Sports
FIFA Suspends Seven Players Over Forged Documents
FIFA on Friday suspended seven Malaysia national team players for 12 months and fined the country’s football association 350,000 Swiss francs ($440,000) over forged documents used for an Asia Cup qualifier.
World football’s disciplinary committee imposed the sanctions after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) doctored documentation to be able to field the players in a 4-0 win over Vietnam in June, it said in a statement.
FIFA acted after it received a complaint regarding the eligibility of a number of players who featured in the match.
As a result, Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano were all fined 2,000 Swiss francs.
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They were also banned from any football-related activity for 12 months.
Reacting to the suspension, the FAM said it would appeal the decision.
The body said it would “use all available legal channels and procedures to ensure that the interests of the players and the Malaysian national team are always protected”.
“FAM would like to emphasise that the players involved, and FAM itself, have acted in good faith and with full transparency throughout this process,” the association said in a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur.
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The FAM maintained that documentation and procedures were managed transparently and along FIFA guidelines.
“In fact, FIFA has previously reviewed the qualifications of the players and provided official confirmation that they are eligible to play for Malaysia,” the FAM said.
Malaysia currently top their 2027 Asia Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches, pending any further FIFA sanctions.
Sports
EPL: Berbatov Names Team That Can ‘Surprise’ Arsenal In Title Race
Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has named the team that could “surprise” Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners are now six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, thanks to their 4-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men could extend that lead to nine points, when they travel to face the Blues this weekend.
READ ALSO:EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola
Berbatov has now said he expects Arsenal to be “really tested” over the hectic festive period and says their title credentials will become clearer in the New Year.
“Of course Liverpool are low in the table and Man City are dropping points, but there are other teams like Chelsea who can surprise people,” Berbatov told ESPN.
“Six points is a good cushion but in the Premier League it’s nothing and can go very quickly.”
Sports
Champions League: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Bayern Munich Clash
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The Gunners have won their first four matches in the competition without conceding a single goal.
Arteta’s men will be looking to continue their perfect start with a win over Bayern at the Emirates.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arteta Wants FA To Overturn Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card In Arsenal Win
Arsenal could have captain Martin Odegaard back for the game, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.
“Yeah they are [Madueke and Martinelli in contenton to start] and we’re going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin [Odegaard],” Arteta told reporters today.
“He was very close for the previous game.
“We are confident he can be in the squad as well.”
Sports
EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, could be without Matheus Cunha for Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton.
ESPN reports that Cunha has picked up an injury in training.
The Brazilian suffered what is being described as a “minor knock” during a session on Saturday.
READ ALSO:EPL: Alan Smith Names Only Two Clubs To Compete For Title
It forced him to miss a scheduled appearance to switch on Christmas lights in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.
Amorim will be keen to have Cunha available, as he has already lost striker Benjamin Sesko to a knee injury.
Since his £62.5 million move from Wolves, Cunha has scored only once in 11 appearances.
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