Football News: Review Of The Day 24th November 2020

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Review of the Day

Contracts

Transfers

Injury Round-Up

Harrogate Town have lost defender Will Smith for up to ten weeks with "significant" tendon damage to his hamstring. They do not expect him to need surgery according to the club's head physio Rachel Davis: "Surgery should not be needed but Will will be sidelined for 8-10 weeks."

Barcelona's former Manchester United centre-back Gerard Pique has been ruled out for upwards of 3 months after injuring his right knee. The Spanish defender has sprained the internal lateral ligament and suffers damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. He will be joined on the sidelines by Sergi Roberto for two months as Roberto has ruptured a thigh muscle.

Managerial Changes

Disciplinary Charges

Kilmarnock boss Alex Dyer has confirmed to the BBC that he is set to appeal against a red card given to Killie defender Stuart Findlay in the 8th minute of their 3-1 win over Ross County. Dyer told BBC Scotland: "I thought the sending off was harsh. I've seen it back and he definitely gets the ball twice. I will appeal it and see where it takes us."

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad has been banned for 5 years by FIFA for breaching "various" codes of ethics, including duty of loyalty, offering and accepting gifts, abuse of position and misappropriation of funds. FIFA's statement explains: accepting gifts, abuse of position and misappropriation of funds. The investigation into Mr Ahmad's conduct ... from 2017 to 2019 concerned various Caf-related governance issues, including the organisation and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, his involvement in Caf's dealing with the sports equipment company Tactical Steel and other activities." Ahmad has also been fined $200,000. Ahmad had announced his intention to stand for re-election as president of CAF, but he will now need to win an appeal for it to be possible for him to be a candidate.

RIP Ngongca

Former South African international midfielder Anele Ngongca has been killed in a car crash as the 33 year old drove between Johannesburg and Durban. Ngongca was on his way to join up with AmaZulu, after being sent there on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns. Ngongca had spent a number of years in Belgium with Genk and France with Troyes, as well as playing in the 2010 World Cup.

Leeds Partner With Jay-Z's Agency

2020 is getting more bizarre by the day, with Wrexham's takeover by Hollywood actors now being joined by a partnership between Leeds United and the Roc Nation entertainment agency. Not a natural partnership I am sure you will agree but Roc Nation's Kelly Hogarth said: "This is our first consultancy partnership in the Premier League. We'd had a lot of different discussions with a lot of different clubs, and it took just an hour with Andrea [Radrizzani - Leeds' owner] and Angus [Kinnear - Leeds' chief executive] for us to really buy into their strategic vision for the club. There's a great blueprint for success and you really need a partner who is willing to collaborate and wants to try new things."

Arsenal And Leeds Condemn Social Media Abuse

Following Leeds United and Arsenal playing out a 0-0 draw, during which Gunners winger Nicolas Pep was sent off for putting his head into Leeds left-back Ezgjan Alioski's face, the duo were the target of "vile abuse" on social media. The two clubs have both released statements promising to work with police and football authorities to identify the abusers.

Spurs Expect £150m Loss

The chairman of Tottenham Hotspur has revealed that he expects his club to loss more than £150m if fans do not return to the stadiums this financial year. Daniel Levy said: "We are in one of the most challenging times ever experienced. The pandemic could not have come at a worse time, having just completed a stadium build which is financed by club resources and long-term debt. The 2020-21 season has so far seen no fans at games and this is compounded by a loss of third party events such as NFL, concerts, the closure of stores and visitor attractions. Each and every Premier League club makes a significant financial and social contribution to the UK economy and to their local communities. Premier League clubs are entirely capable of responsibly delivering outdoor events with social distancing, exemplary hygiene standards and testing capabilities. We recognise that health and safety are paramount and we have been encouraged by the latest news on vaccine developments and potential Clinical Passports."

Written by Tris Burke November 23 2020 23:59:07