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The ECB is close to securing a concession from the European Union which could enable it to place restrictions on the number of Kolpak players

Cricinfo staff29-May-2008The ECB is close to securing a concession from the European Union which could enable it to place restrictions on the number of Kolpak players in the English game, according to a report on the .The explosion in the number of Kolpak players, mainly from South Africa, engaged by counties has caused widespread concern. In one recent Championship match between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire there were 11 on show. They are able to play in England because of EU legislation and, as such, are not classified as overseas players.”It’s been a source of real contention for some time,” Alison Mitchell said. “I understand that the organisation lobbying the commission on behalf of the ECB is confident that there will soon be a statement from the commission which could lead to a situation which would enable the ECB to stop this happening. Essentially, they would be free to set their own criteria for such players coming over.”An announcement from the commission is expected next month but it is more than likely that there will be appeals lodged if the rules are amended in the ECB’s favour. The ECB has tried to tackle the problem by imposing financial penalties. At present, if a county fields a Kolpak player they are deducted £1100 from their annual handout. But many counties have not been dissuaded by that and the numbers have continued to increase.At present, Kolpaks are limited to a few Caribbean countries, South Africa and Zimbabwe, but it is believed that there is a possibility that Australia and New Zealand could be included in the near future, opening the floodgates to even more. The ECB is unable under existing EU legislation to ban or impose limits on Kolpak players, although the review appears to have come about as the law was originally intended to apply to trade rather than labour.

An update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, regarding Leeds’ interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to GiveMeSport, Leeds United have identified Rangers central midfielder Glen Kamara as a potential target this month.

The report claims that the Whites are keen on a deal for the Finland international, who is reportedly valued in the region of £10m.

Bielsa would love him

Victor Orta must sanction a deal for Kamara before the end of the transfer window. He could be a terrific addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield and couldbe the ideal replacement for Mateusz Klich in the starting XI.

The Poland international averaged a fairly dismal WhoScored rating of 6.51 in the Premier League last season, which suggests that Leeds could land an upgrade on his position with a new signing. He started 28 league matches and did contribute with four goals and five assists, but his rating shows that he was unable to consistently deliver quality performances.

Kamara, meanwhile, enjoyed an excellent season with Rangers last term. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.90 in 28 Scottish Premiership appearances and a score of 6.90 in 10 Europa League starts. This shows that he was able to turn up week-in-week-out and put in superb displays on the pitch, domestically and in Europe.

Of course, he was playing in a Rangers side that we dominating games more often than not, but his performances were very, very consistent, and that’s what managers want from their players.

His former manager at Dundee United, Neil McCann, hailed him as a special talent and said that he is receptive to taking instructions from his coaches.

He said: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

These comments from McCann will delight Bielsa as it highlights the midfielder’s ability to beat the press whilst also being willing to improve. The Argentine coach would love to have a player who is prepared to take on advice to improve himself or do a specific job on the pitch, which is why the former Marseille boss would surely love to have Kamara if Leeds were able to get him to Elland Road this summer.

Orta must get a deal over the line for the Finnish enforcer in the coming weeks. It could improve Leeds’ chances of being able to compete in the top half of the table, as he would surely improve their midfield options if he comes in.

AND in other news, “He’s not good enough” – Exclusive: Palmer drops verdict on LUFC target after £30m claim…

Some details have been shared of talks between MP Chi Onwurah, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi on the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Feelings known

Staveley, who is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium looking to take over at St James’ Park, spoke to Sky Sports referencing a letter that she wrote urging both the UK government and football regulators to ensure that the upcoming arbitration case against the Premier League is to be made public in order to give more transparency to the situation.

Her husband Ghodoussi has accused the Premier League of ‘delay tactics’ and ‘zero transparency’ in a strongly-worded tweet, claiming that ‘fans deserve better’.

The Latest: Staveley talks

Speaking to The Chronicle, Newcastle Central MP Onwurah has shared some details of a conversation she has had with both Staveley and Ghodoussi over the consequences of the Premier League’s actions over the whole takeover saga, and vowed to push for answers from them, saying:

“My conversation with Ms Staveley and Mr Ghodoussi gave me greater insight into the consequences of the Premier League’s actions for the takeover, the club, the fans and the city.

“I find it entirely unacceptable that key decisions which affect this critical cultural and economic asset of ours should be taken without any accountability or transparency, leaving it for fans to speculate on the true reasons behind the Premier League’s actions and who is influencing them.

“I shall be pursuing my quest for answers with the Premier League and the government. Oliver Dowden says football is nothing without the fans, but is content to allow the Premier League to shut them out entirely of key decisions about the club.

“Boris Johnson says he is serious about levelling up, but not levelling up North East football fans to at least a spectator’s seat at the Premier League table.”

The Verdict: Transparency needed

The Toon Army certainly deserve some transparency for the forthcoming arbitration process, so the Premier League should also be calling for it to be made public.

The whole takeover saga has simply gone on long enough now as Newcastle have gone into another summer transfer window with uncertainty. That does not bode well for their preparations ahead of the new 2021/22 season, which is set to begin in five weeks’ time.

The Magpies will be hoping that the arbitration hearing is as swift as possible so that they can find out the results that they need, and potentially speed up the takeover process.

In other news, NUFC are favourites to sign this Premier League colossus once dubbed an ‘absolute beast’

Leeds United have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit to sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira.

What’s the story?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Saudi side Al Hilal have made an initial offer of £5.9m (€7m) for the 25-year-old magician following an impressive 2020/21 campaign.

Several Premier League sides have been linked with a move for Pereira in recent weeks, including Leeds, but Konur claims Al Hilal are currently locked in talks with West Brom after making an opening bid.

Upgrade on Klich

Despite the Baggies’ struggles last season, Pereira enjoyed a fabulous maiden campaign in the Premier League, bagging 11 goals and providing a further six assists for his teammates in 33 appearances.

Although his efforts weren’t enough to keep West Brom in the top-flight, the Brazilian’s standout displays did enough to catch the eye of several potential suitors.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are one side credited with an interest in the diminutive forward, but the club’s hierarchy are going to have to act quickly in order to secure their man.

The Whites shocked many onlookers with their performances, finishing in an incredible ninth position following a 16-year absence from the Premier League.

However, Bielsa will be keen to build on that solid start to life back in the elite league and has already added former Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo to his ranks ahead of 2021/22.

Another position where the enigmatic Argentine tactician is expected to strengthen is in central midfield. Rodrigo de Paul was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road last summer, but the South American has since joined La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Therefore, a move for Pereira appears to be a logical solution to Leeds’ needs. Poland international Mateusz Klich was a mainstay in the club’s engine room last term, but the numbers indicate that Pereira would be a significant upgrade on the 31-year-old.

As per WhoScored, Klich managed a respectable four goals and five assists while on league duty last season, falling behind the West Brom man on both metrics.

Pereira also outperformed him when it came down to the underlying figures as well, though, managing 1.2 dribbles per league game and 1.8 key passes compared to Klich’s tally of 0.4 and 1.3, respectively.

Signing Pereira would bolster an already impressive Leeds attack, but Director of Football Victor Orta will have to see off substantial competition for the £13.5m-rated ace’s signature.

And, in other news…Orta jets out to discuss Leeds deal for £26m “machine”, Bielsa will be over the moon 

David Norris has labelled the arrival of Junior Firpo as a statement signing by Leeds United.

The Dominican Republic-born left-back, who has been capped at under-21 level by Spain, has joined the Yorkshire club from Spanish giants Barcelona.

Firpo has penned a four-year deal after completing a move worth £13million.

The 24-year-old made 18 appearances for Barcelona last season, including six in the UEFA Champions League.

Firpo has made the move to Elland Road just a matter of days after North Macedonia left-back Ezgjan Alioski’s departure was confirmed following the expiry of his contract.

Leeds had to fight off stiff competition to secure Firpo’s services, with Premier League rivals Southampton among those also earmarking the full-back as a potential arrival.

But Firpo insisted the influence of Victor Orta played a key role in deciding his future lies at Elland Road.

Former Leeds midfielder Norris insists the arrival of Firpo should not be underestimated.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I think it’s a big statement of intent. It always is when you can beat other clubs to signings.

“I think he has caught the eye of quite a lot of clubs over the last few months, so it makes Leeds look really good.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Em fase final de recuperação, o meia Danilo está empolgado com o Corinthians. O experiente jogador elogiou o grupo e disse acreditar em briga por títulos nesta temporada.

– O clima é muito bom. Futebol não depende só de jogador, depende muito do treinador, e o Carille conhece todo mundo, acho que isso faz muita diferença. O grupo é bom, tenho certeza de que vamos brigar por muita coisa esse ano – afirmou Danilo, que curtiu o primeiro dia de desfiles das escolas de samba de São Paulo no Camarote Bar Brahma.

– O tem peças de reposição à altura, com jogadores de qualidade. Quando encaixar, vai embora – acrescentou.

Danilo trabalha em dois períodos para voltar a ficar à disposição em abril. O meia sofreu fraturas na tíbia e na fíbula da perna direita no dia 30 de agosto do ano passado.

– Minha recuperação está boa, na parte final, uma lesão que é complicada, demorada, mas está boa. Se Deus quiser, em abril estou de volta. A princípio esse é o prazo, mas a gente sabe que essa lesão não é fácil, estou treinando em dois períodos todo dia para voltar em abril. Isso faz parte, fiquei parado quatro meses. Estou confiante, tem que matar um leão por dia e recuperar o tempo perdido. Futebol é assim, espero voltar em abril bem – disse.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Ituano venceu o São Bento por 1 a 0, no estádio Novelli Junior, em Itu, pela 3ª rodada do Campeonato Paulista de 2017. Apesar da importante vitória, a segunda seguida do time da casa, o fato que mais chamou a atenção foi o bizarro gol contra que rendeu os três pontos.

Aos 21 minutos do primeiro tempo, o zagueiro João Paulo, do São Bento, tentou recuar do meio de campo para o goleiro Rodrigo Viana. No meio do caminho, porém, a bola ganhou força e encobriu o arqueiro, que ainda tentou salvar com uma bicicleta, mas ela já havia cruzado a linha.

Na saída para o intervalo da partida, João Paulo comentou o lance e assumiu a culpa pelo erro que mais tarde se concretizou como aquele que causou a derrota do São Bento.

– Falha minha, não tem o que falar. Tem o segundo tempo todo, estamos criando e pressionando. Errei, não tem o que fica falando – lamentou.

O zagueiro, porém, não voltou para o segundo tempo. Por opção do técnico Paulo Roberto, ele foi substituído por Gabriel Santos. O placar não mais foi movimentado até o apito final do árbitro.

Com o resultado, o Ituano lidera o Grupo A da competição com sete pontos, quatro a mais do que São Bernardo, Botafogo-SP e Corinthians, que ainda jogarão na rodada. Já o São Bento completou sua terceira derrota em três jogos e está na lanterna do Grupo C.

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New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said there was no truth in the rumour that the third National Bank Test match at Eden Park between New Zealand and England was to be transferred to Hamilton

Lynn McConnell27-Feb-2002New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said there was no truth in the rumour that the third National Bank Test match at Eden Park between New Zealand and England was to be transferred to Hamilton.The rumour has surfaced over the past few days.Snedden said he was concerned with the portable pitch used for the recent Auckland-Canterbury State Championship match at Eden Park.He said he had stipulated at the start of the summer that if a portable pitch was to be used for the England Test it had to be tested during a State Championship game on Eden Park No 1.The pitch for the Auckland-Canterbury game had been “fairly abysmal,” he said and after receiving the pitch reports he had put WestpacTrust Park in Hamilton on stand-by for the Test match, in case there were problems.He expressed his concerns to the Eden Park board and they, with NZC and Auckland Cricket, ensured that intensive preparation was put into the pitch preparation for the One-Day International played last weekend.The pitch for the ODI was a different portable to that used for the Auckland-Canterbury game. There are three pitches available for use as portable pitches.However, he was delighted with the way the pitch came through for the ODI and Eden Park would be the venue for the third Test.

أكد جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي، برناردو سيلفا، على صعوبة توقع نتيجة مباراة أتلتيكو مدريد في ذهاب دور الثمانية من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 2021/2022.

ويلتقي مانشستر سيتي وأتلتيكو مدريد يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “الاتحاد” بقيادة الحكم الروماني، إيفان كوفاكس.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جوارديولا عن طريقة لعب سيميوني: مانشستر سيتي يفوز أحيانًا باللعب القبيح

وتحدث سيلفا عن المباراة في المؤتمر الصحفي، وقال: “الإجابة الصادقة هي أننا لا نعرف بماذا نتوقع، لا نعرف ما إذا كان أتلتيكو مدريد سيضغط أم لا، لا نعرف أسلوبهم أثناء المباراة لكنها ستكون مباراة صعبة للغاية”.

وأضاف: “لن تكون مباراة مفتوحة لأننا ندرك جيدًا مدى قوة أتلتيكو مدريد، التفاصيل الصغيرة هي من تحسم هذه المباريات الصعبة، نتوقع منافسًا شرسًا على المستوى الدفاعي والهجمات المرتدة”.

وتابع: “يمتلك أتلتيكو مدريد أسلوب لعب مشابه لبعض الفرق في الدوري الإنجليزي لكنه يضم لاعبين من الأفضل في العالم، لذا لا يمكن مقارنته بهم، إذا نظرت إلى أفضل الفرق في الدوري الإنجليزي فهم لا يلعبون بنفس أسلوبهم، فهم فريق منظم ولدى مدربهم أفكار واضحة، هذا ما فعلوه أمام مانشستر يونايتد وليفربول قبل عامين”.

وأتم تصريحاته: “أفضل ما يمكننا القيام به هو اللعب بأسلوبنا المعروف، ومحاولة التسجيل والتغلب عليهم في أرض الملعب، الباقي متروك للحكام، فهم مستواهم جيد جدًا في دوري أبطال أوروبا ولا شك في قراراتهم”.

Northern Districts dispelled any dangers of electing to bat first on a Centennial Park pitch showing a slight tinge of green, by making an assured 242/6 from their 50 overs

Warwick Larkins12-Jan-2001Northern Districts dispelled any dangers of electing to bat first on a Centennial Park pitch showing a slight tinge of green, by making an assured 242/6 from their 50 overs.For the State Insurance Northern Knights Mark Bailey scored a good 65, Grant Bradburn a valuable 60 not out, James Marshall 38 and captain Robbie Hart remaining unbeaten on 29 at the end of the innings alongside Bradburn.For the Volts with the ball Paul Wiseman excelled with 1-28 from 10 overs, with Craig Cumming also impressing with 2-40 from his 10. Of the remainder of the Otago attack no-one was really collared – Warren McSkimming (1-34 off seven), Simon Forde (1-37 off seven), Craig Pryor (0-40 off 7), Matthew Horne (0-36 off 6) and David Sewell (0-14 off three).The Knights total seemed an achievable one for Otago, but the Volts required someone to make a substantial score. However from the outset the 243 required never really looked likely until the last seven overs. Even then a victory would have been a miracle had it had been achieved.Batting at number 10 Warren McSkimming scored a whirlwind 59 not out from 31 balls and almost won the day. Only 34 runs were needed off the last three overs and the way McSkimming was going a slight chance remained. But Tuffey and Yovich bowled well and ensured the win and with nine required from the last ball, it proved even beyond the skills of McSkimming.Previously Matthew Horne (36), Craig Cumming (30), Martyn Croy (28) and Craig Pryor (26) had all chimed in without going on, a problem that ultimately proved very costly for the Volts.A deserved win to the State Northern Knights by eight runs over the State Otago Volts was assisted by a solid bowling effort, led by Bradburn having a fine all-round day with 3-34 from 10 overs. Daniel Vettori returned from a lengthy break for injury with 2-33 from eight overs, while Alex Tait (2-48 off 10), Daryl Tuffey (1-46 off 10), Simon Doull (1-21 off 6) were the other wicket-takers.