Overweight Tevez must shape up to play: Shenhua
SHANGHAI: LONDON: SHANGHAI’S NEW COACH WU JINGUI SAID EARLIER THIS MONTH THAT THE 33YEAROLD WAS OVERWEIGHT AND WOULD NOT PLAY AGAIN UNTIL HE SHAPED UP.
Handsomely paid Carlos Tevez cannot expect to play every game for the Shanghai Shenhua side just because of his famous name, the Chinese team warned on Monday, the latest twist in his turbulent spell with the club. The Argentine, among the highest earners in football on a reported $850,000 a week, has endured a miserable nine months in China and did not feature again at the weekend. Shanghai’s new coach Wu Jingui said earlier this month that the 33-year-old was overweight and would not play again until he shaped up, only to bring him on as a substitute for the derby at Shanghai SIPG days.
FIFA ENDS BAN ON PLAYERS WEARING POPPIES
FIFA has backed down in its row with British football authorities over the wearing of poppies by players in international matches as a tribute to those killed in war. Football associations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were fined by FIFA for ignoring warnings not to commemorate Armistice Day during their World Cup qualifiers last November. FIFA’s stance -- based on a strict interpretation of its laws against the use of personal, political or religious slogans or symbols -sparked widespread condemnation in Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May calling it “utterly outrageous” in Parliament. But now FIFA has sent its member associations new guidance, which says certain “initiatives” may appear on players’ kits. The document rules out “personal” or “religious... slogans, statements or images” but admits “political” is less clear, although it bans slogans and symbols related to political parties and governments. It adds: “When commemorating a significant national or international event, the sensibilities of the opposing team (including its supporters) and the general public should be carefully considered.”
TUNISIA CANCEL FRIENDLY
South Korea are searching for a new opponent for an Oct. 10 friendly date after Tunisia pulled out of the fixture for “internal reasons”, the Korea Football Association (KFA) said on Mon- day. The Koreans, who booked their place at a ninth straight World Cup finals earlier this month, have a friendly organised against 2018 hosts Russia in Moscow on Oct. 7 and had been due to play the Tunisians three days later in Switzerland. Local media reported that the KFA were now trying to line up Morocco as a replacement for Tunisia, who are scheduled to play a key World Cup qualifier against Guinea on Oct. 7.
VALENCIA MANAGER INJURED IN WIN
Valencia moved ahead of Real Madrid into fourth in La Liga as Simone Zaza’s winner five minutes from time edged a thrilling 3-2 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday. However, it was all too much for Valencia manager Marcelino who pulled his hamstring in celebrating the winner. Three times Valencia took the lead in San Sebastian, whilst both sides were also reduced to 10 men in the second-half.
SEOUL: MADRID: