Premier League chief hails fans pilot event

London (AFP) – Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has hailed a test event for the partial return of supporters as a success, after 2,500 fans attended Brighton’s friendly with Chelsea.

Strict social-distancing measures were in place for Saturday’s 1-1 draw in the pre-season friendly at the Amex Stadium.

It was the first time fans had been allowed into a Premier League ground since the top-flight was suspended in March due to the coronavirus. The competition resumed in June behind closed doors.

Saturday’s match was one of a number of trial events announced by the government for a phased return of spectators across a range of sports.

“Brighton and Hove Albion did a fantastic job at their test event for the return of supporters and it was great to see fans in a Premier League stadium for the first time since March,” said Masters.

“The success of having 2,500 supporters in the Amex was very encouraging and we are committed to having full stadia as soon as possible, with safety always our priority. We are working hard alongside our clubs, the government and the safety authorities to achieve this.”

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said the event went smoothly.

“Credit to our fans — they followed the guidelines, listened to requests from our stewards and, even at the end, when they stayed on to listen to the managers’ pitchside interviews on our stadium screens, they remained in their seats and observed social distancing.”

On Sunday the government announced the formation of the Sport Tech Innovation Group, which will include the Premier League and other sporting bodies, to explore high-tech solutions to allow more fans into stadiums.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden said this weekend marked “an important milestone” in the recovery of sport.

“I am doing everything I can to get fans back in the stands, following the teams and enjoying the sports they love,” he said. “Sport’s economic health depends on their return to stadiums, too.”

“We have blown the starting whistle on fans returning safely but our work is not done until every fan is back where they belong,” he added.

The new Premier League season starts behind closed doors on September 12.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/31GEyXW

Socceroo Grant the hero as Sydney FC win A-League final

Sydney (AFP) – Socceroo Rhyan Grant was the hero Sunday as Sydney FC beat Melbourne City 1-0 in extra-time to win the A-League Grand Final and etch their name in the history books.

The tireless defender timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from Luke Brattan and chest the ball home after the sides went scoreless over 90 minutes.

In front of 7,500 fans at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium — the most allowed under coronavirus restrictions — it was enough to earn Steve Corica’s team back-to-back titles.

It also handed them their fifth overall — a feat no other team has achieved in the league’s 15-year history.

“It’s nice, I maybe got a little bit lucky (with the goal) but happy days,” said Grant after crushing City’s dreams of a maiden crown.

“It was a Grand Final and a bit end-to-end at times, and a bit cagey. We just had to ride that out and make sure when we got chances we took them.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, it was City’s best-ever season. 

With French tactician Erick Mombaerts at the helm they amassed their biggest points tally, enjoyed their highest finish on the ladder, made the final and qualified for the AFC Champions League.

Sydney had the clear advantage on paper — it was their sixth final to City’s first and they came into the game having won the coronavirus-affected regular season premiership.

Under A-League rules, the teams that finished the season first (Sydney) and second (Melbourne City) progressed straight to the semi-finals.

Sydney beat Perth Glory 2-0 while City eased past Western United by the same scoreline.

“It is not easy going back-to-back, only one team has ever done it before in the history of the league, so it really means a lot to the team,” said manager Steve Corica.

“We set out sights at the start of the year to win the premiership and do the double, so full credit to the boys. They were sensational all year.”

City were sharper early in the game and they thought they’d opened their account when Harrison Delbridge drilled the ball into the net. 

But the VAR showed teammate Lachlan Wales was offside and obstructed the goalkeeper.

It was a fortunate escape for Sydney, with Melbourne enjoying their own slice of luck when an Adam le Fondre penalty appeal was ignored by the referee. Replays showed it was a questionable decision. 

Englishman Le Fondre and former Serbia international Milos Ninkovic both had opportunities early in the second stanza, but City goalkeeper Tom Glover did well to keep them out.

Scott Galloway produced City’s best chance, forcing a diving save from Andrew Redmayne, but despite pressure from both sides it went to extra time.

Sydney proved hungrier and Grant finally got the breakthrough on 100 minutes with Glover pulling off some fine saves as they pressed hard for a second.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2QC2KEx

Messi fails to attend coronavirus test – Barcelona sources

Barcelona (AFP) – Lionel Messi missed a coronavirus test at Barcelona’s training ground on Sunday morning, club sources have confirmed to AFP, raising the possibility he will now boycott pre-season to force a transfer. 

Without passing a coronavirus test, Messi will be unable to join team-mates for new coach Ronald Koeman’s first training session on Monday, with the start of the La Liga season less than two weeks away.

Messi was due to report for testing at 10:15am on Sunday but according to sources at Barca, he failed to show up at the Ciutat Esportiva.

The club’s captain and greatest ever player could now be punished with a fine and even a reduction in salary if the strike continues.

Luis Suarez — his best friend and strike partner — and Arturo Vidal were among players seen arriving for tests, despite both being told they should find new teams as part of a planned clear-out this summer.

The meet-up was a chance for Messi to make his first public appearance since the burofax stating his intention to leave arrived in the offices of Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Instead, his absence offers a clear indication of his determination to secure a move and how ugly this dispute could now become.

Taking part in the team’s pre-season programme could damage his legal case if his departure ends up being settled in court.

Barcelona insist a clause included in Messi’s contract that allowed him to go for free this summer had to be activated by June 10 and is therefore no longer valid.

The only way the 33-year-old will be allowed to depart, the club argue, is through his release clause, set at 700 million euros ($833 million) until his contract expires on June 30, 2021.

But Messi’s side believe the clause refers not to a specific date but to 10 days after the end of the season, which this year was extended into August due to the pandemic, with the Champions League final only played last weekend.

– Supporters still hoping –

His absence suggests he is prepared to do whatever it takes to quit the club he joined as 13-year-old boy, and where most expected him to continue all the way through to retirement.

Supporters, some of whom stormed Camp Nou in protest last week, remain hopeful Messi might still be persuaded.

Outside the training ground on Sunday morning, a young boy wearing a Messi shirt sat with his head in his hands, hoping his hero could yet return.

Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona daily with close links to the board, reported on Saturday that the club is defiant, even if every stance now could be a negotiating ploy.

“The more the days go by, the firmer the board and president Josep Maria Bartomeu are in not moving from their position,” it read. “Which is not to sell and, if possible, to renew the contract of Messi.”

Bartomeu made it known through the Spanish press on Thursday that he would resign if Messi said publicly that he was the problem and agreed to change his mind.

But Messi has remained steadfast. His snub on Sunday comes after he asked for a meeting, not to negotiate, but to begin facilitating an amicable and dignified departure.

“Messi’s decision to leave Barca irreversible,” read Diario Sport on Saturday.

Manchester City remain favourites to sign the 33-year-old, whose basic annual salary alone amounts to around 60 million euros.

If Barcelona and Messi decide to avoid a lengthy legal process, a compromise selling price of around 100 million euros could be within reach for Abu Dhabi-owned City, while eliminating their less wealthy rivals.

Messi has reportedly spoken to City coach Pep Guardiola already but others remain in the running, including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.

The Italian sides would likely require a much-reduced price to afford any deal. Juve might view the chance to combine Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as an historic sporting and commercial opportunity too good to pass up.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2QyGP14

Tottenham sign defender Doherty from Wolves

London (AFP) – Tottenham on Sunday announced the signing of defender Matt Doherty from Premier League rivals Wolves for an undisclosed fee reported to be £15 million ($20 million).

The 28-year-old Ireland right-back has signed a four-year deal with Spurs and becomes Jose Mourinho’s third signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joe Hart.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers,” Tottenham said on their official website.

Mourinho hailed his new signing: “I hate to play him so I’m so, so happy that I don’t play against him again. I’m so happy that we have him — incredible career for Wolves.”

“We want to have the best players, the best possible squad,” he added. “We are going to have months of competition non-stop and we need a better squad than we had last season.”

Doherty played youth football in Ireland before joining Wolves in 2010, where he made more than 300 appearances.

He helped Nuno Espirito Santo’s men to back-to-back seventh-place finishes and a Europa League quarter-final last season.

“I’m very proud to be joining such a big club,” Doherty said.

“(They have) the best stadium in the world and possibly the best training ground in the world from what I’ve seen. My time at Wolves was fantastic, I haven’t got a bad word to say about the whole club at all.”

Spurs finished sixth in the Premier League last season, ahead of Wolves on goal difference, and reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2Qzzj60

Messi anonymous as Barca players gather for pre-season tests

Barcelona (AFP) – Lionel Messi was not seen attending Barcelona’s training ground for coronavirus tests on Sunday morning, raising the possibility he will boycott pre-season to force his way out of the club. 

Barca’s new coach Ronald Koeman and first-team players entered through the front entrance to the Ciutat Esportiva but Messi was not among them, according to AFP journalists at Sant Joan Despi. 

Messi was due for testing at 10.15am, claimed reports in the Spanish press, but had already instructed the club through his lawyers that he would not be taking part. 

Without passing a coronavirus test, Messi will be unable to attend Koeman’s first pre-season training session on Monday, with the start of the new La Liga season less than two weeks away.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/3hJeVLx

Barcelona hold their breath as Messi weighs up pre-season return

Madrid (AFP) – The first indication of how determined Lionel Messi is to leave Barcelona and how ugly this dispute could become will be gauged at the club’s training ground on Sunday. 

Barca’s greatest ever player is due at the Ciutat Esportiva on Sunday morning for coronavirus tests, which must be taken and passed if he is to join Ronald Koeman’s first pre-season session on Monday. 

Messi’s attendance or absence will be his first public demonstration since the burofax that stated his intention to leave for free arrived in the offices of Camp Nou on Tuesday evening and shocked the world of football. 

Barcelona’s newly-appointed sporting director Ramon Planes said on Wednesday the expectation was Messi would be present on Sunday for testing and then training on Monday as usual. 

But while Messi was initially inclined to comply and avoid escalating tensions further, his lawyers have since advised him to stay away, Catalunya Radio were reporting on Saturday. 

Taking part in the team’s pre-season programme ahead of La Liga starting on September 12 could damage his legal case if his departure ends up being settled in court. 

Barcelona insist a clause included in Messi’s contract that allowed him to go for free this summer had to be activated by June 10 and is therefore no longer valid. 

The only way Messi will be allowed to depart, the club argue, is through his release clause, set at 700 million euros ($833 million) until his contract expires on June 30, 2021. 

But Messi’s side believe the clause refers not to a specific date but to 10 days after the end of the season, which this year was extended into August due to the pandemic, with the Champions League final only played last weekend. 

If the Argentinian refuses to show up for tests on Sunday, and by extension pre-season training on Monday, it will suggest there is no going back. 

The assumption will be that Messi is prepared to do whatever it takes to quit the club he joined as 13-year-old boy, and where most expected him to continue all the way through to retirement. 

– Barca standing firm, for now –

Instead, bitterness and resentment could accompany the unthinkable process of Messi being punished by Barcelona for absence, in the form of fines or a reduction in salary. 

If he returns, those supporters who stormed Camp Nou in protest this week, may feel an inkling of hope. 

Cajoled by team-mates — although many of them expect to leave too — Messi could be persuaded to stay. 

Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona daily with close links to the board, wrote on Saturday how the club is adamant the Argentinian will remain. 

“The more the days go by, the firmer the board and president Josep Maria Bartomeu are in not moving from their position,” it read. “Which is not to sell and, if possible, to renew the contract of Messi.” 

Yet every stance is arguably now a negotiating ploy and Messi’s return on Sunday might only offer false hope to the fans. 

Bartomeu made it known through the Spanish press on Thursday that he would resign if Messi said publicly that he was the problem and agreed to change his mind.

But Messi has instead asked for a meeting, not to negotiate, but to begin facilitating an amicable and dignified departure. 

“Messi’s decision to leave Barca irreversible,” read Diario Sport on Saturday. 

Manchester City remain favourites to sign the 33-year-old, whose basic salary alone amounts to around 60 million euros. 

If Barcelona and Messi decide to avoid a lengthy legal process, a compromise selling price of around 100 million euros could be within reach for City, while eliminating their less wealthy rivals. 

Messi has reportedly spoken to City coach Pep Guardiola already but others remain in the running, including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus. 

The Italian sides would likely require a much-reduced price to afford any deal. But Juve might view the chance to combine Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as an historic sporting and commercial opportunity too good to pass up. 

All of them will be watching eagerly on Sunday.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/3jsXlw4

Neymar, Nike part ways after 15 years

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Nike said Saturday it had parted ways with Neymar, ending one of its most high-profile sponsorship deals a decade and a half after signing the star striker as a 13-year-old prodigy.

“I can confirm Neymar is no longer a Nike athlete,” a spokesman for the US sportswear giant, Josh Benedek, said in an email to AFP, without giving further details. 

Media reports said the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil talisman was in talks with Nike’s German rivals Puma.

Brazilian news site UOL said Neymar and Nike had failed to reach a deal on how much money he would be paid for renewing his contract.

It said negotiations between the company and the footballer’s agents had run into trouble months ago.

Neymar’s communications team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Puma likewise did not immediately respond to questions about reports the company was in talks to sign him.

Neymar, who is fresh off the heartbreak of narrowly losing the Champions League final to Bayern Munich, currently holds the record for the most expensive football transfer in history.

PSG paid 222 million euros to bring him from Barcelona in 2017.

Forbes magazine, which ranks him the world’s seventh highest-paid celebrity, estimates his earnings for this year, including sponsorship deals, at $95.5 million.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2G5biBH