Twitter squawka football

GENEVA: FIFA on Saturday (Jun 8) found the former head of the Afghanistan Football Federation, Keramuddin Karim, guilty of sexually abusing female players and banned him from the sport for life. Karim had been provisionally banned by FIFA's ethics committee following allegations made by five female Afghan players concerning acts of sexual assault committed between 2013 and 2018. The investigation by world football's governing body found Karim "guilty of having abused his position and sexually abused various female players, in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics." Afghan footballer Khalida Popal - who reportedly had collected accounts from former teammates that included sexual violence, death threats and rapes - applauded FIFA's decision but said it was only a "first step." "We are not done yet," she said on Twitter. "Football is not a place for abuse ... Women should be protected," she added. Karim has previously denied the accusations, denouncing them as part of a … [Read more...] about FIFA bans ex-Afghan football boss for life over sexual assault

LONDON: Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United after three years as manager when his contract expires next week, the Premier League club confirmed on Monday (Jun 24). "It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019," Newcastle said in a statement. Despite failing to keep Newcastle in the top flight shortly after taking over, Benitez earned hero status on Tyneside as he led Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and then stabilised the club by finishing 10th and 13th in the last two seasons. However, the Spaniard did not hide his displeasure at the lack of backing he was afforded by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and was believed to be seeking assurances over the budget he would have to work with before committing his future to the club. "We have worked hard to extend Rafa's contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been - and will … [Read more...] about Football: Rafa Benitez to leave Newcastle United after talks over new deal collapse

LONDON: England women's manager Phil Neville believes football players should boycott social media in the wake of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba becoming the latest high-profile figure to suffer racist abuse online. Pogba was targeted after his penalty was saved in United's 1-1 draw at Wolves on Monday just days after Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham suffered similar abuse. "I think we probably have to take drastic measures now as a football community - I've had it with my players on social media, the Premier League stars and the Championship have had it," said former Manchester United defender Neville on Tuesday (Aug 20). "I just wonder whether as a football community we come off social media. Because Twitter won't do anything about it, Instagram won't do anything about it - they send you an email reply saying they'll investigate but nothing happens. "I've lost total faith in whoever runs these social media departments, so let's send a powerful message: come off … [Read more...] about Football: Neville calls for social media boycott in wake of Pogba racist abuse

LISBON: Veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas said "everything was under control" after suffering a heart attack in training, he posted on Twitter on Wednesday (May 1). The 37-year-old, who has 167 Spain caps and played more than 500 games for Real Madrid, suffered what his club, Porto called an "acute myocardial infarction" in training earlier in the day. "Everything is under control, a big scare but all is intact. Thank you very much for the messages and affection," Casillas said. The club's statement on Wednesday said that "the training session was interrupted to provide assistance," adding that Casillas was in a Porto hospital "well, stable and his heart problem solved." Portuguese media reported that Casillas had undergone surgery and that his season was over. Porto are second in the Portuguese championship, just two points behind leaders Benfica, and face Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Cup final on May 25. The news prompted an outpouring of concern from fans, clubs … [Read more...] about Football: All ‘under control’ for Casillas after heart attack

MADRID: A minute's silence will be held for Jose Antonio Reyes before the Champions League final after the former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Spain forward was killed in a car crash on Saturday (Jun 1). Reyes was 35. Reyes shot to fame at Sevilla and secured a switch to Arsenal, where he was part of the unbeaten "Invincibles" 2003-2004 Premier League winners, before spells at Real and Atletico Madrid. UEFA announced they would hold a minute's silence in his honour ahead of the final in Madrid between Tottenham and Liverpool. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also confirmed there would be a minute's silence held before all official Spanish league games this weekend. But the RFEF said the seven Segunda Division games would be postponed, including Cadiz against Extremadura, the club Reyes had joined in January. Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger signed Reyes on the back of Spain's Under-19's European championships win where he played alongside Fernando Torres and Andres … [Read more...] about Minute’s silence to be held for Reyes before Champions League final