DDCA sacks Wassan, Chopra, Maninder from selection roles

The Delhi & District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) sports committee has decided to sack former India players Atul Wassan and Nikhil Chopra from the state’s senior selection panel, while removing Maninder Singh from the junior selection panel

PTI05-Nov-2016The Delhi & District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) sports committee has decided to sack former India players Atul Wassan and Nikhil Chopra from the state’s senior selection panel, while removing Maninder Singh from the junior selection panel.The sports committee included national selector Sarandeep Singh in the panel citing the general convention that national selectors are always made chairman of state selection committee, as it had been the case with Madan Lal, Kirti Azad and Chetan Chauhan to name a few.It also named former legspinner Rakesh Shukla in the panel, but this could be in violation of the norms of the BCCI, which had set an age-cap of 60 for being eligible for the role. Shukla is currently 68.In place of Maninder Singh, the committee named former wicketkeeper-batsman Vinay Kumar.There could be far-reaching legal implications of this decision, as Chopra and Wassan were appointed by a panel selected by Justice Mukul Mudgal, who is the Delhi High Court-appointed observer. Those in know of the legal ramifications feel that this could be a case of contempt of court by the sports committee, which has been sidelined since Mudgal started overseeing DDCA matters.A press release issued by the sports committee’s convenor, Vinod Tihara, stated the decision was taken “in the wake of the persistent complaints being received by the DDCA management regarding the alleged commercial engagements of three selectors namely: Maninder Singh, Atul Wassan and Nikhil Chopra.”Wassan, Chopra and Maninder all have media contracts, which the sports committee claimed was a case of conflict of interest.When Chopra’s comments were sought, he said: “This is news to me. I have been appointed by a committee that was formed by Delhi High Court-appointed observer Justice Mukul Mudgal. And what conflict of interest are they talking about? These are some vested interests at work.”When Tihara was asked if this decision amounted to contempt of court or trying to overrule the High Court-appointed observer, he told PTI: “I don’t think question of contempt arises as Justice Mudgal is an observer and not an administrator. As far as Shukla’s age and appointment is concerned, we will check if this violates the norms set by BCCI.”Asked if Delhi coach KP Bhaskar would also be removed as he was also appointed by the panel set by Mudgal, Tihara said: “No we are not going to remove Bhaskar as it would seem like having a vindictive attitude. We heard some complaints about some alleged misbehaviour with the boys. After an internal inquiry we found out that nothing of that sort has happened. Also he does not have any case of conflict of interest.”

تين هاج قبل مواجهتي مانشستر سيتي وليفربول: أشم رائحة الرغبة في الفوز

أكد إريك تين هاج، المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر يونايتد أنه يستطيع شم رائحة الرغبة في الفوز، في معسكر فريقه، قبل الديربي يوم الأحد أمام مانشستر سيتي.

ويلتقي مانشستر سيتي ومانشستر يونايتد يوم الأحد المقبل، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

ويرغب مانشستر يونايتد في تحقيق الفوز أمام غريمه، آملاً في تعزيز فرصه بالتواجد في المراكز المؤهلة لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الثاني في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي، خلف المتصدر ليفربول بفارق نقطة، أما مانشستر يونايتد يقع في المركز السادس بجدول الترتيب.

مانشستر يونايتد سيلاقي ليفربول في كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي بالدور ربع النهائي، بحسب ما أسفرت القرعة التي وقعت أمس الأربعاء.

وقال تين هاج في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية: “اللاعبون يتطلعون إلى ذلك، أستطيع أن أشم رائحة ذلك عندما أكون هنا”.

وأضاف: “مستوانا، نحن أيضًا في حالة جيدة والروح جيدة جدًا، نحن متحدون، ولدينا القدرة على العمل الجماعي لوضع خطة لعب جيدة، لقد فعلنا ذلك من قبل ضد مانشستر سيتي، ومؤخرًا ضد ليفربول”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تين هاج يعلن موقف برونو فرنانديز وفاران من مواجهة مانشستر سيتي

وواصل: “لديهم فريق جيد ولكن هناك المزيد من الفرق الجيدة، لقد فازوا بكل شيء في الموسم الماضي، لذلك نحن نعرف التحدي ولكن أيضًا ليفربول لديه فريق جيد جدًا ونحن نحب التحديات”.

وسبق أن صرح السير جيم راتكليف، المالك المشارك الجديد لمانشستر يونايتد، الأسبوع الماضي أن مهمة النادي هي إبعاد مانشستر سيتي وليفربول عن المنافسة.

وعلّق تين هاج: “لذلك أعتقد أن (تعليق راتكليف) لا علاقة له ببعضنا البعض ولكننا نريد الفوز في كل مباراة، هذه هي عقليتنا دائمًا ونهجنا في كل مباراة”.

وأصر: “نريد دائمًا اللعب ضد الأفضل، يمكنك أيضًا أن ترى أن المنافس يحقق أفضل النتائج أمام مانشستر يونايتد وربما تكون هذه المباراة هي المباراة الأخرى”.

وأردف: “نحن نعلم أنه يتعين علينا تقديم كل شيء وإظهار أداء الفريق إذا كنت ترغب في الحصول على نتيجة، فإذا فعلت ذلك، فهو ممكن”.

وعما إذا كانت نتيجة يوم الأحد ستحدد محاولة مانشستر يونايتد لإنهاء الموسم في دوري أبطال أوروبا، رد “لا، لأن هناك العديد من المباريات التي يجب لعبها”.

وأتم “بعد السيتي تأتي العديد من المباريات، نحن نعلم أنه يتعين علينا اللحاق بالركب ولكن هناك أيضًا الكثير من المباريات التي يتعين علينا اللحاق بها والوصول إلى المركز الصحيح”.

Rangers Could Land Palma Alternative In 19 Year Old Gem

Glasgow Rangers require some much-needed attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window as they aim to fill the void left by Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.

It won't be easy to replace them, however, Michael Beale is eyeing up a few players in the market who could arrive at Ibrox and make an impression. One such player was winger Luis Palma, who the club were interested in recently, yet reports this week have claimed that the deal is now off as Rangers aren’t willing to pay the £4.5m for the 23-year-old, and it appears as though Beale will now have to move on swiftly.

The 42-year-old may have already found an ideal alternative, with American. Brian Gutierrez being eyed up for a potential move according to the Daily Mail.

The Gers face competition for the teen however as Manchester United are also keeping tabs on him, yet securing a work permit may prove to be a stickler for any potential move this summer.

Could Brian Gutierrez improve Rangers?

The left-winger has enjoyed a wonderful start to his professional career at MLS side Chicago Fire, already racking up 75 senior appearances, registering 13 goal contributions across those games.

His creative talents have certainly been on show during the 2023 MLS campaign as the youngster has created four big chances, made one key pass per game and has succeeded with 1.5 dribbles per match – a success rate of 64% – showcasing all the attributes of a successful winger.

He even made more dribbles than Palma did during the entirety of the 2022/2023 season, while creating the same amount of big chances and failing slightly behind on key passes per game, with Palma managing 1.4, suggesting that the 19-year-old would be a fine alternative.

Honduras forward Luis Palma.

His coach at Chicago Fire, Frank Klopas, has lauded his player as someone who simply “has everything” before stating that he is “good with the ball, his work rate, key passes, ability to beat players, technical ability." And making a move for the winger should be a priority now that Palma is reportedly off the cards.

Gutierrez has plenty of experience for someone so young, and he could further develop his skills in Scotland, as he will be given plenty of game time under Beale if he did join the Light Blues.

With a void to fill on the left flank, the youngster has shown that he means business in the senior ranks and could be a gamble worth taking.

Supreme Court limits BCCI's financial freedom

The Supreme Court of India has directed the BCCI not to distribute funds to its state associations until they comply with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations

Nagraj Gollapudi21-Oct-20165:23

Kalra: Supreme Court giving BCCI as much breathing space as it can

The Supreme Court of India has passed an order that limits the BCCI’s financial freedom and power until the board and its state associations comply with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations.In a 25-page order issued on Friday, the court directed the BCCI not to distribute funds to its state associations until they submit affidavits stating compliance with the recommendations to the court and the Lodha Committee in two weeks. The order was passed by a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India TS Thakur and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.The court also asked BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke to meet the Lodha Committee before November 3. They were required to submit an “affidavit of compliance” in the court by December 3, elaborating on the recommendations already implemented by the BCCI and what it had done to persuade the state associations to adopt the recommendations. The court scheduled the next hearing for December 5.BCCI’s financial wings clipped

The Supreme Court has asked the Lodha Committee to oversee financial transactions undertaken by the board by putting in place the following measures:
♢ Appoint an independent auditor to check the income received and expenditure incurred by the BCCI
♢ Fix a threshold value for BCCI contracts which would be overseen by the auditor from the tender stage
♢ Approve or disapprove BCCI contracts above the threshold value and obtain the advice of the auditors on the fairness of the tendering process
♢ Formulate the terms of engagement and reference for the auditors. The BCCI shall bear the costs, charges and expenses of the auditors

In another significant decision, the court asked the Lodha Committee to appoint an independent auditor to verify the BCCI’s accounts. The Lodha Committee was also asked to set a “threshold value” for various contracts the BCCI enters into, and all contracts in excess of that amount would need the committee’s approval. The next major contract for the board is the IPL broadcast deal, set to be finalised on October 25.”I’ve always maintained that we have the highest respect for judiciary. We have welcomed the Lodha Committee recommendations, we more than welcome them because we have nothing to hide,” Thakur told after the order came out. “I’m very optimistic in my approach and I am sure some of the issues that we have requested for a re-look will be addressed. We are not fighting against anyone. All I have been saying is that there is confusion regarding certain recommendations. I am sure a dialogue can be had in the interest of the game.”Friday’s order is the second one issued this week by the court, after an interim order on October 17 in response to the Lodha Committee’s status report, which had recommended that the BCCI office bearers be “superseded” and a panel of administrators be appointed because the board was impeding the implementation of the court-approved recommendations.In its order the court noted that there was “substance in the status report”. It also said the BCCI was in “breach” of the July 18 court order that had approved the majority of recommendations in the Lodha Committee’s report and asked the board and states to implement them in four to six months. “Implementation of the final judgment of this Court dated 18 July 2016 has prima facie been impeded by the intransigence of BCCI and its office bearers,” the court order said.The court said that “at this stage” it was refraining from approving the Lodha Committee’s suggestion to supersede the BCCI office bearers because the board had said in a submission to the court that “it would make every genuine effort to persuade the state associations” to comply with the recommendations.The BCCI’s position had been that it could not implement the Lodha Committee’s recommendations without a majority of its state associations agreeing to do so. The key recommendations the board said the states were reluctant to accept were the one-state-one-vote policy, the age cap of 70 for administrators, and the limit of three, three-year terms with cooling-off periods in between for office bearers.The court order put the states under pressure to comply by cutting off their funding. “The BCCI shall forthwith cease and desist from making any disbursement of funds for any purpose whatsoever to any state association until and unless the state association concerned adopts a resolution undertaking to implement the recommendations of the Committee as accepted by this Court in its judgment dated 18 July,” the court order said. A state was to receive funds from the BCCI only after the resolution, signed by its president, was submitted to the committee and the court.The court said it had taken cognisance of the argument raised by the board’s legal counsel Kapil Sibal, who had said the BCCI would “demonstrate” to the Lodha Committee how it had already fulfilled some of the recommendations. The court asked the committee to verify whether there had been “full compliance”.

Newcastle Plot Swoop For £40m Premier League Talent

Newcastle United could be set for another summer of spending to bolster their impressive squad after securing Champions League football next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Tino Livramento?

According to The NUFC Blog, Newcastle are plotting a move for Southampton star Valentino Livramento this summer.

As per the report, the club's hierarchy have been in contact with representatives of the talented full-back and are also interested in his teammate Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Livramento is represented by the same football agency – Wasserman – as Eddie Howe and Newcastle stalwart Ryan Fraser, so it is claimed that clear lines of communication have been made in pursuit of the player.

Would Livramento be a good signing for Newcastle?

It is no secret that Howe is a big believer in nurturing young English talent, something he proved during his tenure at Bournemouth and has started to implement in his current team with England U21s international Anthony Gordon the latest to join the fold at St James' Park.

As a result, the signing of Livramento – who has a reported price tag of £40m – would make perfect sense for the Magpies manager and could even be the rightful heir to Kieran Trippier's huge role in the team.

Unfortunately, the 20-year-old – hailed a "great talent" by former Spurs ace Ledley King – suffered an ACL injury in April 2022 but did manage to return to the final two games of the season when Southampton had already confirmed relegation from the Premier League.

The rising star – who graduated from Chelsea's famous Cobham academy – played a key role in his breakout season with Saints over his 28 top-flight appearances, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating four big chances, as well as averaging 1.7 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.1 successful dribbles and 5.1 duels won per game, proving that when fit he is a consistent all-rounder on the right flank.

valentino-livramento-premier-league-newcastle-transfers

Indeed, the youngster is unlikely to come in and steal the starting spot from Trippier next season if he was to join the club this summer, however, with the England international now 32 years old and Livramento easing his way back into football after a horrific injury it could be the perfect opportunity to bring in an understudy who already has huge potential and top-flight experience.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Livramento would be a fantastic signing for the Magpies this summer and would give them a ready-made Trippier heir who can develop his craft and learn from one of the most experienced right-backs in the league to fulfil his true potential.

Tottenham make offer for Djed Spence

Tottenham have made an offer for on-loan Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Spence enjoys outstanding season

Steve Cooper’s side enjoyed a memorable season, returning to the Premier League for the first time since 1999 after winning the Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town last week.

There were numerous standout players for Forest throughout the campaign and Spence was undoubtedly one of them, scoring three times and registering four assists from right-back.

The 21-year-old is only on loan at Forest from Middlesbrough, though, and while the Garibaldi want to sign him permanently this summer, it may not be that straightforward.

The Latest: Spurs table offer for Spence

Taking to Twitter, Talbot claimed that Spurs have tabled an offer for Spence, with Champions League football potentially proving the key to getting him to opt for a move to north London, although Forest still retain hope of landing him permanently.

The journalist tweeted:

“Exc: Understand that Tottenham have put in an offer for Djed Spence but that Nottingham Forest are involved as well. Allure of European football will be the only thing standing in the way of Spence and Forest continuing their relationship next season.”

The Verdict: Too good to turn down?

While joining Forest and playing in the Premier League could undoubtedly be appealing to Spence, the fear is that his head could be turned by Spurs’ interest.

Champions League football would likely be a huge lure for any player, considering the magnitude of the competition, and he could even see himself as a regular for Antonio Conte’s side in the long run.

Ideally, Spence will ignore their advances and seal a permanent move to Forest, where his career has taken flight. However, it may be that Spurs end up doing enough to entice him to the capital, which would feel like a big blow given his influence at the City Ground over the past few months.

In other news, Forest are thought to be eyeing up a move for a Premier League player. Read more here

Newcastle: Journalist drops Renan Lodi claim

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Premier League side will not have to pay €40m (£34m) in one go to sign the Brazilian full-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Was told before €40million was the figure but that Newcastle’s bid for Lodi could be structured in a way that meant it wouldn’t have to be entirely the full amount up front. In January heard there was nothing in Yannick Carrasco but interesting his name keeps coming up.”

This was in response to a Tweet from Atletico Universe on the defender’s price tag: “Atlético Madrid would be willing to let Renan Lodi leave as long as the offer is not less than €40m. As for Yannick Carrasco: release clause (€70m) or nothing. €70m is an amount that is perfectly acceptable for Newcastle. [@JaviGomara @mundodeportivo]”

PIF will be delighted

PIF will be delighted with this claim as it means that they can spread the cost of the deal over the course of a number of windows.

Instead of needing to pay all of the £34m up front and taking a large chunk of their budget away, they can pay it in instalments to lower the initial cost. This could then allow them to use the money they save in this window on other targets in order to avoid going over any FFP limits.

Whilst £34m may seem like a huge signing on paper it may not be the case on the books if they are able to make several payments over time. This would be a cost-effective way of completing the deal for PIF and allow them to do more business in other areas of the squad.

Lodi would be an excellent addition to Newcastle’s team as he has an attacking threat from left-back that can make him an exciting player for the fans to watch.

In Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the last year, the full-back ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 and the 91st percentile for assists per 90 in his position. This shows that he excels at bursting forward from the back and is capable of both scoring and assisting goals.

Supporters can, therefore, look forward to seeing him race up and down the left flank if PIF can strike a deal for the defender.

AND in other news, Newcastle now plotting bid to sign maestro with 128 PL apps, just imagine him & Bruno…

Aston Villa closing in on Robin Olsen

Aston Villa are reportedly close to completing the permanent signing of loanee goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

The Lowdown: Olsen’s Villa debut

The 32-year-old made the move to the Midlands on loan in January from AS Roma and had to be extremely patient for a chance under Steven Gerrard.

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The Sweden international eventually made his debut on the final day against Manchester City, with Villa losing 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium. Olsen, who was labelled ‘monstrous’ by the Spanish press following a fine performance for his country, was assaulted following the final whistle after some City fans invaded the pitch, and there has now been an update on his long-term future.

The Latest: Permanent move for Olsen?

Sport Witness relayed a transfer update from Forza Roma after Villa signed Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer.

They claimed that Douglas Luiz could now leave Villa for Roma, adding that Olsen is ‘close to staying at Aston Villa’ for a deal worth around €3.5m (£2.97m).

The Verdict: Villa not hanging around

Philippe Coutinho’s loan has already been made permanent, Kamara has been announced and now it looks as if Olsen is set to commit his future at Villa Park as well.

Gerrard and NSWE clearly aren’t wasting any time when it comes to their transfer activity, and a full-time swoop for Olsen appears to be a shrewd one.

He may have only made one appearance for the club so far, but he has plenty of experience all across Europe and for Sweden, so the 32-year-old should be a perfect number two to Emiliano Martinez going forward.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing yet another move alongside Kamara; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves. 

Rangers’ Wright disappointed in UEL final

Rangers’ swashbuckling Europa League campaign came to a heart-breaking end last night as they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties in Seville.

Joe Aribo put Van Bronckhorst’s side ahead after 57 minutes only for Frankfurt to equalise 12 minutes later.

After 90 minutes followed by extra time, the scoreline stayed the same, leading to the penalty shootout which the German side conquered and ultimately won the trophy.

Despite the valiant efforts from van Bronckhorst’s players, one figure, in particular, failed to show up and deliver when it really mattered and let his manager down as a result.

Starting on the right-wing, 24-year-old Scott Wright failed to deliver the sort of performance that is required to win a top European final.

With just 24 touches of the ball and 11 passes made, the winger ended up having fewer touches than Gers goalkeeper Allan McGregor (51).

In those 24 touches, the Scotsman barely had any attacking or defensive input on the game before he was taken off by Van Bronckhorst at the 74th-minute mark to be replaced by Fashion Sakala.

From an attacking point of view, the winger failed to register even one shot at goal as well as failing to make one cross or successful dribble attempt.

In a defensive regard, as well as not making even one tackle or interception in addition to only winning 33% of the duels he was involved in, he arguably could have done more to prevent the cross coming in that led to Frankfurt’s goal.

This display ultimately earned Wright an underwhelming overall match rating of 6.5/10 from SofaScore, making him the lowest-rated Rangers player that started the game.

Sky Sports also picked up on his disappointing performance by saying that he “didn’t overly trouble the Frankfurt defence,” as well as saying that he “had to do better to stop the cross for the equaliser.”

Taking all of this into account, while the blame for the defeat should not solely be laid at Wright’s feet, everyone connected to the club would have undoubtedly been hoping that he could have had more of an impact during his time on the pitch.

With the Ibrox side now having just one more chance to get their hands on some silverware this season when they take on Hearts in the final of the Scottish Cup on Saturday, a big question will have now emerged over whether the Rangers boss decides to start Wright again or not.

In other news: Forget Aribo: “Astonishing” 93-touch Rangers gem who “eats up ground” was the standout

Newcastle: Eddie Howe wants Dean Henderson

Eddie Howe reportedly now wants to sign Dean Henderson for Newcastle United in the summer.

The Lowdown: Henderson out of favour

The goalkeeper has largely been out of favour at Manchester United this season with just three matches played, none in the Premier League (WhoScored).

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He failed to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their friendly matches against Switzerland and Ivory Coast in March and will likely seek a move away from Old Trafford this summer, given that it is a World Cup year.

The Latest: Howe interest in Henderson

As per The Mirror, Newcastle have reportedly now ‘intensified’ their interest in signing Henderson, and sources from St James’ Park have revealed that Howe sees him as the ideal successor to Martin Dubravka.

The 25-year-old is currently valued at £20m and is ‘ready’ to move if he cannot secure the number one spot at Old Trafford for next season.

The Verdict: Sign him

Henderson has already showed his credentials when he gets regular playing time in the top flight, as he kept no fewer than 13 clean sheets while on loan at Sheffield United a couple of seasons ago.

His former Blades team-mate Sander Berge even went as far as to call the 6 foot 2 colossus ‘insane‘ and ‘exceptional‘, a glowing testament to how well he did at Bramall Lane.

At only 25 years of age, he is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, so he could grow into one of the best in the league under Howe’s management at Newcastle.

Incidentally, Henderson also shares the same agent as three other Magpies players, which could help to push though a move to Tyneside.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now ‘confident’ of signing this summer

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