UEFA fired a shot across the bows of their global counterparts FIFA yesterday when they said they were reluctant to allow a European club to compete in the second FIFA World Club Championships.
Manchester United and Real Madrid competed for Europe in the inaugural tournament in Brazil in January, but UEFA had expressed misgivings about the effect on the fixture lists. Both Real and United had to get special dispensations from their national associations to be exempted from domestic matches to compete. United missed the FA Cup.
UEFA director general Gerhard Aigner, speaking in Switzerland yesterday, indicated a tougher line next time: "Bearing in mind what happened with English side Manchester United, bearing in mind with the conditions of the game, the climate and the fact that UEFA was not really consulted we will show our resolve when it comes to sending teams for the next edition."
Manchester United have agreed a record-breaking Stg £30 million sponsorship deal with mobile phone company Vodafone, which beat British Airways and Yahoo! to the deal. The four-year agreement, which begins in June, will see Vodafone's logo included on the team's shirts.
The club's deputy chief executive Peter Kenyon said that Vodafone would bring the "capability to provide our fans around the world with the best services giving them news and information about the team anywhere, any time".
Referee Mike Reed has been severely reprimanded by the English Premier League for his celebratory gesture following a Liverpool goal in last Saturday's match with Leeds. Reed was seen to clench his fist and show his delight after Patrik Berger scored Liverpool's second in their 3-1 win at Anfield - but said afterwards he was congratulating himself on a decision to play advantage.
The League publicly censured him yesterday: Premier League spokesman Mike Lee said: "Having considered the available information, we have issued a reprimand and a warning to Mike Reed for his actions on February 5.
"While we understand the emotions involved, it "It is essential that match officials do not make gestures which could lead to misinterpretation," said Premier League spokesman Mike Lee.
"It does not help when public comments are made by an official while the matter is still under consideration by the League," he added. Reid has been moved from the televised game at Everton (against Newcastle) on March 19th.
Nigeria have made it to tomorrow's African Nations Cup final against Cameroon despite a turbulent run-up to the competition. The Nigerians were without a coach just months before the Nations Cup finals, which they co-hosted with Ghana. They played no serious warm-up games, had a chaotic training camp in December and were embroiled in a pay dispute after the competition started. But the team put on a devastating show of power on Thursday in beating South Africa 2-0 in the semi-final in Lagos.
