A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Faurlin not to blame for QPR's plight, says Taarabt
ALEJANDRO FAURLIN should have no blame attached to him in the FA investigation that could lead to Queens Park Rangers’ missing out on promotion to the Premier League. That is the message the Argentinian midfielder at the centre of the inquiry has received from his QPR team-mates, Adel Taarabt said.
“We told him it is not your fault,” Taarabt said of Faurlin ahead of the FA disciplinary hearing beginning today into charges arising from his 2009 transfer to west London.
It is common practice for South American players’ registrations to belong to agents or investment companies rather than their clubs; however in England such arrangements breach FA and Premier League rules. It was reported in March that in the Faurlin case Instituto de Cordoba, his former club, received nothing from the transfer. The FA refused to comment about any element of the affair yesterday. However the case has led to seven charges which will be considered by a disciplinary commission this week.
Suarez wants to make Europa League
LUIS SUAREZ is anxious to ensure Liverpool will not be exiled from continental competition for the first time in 12 years. To avoid that fate, Kenny Dalglish’s team need to win their battle with Tottenham for fifth place in the league. The prize is Europa League involvement but Suarez has an answer for those Anfield regulars who believe the former Champions League winners are above what many regard as a second-string contest.
“For me it’s important, it’s the sort of competition you want to play in. A club like Liverpool must aim to win it. We have to do everything to win as many competitions as we can,” said Suarez.
“The Europa League is our objective. When I came I wanted to help Liverpool get there. When the second half of the season started, it looked really difficult but we have kept winning games and we’ve just been hoping Tottenham drop points.”
Hyypia announces his retirement
BAYER LEVERKUSEN defender and former Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia has announced his retirement at the age of 37.
The Finland centre-back will take up a coaching role with the German club next season and it is also planned for him to be involved in his national teams set-up.
“The decision to retire gradually grew during the season,” Hyypia said. “I had no interest any more to go elsewhere to play. There are no regrets. Thanks to all those who have helped during the course of my career and to my relatives a big thank you, without family and friends it would not have been possible.
During a glittering 10-year career at Anfield central defender Hyypia, a £2.5 million signing from Dutch side Willem II in 1999, won the Champions League, Uefa Cup, two FA Cups, two League Cups and two European Super Cups.
Southampton edge to promotion
SOUTHAMPTON all but secured promotion to the English League Championship after confirming Plymouths relegation with a 3-1 win at Home Park yesterday. Nigel Adkins side are now three points clear of third-placed Huddersfield with a far superior goal difference than the Terriers with one match remaining.
Southamptons top scorer Rickie Lambert took his league tally to 21 goals with two strikes as Argyles south coast rivals tore into Peter Reids team. Saints took the lead in the 45th minute when Lambert headed home at the far post. They doubled their advantage in the 49th minute when Ryan Dickson sidefooted in off the post. Lambert doubled his tally with a 59th-minute penalty before Yannick Bolasie scored for Plymouth.
Inter deny talks with Tevez
INTER MILAN president Massimo Moratti insists his club have not held any talks about a possible move to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez this summer.
The Argentinian forward was reported to have met with Inter officials during a recent trip to Italy. When asked about Tevez’s recent trip to Milan, Moratti said on the club’s official website, www.inter.it: “I saw that on TV but there is no connection at all with us.”
Serie A trio 'want' Kranjcar
NIKO KRANJCAR’S agent claims Lazio, Roma and Juventus are all interested in signing the Tottenham midfielder and expects his future to be decided within the next 10 days.
Kranjcar was a regular member of Harry Redknapp’s starting XI last year but he has fallen down the pecking order this term, largely due to the improvement of Gareth Bale and the signing of Steven Pienaar.
The 26-year-old has only made 17 appearances for the Londoners this season, with his last start coming almost two months ago when he scored in Spurs’ 2-1 win at Sunderland. Kranjcar turned down the chance to move to Werder Bremen in January, but may be tempted to move to one of the Serie A teams interested in him this summer if Redknapp cannot give him assurances about his future.
“Niko is not happy with the situation at Tottenham at the moment. He wants to play. It is a shame that a man of Niko’s quality is on the bench,” Aliaj said. “He is loyal to the club and has a contract but it is difficult for him.”
