UEFA opens probe into racist Chelsea fans
January 15 – As widely anticipated UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings into alleged racist chanting by Chelsea fans in last month’s Europa League game with MOL Vidi in Hungary.
Grp B: Aussie vs Syria reprise WC showdown, Palestinians ready to make history
January 14 – Defending champions Australia, Palestine and Syria will battle on Tuesday for the remaining knockout spots in Group B. Jordan, the surprise package of the tournament so far, have already qualified as group winners.
West Ham profits down to £18m after ‘difficult’ year
By David Owen
January 14 – West Ham United, whose star striker Marko Arnautovic is being linked with a big-money move to China, have reported a halving of profits after a “difficult” year.
Frustrated UAE fans and Zaccheroni expect more as knockout rounds loom
January 15 – UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni was satisfied with his team’s 1-1 draw against Thailand, but says he expects his team to improve as the knockout stages loom. The hosts will now meet China or South Korea in the round of 16.
Grp A: India stunned as Bahrain’s extra time penalty sends them into next round
January 14 – In the pre-match talk they were barely mentioned. Despite drawing their opening game against their more fancied UAE hosts, Bahrain had been written off from progressing against an India that was being trumpeted as having dramatically awoken from its football slumber.
Grp A: Thais and UAE settle for bore draw as both progress to last 16
UAE 1 Thailand 1
January 14 – The United Arab Emirates finished top of Group A on five points after a low-key 1-1 draw with Thailand, a result that sees the War Elephants progress to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time since 1972.
Infantino tuned up for Ticket to Ride new FIFA thinking On the Road to Marrakesh
January 14 – Gianni Infantino is set to arrive in Marrakesh on Tuesday for the latest of FIFA’s so-called executive summits for regional federations and while there is expected to receive an update on Morocco’s plan to organise the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Eleven Sports calls on Serie A to shift Super Cup from Saudi or risk killing its TV income
By Paul Nicholson
January 13 – Broadcaster Eleven Sports has added its voice to media rights holder calls for Serie A to reverse its decision to play its Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, saying the decision has “considerable implications for Eleven Sports and for the longer term value of Italian football rights.”
Banned Sedibe points $10m finger at Jordaan. SAFA says it was government money
January 13 – Danny Jordan (pictured), the public face of the 2010 World Cup, is once again embroiled in controversy following allegations by one of his former rivals within South African football that he helped facilitate a $10 million payment to Concacaf to land the tournament.
Spygate: Leeds United’s undercover agent who is caught pliers in hand at Derby border
January 13 – In a case dubbed ‘spygate’ by the British media, Leeds United have reminded head coach Marcelo Bielsa (pictured) about “integrity and honesty” after the Argentine admitted sending one of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their high-profile Championship match last Friday.
UAE vs Thailand: Hosts target win to top group
January 13 – United Arab Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni (pictured) is focused on claiming top spot in Group A as the Asian Cup hosts aim to secure their place in the last 16 when they face Thailand in their final group game on Monday.
Qatar boss Felix Sanchez praises dynamic duo as focus moves to Saudi decider
January 13 – Qatar ran rampant over North Korea in Group E winning 6-0 to book a spot in the next round of the Asian Cup. Spanish coach Felix Sanchez had nothing but praise for his star duo Almoez Ali and Akram Afif who engineered the mammoth victory.
New draw procedure for post-match drug tests introduced
By David Owen
January 13 – New FIFA anti-doping regulations come into force tomorrow (Monday), with the AFC Asia Cup in full progress.
A tale of two penalties. Japan squander the chances, Oman win the hearts
Japan 1 Oman 0
January 13 – A penalty scored by Genki Haraguchi was enough to secure Japan passage to the last 16 of the Asian Cup. They could have been three goals up within 15 minutes but for missed chances and a brilliant performance by Omani keeper Faiyz Al Rashidi.
North Koreans hit for 6 as Qataris warm up for Saudi showdown
Qatar 6 DPR Korea 0
January 13 – Star duo Almoez Ali and Akram Afif led Qatar with four goals and as many assists to an emphatic 6-0 thrashing of North Korea and a place in the knockout stages.