," football's global governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The complaint identifies the direct involvement of former FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter together with other persons in relation to activities relating to the agreements that were signed in relation to the facility, which is located in downtown Zurich," it said.
FIFA's deputy secretary general...
"FIFA has lodged a criminal complaint with Zurich's cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA's former management and companies appointed by them in relation to the 'Haus zur Enge' has surfaced following an investigation by external experts," football's global governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The complaint identifies the direct involvement of former FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter together with other persons in relation to activities relating to the agreements that were signed in relation to the facility, which is located in downtown Zurich," it said.
FIFA's deputy secretary general...
- 12/22/2020
- by IANS
- GlamSham
Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini- until recently the favorite to succeed Blatter in football’s top job- have both been banned from any football activities for eight years by a FIFA ethics investigation. The lengthy bans come after a $2 million payment in 2011 from Blatter to Platini- described by the investigation as a “disloyal” payment- was uncovered. Both men have strenuously denied any wrongdoing with the payment, claiming it was part…...
- 12/21/2015
- Deadline TV
FIFA president Sepp Blatter and two other top executives of the world soccer governing body have been hit with a 90-day provisional suspension from their posts. Members of FIFA's independent ethics committee on Thursday announced the expected sanction after Switzerland recently said that its attorney general has opened criminal proceedings against 79-year-old Blatter. He has been accused of signing a contract that was "unfavorable" to FIFA and making a "disloyal payment" to UEFA president Michel Platini. Blatter has denied any wrongdoing. { "nid": 827259, "type": "news", "title": "What the Swiss Investigation Into FIFA Boss Sepp Blatter Means",
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- 10/8/2015
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with more details: FIFA president Sepp Blatter won his fifth election today, despite widespread calls for his resignation from outside the organization and a U.S.-Swiss anti-corruption investigation that has rocked the world soccer body. The 17-year leader of the group easily defeated reformist challenger Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein. Many — including the UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron and UEFA president Michel Platini — had hoped a new leader would begin…...
- 5/29/2015
- Deadline TV
Media Image Ltd
Michel Platini, head of European governing body Uefa, has called for radical changes to the yellow card system currently enforced in world football.
The outspoken Frenchman wants the lawmakers at the International Football Association Board to re-examine the current disciplinary system and replace yellow cards with a sin-bin style system used in rugby.
Under existing laws, players who receive a straight red card or two yellow cards are “sent off”, while players who accumulate five yellow cards through the course of a season will also be suspended.
And it is the latter rule which has led to Platini’s comments, as he believes a sin-bin would be a fairer punishment as it benefits the team the offender is immediately playing against, rather than future opposition.
He explained:
“I would make it like rugby, punishing the offender with 10 or 15 minutes out of the game. That way, the benefit...
Michel Platini, head of European governing body Uefa, has called for radical changes to the yellow card system currently enforced in world football.
The outspoken Frenchman wants the lawmakers at the International Football Association Board to re-examine the current disciplinary system and replace yellow cards with a sin-bin style system used in rugby.
Under existing laws, players who receive a straight red card or two yellow cards are “sent off”, while players who accumulate five yellow cards through the course of a season will also be suspended.
And it is the latter rule which has led to Platini’s comments, as he believes a sin-bin would be a fairer punishment as it benefits the team the offender is immediately playing against, rather than future opposition.
He explained:
“I would make it like rugby, punishing the offender with 10 or 15 minutes out of the game. That way, the benefit...
- 12/5/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
With Euro 2020 set to be staged among 13 cities across Europe, UEFA have announced 32 of its members are hoping to host a game in their home nation – most notably, with the United Kingdom & Ireland telling UEFA of their desire to stage a number of games in each home nation respectively.
England (London), Scotland (Glasgow) Wales (Cardiff) Republic of Ireland (Dublin) are the city choices that have been sent in to UEFA. An official decision on the 13 cities to be chosen will be made on the 25th of September next year.
The England Football Association are hoping to host the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 at Wembley, however UEFA president Michel Platini has previously revealed his desire for Istanbul to host the finals if the Turkish city were to miss out on hosting the 2020 Olympics games – which they did.
The format will change for Euro 2020, with 16 teams expanding to 24, to mark 60 years...
England (London), Scotland (Glasgow) Wales (Cardiff) Republic of Ireland (Dublin) are the city choices that have been sent in to UEFA. An official decision on the 13 cities to be chosen will be made on the 25th of September next year.
The England Football Association are hoping to host the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 at Wembley, however UEFA president Michel Platini has previously revealed his desire for Istanbul to host the finals if the Turkish city were to miss out on hosting the 2020 Olympics games – which they did.
The format will change for Euro 2020, with 16 teams expanding to 24, to mark 60 years...
- 9/20/2013
- by Crip Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
FIFA President Sepp Blatter today sensationally revealed Qatar could lose the right to host the 2022 World Cup due to concerns over soaring summer temperatures, according to The Sun.
Temperatures in the Arab state rise above 50 degrees in the summer months and UEFA President Michel Platini has led somewhat unprecedented calls for the tournament to be switched to winter, with health concerns of fans and players mounting.
The decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup came as a huge surprise in the footballing world and it has always been an unpopular decision. A desert nation smaller than Connecticut with shallow soccer roots, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States were all seemingly preferred destinations for the world’s most popular sporting event when the vote was held back in December 2010.
Though the Arab state astonishingly beat off all competition, they could now face another stern test in holding on to their right to host.
Temperatures in the Arab state rise above 50 degrees in the summer months and UEFA President Michel Platini has led somewhat unprecedented calls for the tournament to be switched to winter, with health concerns of fans and players mounting.
The decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup came as a huge surprise in the footballing world and it has always been an unpopular decision. A desert nation smaller than Connecticut with shallow soccer roots, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States were all seemingly preferred destinations for the world’s most popular sporting event when the vote was held back in December 2010.
Though the Arab state astonishingly beat off all competition, they could now face another stern test in holding on to their right to host.
- 3/21/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
UEFA are believed to be considering plans to extend the Champions League from 32 to 64 teams and scrapping the Europa League, according to the BBC. President of European Football’s Governing Body Michel Platini said:
“We’re discussing it. We will make a decision in 2014. Nothing is decided yet. There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018. ”
As it stands, four Barclays Premier League teams and two Scottish Premier League sides qualify for the competition, but under the new proposal, these would be increased to seven and five respectively. The Europa League, which replaced the old UEFA Cup in 2009, would be dissolved as a result.
The Europa League has often been mocked and maligned as a substandard competition, considered a nuisance and inconvenience by the English sides currently contesting it; Newcastle manager Alan Pardew recently claimed the competition was “killing his side” because...
“We’re discussing it. We will make a decision in 2014. Nothing is decided yet. There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018. ”
As it stands, four Barclays Premier League teams and two Scottish Premier League sides qualify for the competition, but under the new proposal, these would be increased to seven and five respectively. The Europa League, which replaced the old UEFA Cup in 2009, would be dissolved as a result.
The Europa League has often been mocked and maligned as a substandard competition, considered a nuisance and inconvenience by the English sides currently contesting it; Newcastle manager Alan Pardew recently claimed the competition was “killing his side” because...
- 11/30/2012
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
You may have noticed the name Gazprom making more appearances during European football matches. They currently sponsor the UEFA Champions League and the Super Cup, Chelsea and the German team Schalke 04. On top of that they own Zenit St Petersburg, the team which recently spent over £60 million on the purchases of Axel Witsel and Hulk. On the face of it there’s absolutely nothing strange; Bwin have sponsored many major European teams and competitions at one time.
Last year the first blow was dealt to Michel Platini’s Financial Fair Play proposals. Under the aforementioned rules, clubs have to disclose their annual finances to UEFA and if the guidelines – which eventually hope to make every club self-sustainable – haven’t been met, they can be stricken from any European competition. Part of the scheme stops rich owners pouring money into their clubs; although none of the new rules affect sponsorship from...
Last year the first blow was dealt to Michel Platini’s Financial Fair Play proposals. Under the aforementioned rules, clubs have to disclose their annual finances to UEFA and if the guidelines – which eventually hope to make every club self-sustainable – haven’t been met, they can be stricken from any European competition. Part of the scheme stops rich owners pouring money into their clubs; although none of the new rules affect sponsorship from...
- 9/18/2012
- by Jamie Callaghan
- Obsessed with Film
Much to the delight of everyone, the International Fa Board this week unanimously approved the use of goal-line technology in the form of the Hawkeye and Goal-Ref systems. Surely this therefore signals an end to the costly, and in some cases comedic, refereeing errors seen of late. Or does it?
The debate surrounding goal-line technology is one that has been ongoing now for some time, with opinions put forward from all sections of the football community at one point or another. In England however, the issue really came to the fore with that Frank Lampard goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup.
In the days leading up to the game FIFA had consistently defended their view that “the basis of our game is one referee”. Instead, they suggested implementing the “additional assistants” alternative suggested by UEFA President and Chief Adversary of goal-line technology Michel Platini. A system which involves referees...
The debate surrounding goal-line technology is one that has been ongoing now for some time, with opinions put forward from all sections of the football community at one point or another. In England however, the issue really came to the fore with that Frank Lampard goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup.
In the days leading up to the game FIFA had consistently defended their view that “the basis of our game is one referee”. Instead, they suggested implementing the “additional assistants” alternative suggested by UEFA President and Chief Adversary of goal-line technology Michel Platini. A system which involves referees...
- 7/11/2012
- by Chris Dale
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Donbass Arena, Donetsk Date: Wednesday, 27 June Kick-off: 19:45 BST
So, who is the worlds greatest player? Is it Argentina’s Lionel Messi, or Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo?
Perhaps that great question will go some way to being answered tonight. Neither of them have won a major competition with their countries, and only one of them has the chance to do so this year. That’s why tonight, all the spotlights are aimed in the direction of the latter, Cristiano Ronaldo.
But if Spain or anyone else thinks that Portugal are a one man team, think again.
The last time these two sides met, Spain sustained their heaviest defeat since 1963, as Paulo Bento’s men walloped them 4-0. The goal scorers, you may ask?
Carlos Martins, a Hélder Postiga double, and Hugo Almeida.
So it isn’t just twinkle toed Ronaldo who writes all the headlines.
Unfortunately for Portugal, Hélder...
So, who is the worlds greatest player? Is it Argentina’s Lionel Messi, or Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo?
Perhaps that great question will go some way to being answered tonight. Neither of them have won a major competition with their countries, and only one of them has the chance to do so this year. That’s why tonight, all the spotlights are aimed in the direction of the latter, Cristiano Ronaldo.
But if Spain or anyone else thinks that Portugal are a one man team, think again.
The last time these two sides met, Spain sustained their heaviest defeat since 1963, as Paulo Bento’s men walloped them 4-0. The goal scorers, you may ask?
Carlos Martins, a Hélder Postiga double, and Hugo Almeida.
So it isn’t just twinkle toed Ronaldo who writes all the headlines.
Unfortunately for Portugal, Hélder...
- 6/27/2012
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Sepp Blatter, the man in charge of world football, took to micro-blogging website Twitter today and called for the introduction of goal line technology (Glt). He Tweeted:
“After last night’s match #Glt is no longer an alternative but a necessity.”
His Tweet comes in the wake of yet another storm to hit the game. In England’s 1-0 victory over the Ukraine last night, Marko Devic had a goal disallowed and replays showed the ball had in fact crossed the line.
Goal line technology could be given the go ahead by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) as early as July 5th. ‘Hawk Eye’, one of the two systems being trialed, debuted successfully in England’s friendly against Belgium this month.
The Premier League have previously stated their willingness to use Glt.
Sepp Blatter’s comments will come as a massive step forward for Glt after dragging his heels...
“After last night’s match #Glt is no longer an alternative but a necessity.”
His Tweet comes in the wake of yet another storm to hit the game. In England’s 1-0 victory over the Ukraine last night, Marko Devic had a goal disallowed and replays showed the ball had in fact crossed the line.
Goal line technology could be given the go ahead by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) as early as July 5th. ‘Hawk Eye’, one of the two systems being trialed, debuted successfully in England’s friendly against Belgium this month.
The Premier League have previously stated their willingness to use Glt.
Sepp Blatter’s comments will come as a massive step forward for Glt after dragging his heels...
- 6/20/2012
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Actress Pamela Anderson has waded into the furore over animal slaughter in Ukraine ahead of the country's hosting duties for the Euro 2012 soccer tournament, urging the sport's bosses to condemn the scandal.
Staff at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed harrowing film footage earlier this year showing the Eastern European nation's 'street-cleaning squads' rounding up stray dogs to be shot, poisoned or hanged.
The eyes of the soccer world will be on Ukraine in the summer when the European Football Championship is staged in the country, and former Baywatch beauty Anderson is calling for action to end the animal killings ahead of the tournament.
She has written to former French soccer star Michel Platini, who is now president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), urging him to publicly denounce officials behind the street clean-up.
In a letter on behalf of the German branch of PETA, Anderson writes, "As the event's host, UEFA is responsible for the suffering that animals endure for the sake of this football championship. UEFA should function as a role model for all parties involved in this event and take a stand in support of protecting Ukraine's homeless animals.
"Please show cruelty to animals the 'red card' by demanding that the Ukrainian government stop the mass killings of homeless dogs."...
Staff at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed harrowing film footage earlier this year showing the Eastern European nation's 'street-cleaning squads' rounding up stray dogs to be shot, poisoned or hanged.
The eyes of the soccer world will be on Ukraine in the summer when the European Football Championship is staged in the country, and former Baywatch beauty Anderson is calling for action to end the animal killings ahead of the tournament.
She has written to former French soccer star Michel Platini, who is now president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), urging him to publicly denounce officials behind the street clean-up.
In a letter on behalf of the German branch of PETA, Anderson writes, "As the event's host, UEFA is responsible for the suffering that animals endure for the sake of this football championship. UEFA should function as a role model for all parties involved in this event and take a stand in support of protecting Ukraine's homeless animals.
"Please show cruelty to animals the 'red card' by demanding that the Ukrainian government stop the mass killings of homeless dogs."...
- 5/4/2012
- WENN
This very diverting film gives us a quasi-telepathic access to the tense, internal world of a group of football refs during Euro 2008
They have a strange tendency to run backwards. Why? This documentary on international football referees doesn't say. But it is very diverting nonetheless. They are the sport's lawmen, subject to all the pressure experienced by the stars, but with none of the cash or adulation, and increasingly considered fair game for abuse by internet bile-spewers and even motormouth coaches for whom vilifying the ref – once unthinkable – is now an accepted mind-game technique.
The film follows a group of refs, including Britain's Howard Webb, during the Euro 2008 championship. It shows how these very human and fallible officials nervously await Uefa's judgment on their performance. As in a reality show, only a select few will be invited back to preside over the final knockout matches after the group phase.
There...
They have a strange tendency to run backwards. Why? This documentary on international football referees doesn't say. But it is very diverting nonetheless. They are the sport's lawmen, subject to all the pressure experienced by the stars, but with none of the cash or adulation, and increasingly considered fair game for abuse by internet bile-spewers and even motormouth coaches for whom vilifying the ref – once unthinkable – is now an accepted mind-game technique.
The film follows a group of refs, including Britain's Howard Webb, during the Euro 2008 championship. It shows how these very human and fallible officials nervously await Uefa's judgment on their performance. As in a reality show, only a select few will be invited back to preside over the final knockout matches after the group phase.
There...
- 8/4/2011
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Directed by Belgian former sports journalist Yves Hinant, French football documentary Les Arbitres – released in the UK as The Referees - draws obvious comparison with Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait as it hones in on one solitary figure during a football match. However, as the title suggests, here that figure is not a mercurial footballer but the most hated man in professional sport: the referee. The film follows a half-dozen of these poor souls (and their assistants) during matches at an international tournament – UEFA Euro 2008 (going from the group stage to the final) – as we catch a glimpse of the beautiful game in a way we’ve never been asked to see it before – from the point of view of the embattled man in the middle.
The Referees is a slightly more conventional documentary than the more arthouse-oriented Zidane, lacking that film’s Mogwai soundtrack and...
Directed by Belgian former sports journalist Yves Hinant, French football documentary Les Arbitres – released in the UK as The Referees - draws obvious comparison with Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait as it hones in on one solitary figure during a football match. However, as the title suggests, here that figure is not a mercurial footballer but the most hated man in professional sport: the referee. The film follows a half-dozen of these poor souls (and their assistants) during matches at an international tournament – UEFA Euro 2008 (going from the group stage to the final) – as we catch a glimpse of the beautiful game in a way we’ve never been asked to see it before – from the point of view of the embattled man in the middle.
The Referees is a slightly more conventional documentary than the more arthouse-oriented Zidane, lacking that film’s Mogwai soundtrack and...
- 8/4/2011
- by Robert Beames
- Obsessed with Film
No one can forget the World Cup in South Africa this summer, where discontent over bad referee calls and the lack of technology to fix them often overshadowed the tournament itself. Some fans believed goal-line technology was on its way--after all, it's used in sports as sleepy and staid as cricket and snooker. So why not soccer? Sepp Blatter, head of FIFA, which is currently embroiled in a cash-and-sex-for-votes scandal, recently raised fans' hopes along those lines. "It would be a nonsense not to open the file on goal-line technology," said Blatter, 74.
But now, if an interview with Blatter's European counterpart is to be taken at face value, it seems the file has been slammed shut. Michel Platini, the head of UEFA (once an international superstar and captain of France, now believed to be in line for Blatter's job) was interviewed by the Scottish Fa today. Goal-line technology would, he said,...
But now, if an interview with Blatter's European counterpart is to be taken at face value, it seems the file has been slammed shut. Michel Platini, the head of UEFA (once an international superstar and captain of France, now believed to be in line for Blatter's job) was interviewed by the Scottish Fa today. Goal-line technology would, he said,...
- 10/25/2010
- by Addy Dugdale
- Fast Company
What if busted ref calls and the odd flight patterns of the Jabulani ball are not the most serious problems at this year’s World Cup? When The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime was first published in 2008, it was hailed as one of the most controversial and important sports books of its time. Declan Hill, an investigative journalist and academic, wrote the book after spending years researching the corruption and illegal gambling that plague the world’s most popular sport, from weekend youth games to the Men’s and Women’s World Cups. Michel Platini, the president of UEFA, read the book and made moves to preserve the integrity of the game in Europe. Sepp Blatter, the head of FIFA, has not responded in kind. Is it possible that some of the games we’ve been watching for the past four weeks were fixed? Hill thinks it is. In this excerpt for Fair Play,...
- 7/8/2010
- Vanity Fair
So here we are, almost a week into the greatest tournament on Earth. Those of you who are not already deaf from watching three games a day with vuvuzeles buzzing in your ears may have heard the big news: Sofia triumphed over Figgy this morning. Yeah, it was a pretty lame goal, but I also heard something about the Honduran team being completely demoralized by their fans playing Starship tunes outside their hotel room all night long.
Let's see, what else happened? Well, Brazil put up a surprisingly weak showing against Kim Jong Il Fc yesterday: If they continue like this they're not getting anywhere near the final. Switzerland pulled off the surprise of the day beating Spain (who apparently need to be reminded they're playing world cup football based on today's performance), and did you see the Swiss fans? Not so neutral now, are they? France showed just how...
Let's see, what else happened? Well, Brazil put up a surprisingly weak showing against Kim Jong Il Fc yesterday: If they continue like this they're not getting anywhere near the final. Switzerland pulled off the surprise of the day beating Spain (who apparently need to be reminded they're playing world cup football based on today's performance), and did you see the Swiss fans? Not so neutral now, are they? France showed just how...
- 6/17/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
• Don’t expect sparks when Manchester United shows up in Munich. [WhenSaturdayComes] • Lyon and Bordeaux face off in France. [Goal] • Ivory Coast fans are wary of Eriksson. [BBC] • In Argentina, River and Boca are struggling. [New York Times] • Is Raul bound for Liverpool? [The Spoiler] • Michel Platini supports fan ownership in the Epl. [Guardian] • The World Cup in South Africa: soccer’s Obama moment. [Nutmeg Radio] • Manchester United in Us for summer Mls tour? [Major League Soccer]...
- 3/30/2010
- Vanity Fair
Britain's Prince William flew to Rome to watch the Champions League Final last night (27.05.09). The 26-year-old royal cheered for English team Manchester United as they went up against Barcelona in the city's Stadio Olimpico. William sat next to Spain's King Juan Carlos and Union of European Football Associations President Michel Platini and the trio laughed and chatted throughout the tense match. After the game, William went down on to the pitch to console Manchester United players after they lost 2-0. Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs looked particularly devastated as they were comforted by the prince. William - who is President of the Football Association and a keen supporter of England's bid to host the 2018 Soccer World...
- 5/28/2009
- Monsters and Critics
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