1 Havelange back in intensive care
A doctor treating Joao Havelange has described the former FIFA president’s condition as “serious” after Havelange’s health deteriorated overnight.
Dr. Joao Mansur Filho of Samaritano Hospital said 95-year-old Havelange, who was hospitalised last month with a serious bacterial infection, was suffering from “cardiac and respiratory insufficiency.”
Havelange, who ran FIFA from 1974 until he was succeeded by Sepp Blatter in 1998, remains an honorary president of the world governing body despite stepping down from the International Olympic Committee at the end of last year, two days before he was due to face an ethics investigation.
Havelange was reported to have been named as one of the FIFA officials who had taken bribes from ISL, along with his former son-in-law Ricardo Teixeira.
Blatter had promised that FIFA would publish a Swiss court file on the ISL case by last December but two anonymous objectors – reported to be Havelange and Teixeira – successfully applied to the Swiss supreme court to prevent publication.
2 Peszko kicked out of Poland’s Euro’s squad
Poland midfielder Slawomir Peszko is set to miss Euro 2012 after being axed from the national side after being arrested at the weekend following an alcohol-fuelled argument with a Cologne taxi at the weekend
Peszko apologised for the incident, which took place during a night out with fellow international Marcin Wasilewski, who plays for Anderlecht.
Peszko was dropped by Cologne after spending a night in a police cell and fined an unspecified sum. Poland coach Franciszek Smuda subsequently announced that the player will not feature in his squad at Euro 2012.
“Peszko is out, as this was a repeat offence. He won’t be in my team. End of story,” Smuda was quoted by daily Przeglad Sportowy.
3 Alan Davies apologises for Hillsborough rant
Comedian and Arsenal fan Alan Davies has apologised for his rant against Liverpool for refusing to play on the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. His comments, which you can hear here prompted a furious reaction from Liverpool fans, prompting an apology from Davies and a £1000 donation to the Justice for the 96 campaign.
4 Balotelli escapes punishment over Song challenge
Mario Balotelli could still play again for Manchester City this season after the FA issued a three-match ban for his sending-off against Arsenal at the weekend but decided against any retrospective action for his violent challenge on Alex Song.
Balotelli could now feature in City’s final few matches of the season, assuming manager Roberto Mancini selects him.
A more worrying concern for Balotelli will be comments from Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, which cast doubts on the player’s participation at Euro 2012.
Disciplinarian Prandelli has been keen to include Balotelli in his final 23-man squad but hinted today that the player’s disciplinary record may now prompt a re-think of his position.
“I will watch his sending off before deciding whether or not to apply the code of ethics for Balotelli,” said Prandelli, who has previously excluded players if they are serving a club ban for violent conduct.
5 Hello world, Pele has joined Twitter
Pele is on Twitter, apparently. So far, @pele has only tweeted twice (the same message in English and Portuguese) but already has 130,000 followers.
6 Abidal in hospital for liver transplant
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal went into hospital today to undergo liver transplant surgery. A club spokesman would not give any more details but Abidal is expected to remain in hospital for a minimum of 15 days.
Medical experts have warned that the operation is likely to put 32-year-old Abidal’s place in France’s Euro 2012 in doubt.
7 Blatter – fool or fake? You decide
A bit of fun with Uncle Sepp. This gem comes from anti-Blatter campaigners Solidar. Nice work for Blatter lookalikes… while it lasts.
8 Goal of the day – a cheeky little number from Ireland
Our goal of the day comes from the League of Ireland and features a Poborsky-style lob from St Patrick’s teenager Chris Forrester against Shamrock Rovers. Watch it here
