IQ - Soccer Wiretap

Newcastle Bans Handshakes Due To Coronavirus Fears

Feb 28, 2020 1:21 PM

Newcastle have banned handshakes between players and staff due to fears over the coronavirus.

“There’s a ritual here that everybody shakes hands with everybody as soon as we see each other every morning. But we’ve stopped that on the advice of our club doctor. Thankfully, we’ve got a superb doctor and he will keep us informed of what we have to do. We’re like everybody else, we’re glued to the TV for where it’s going to go next. Everybody has to be respectful of it, don’t we? It’s been rammed down our throats often enough on TV and the rest of it," said manager Steve Bruce.

Bruce recalled that a bug had swept through the team around Christmas.

“In confined areas, like we’ve got here, you have to be careful. There was a time over Christmas when there was a virus knocking around – not coronavirus – so we’re a bit mindful of the fact a bug can sweep through.

“We had four or five players at Christmas and two of my staff [suffering from the virus], so you stay at home, basically."

Several matches across Italy have been postponed or played behind closed doors due to fears over the virus. 

Louise Taylor/The Guardian

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Brazil Want Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo To Play In Olympics

Feb 28, 2020 12:49 PM

Brazil federation president Rogerio Caboclo has initiated contact with PSG and Real Madrid about releasing Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo for this summer's Olympics.

Brazil won the gold medal for the first time during the 2016 Olympics.

Neymar has recently stated his desire to play in the Olympics, though the Copa America could throw a wrench in the scheduling.

The Copa America final is scheduled 10 days before the start of the Olympics. 

"I am willing to play at both the Copa America and the Olympics. However, I think it is a bit complicated -- ask PSG. The other time [2016], when I was with Barcelona, they would not let me play in both. I hope 100 percent to be able to help Brazil in some way," said Neymar.


ESPN

Tags: Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain, Copa America, IQ

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Borussia Dortmund Looking To Promote 15-Year-Old Striker

Feb 27, 2020 1:07 PM

Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre reportedly is looking to promote 15-year-old striker Youssoufa Moukoko to the first team.

Favre wants to integrate Moukoko into the senior side by March.

The 15-year-old has scored 50 goals for Dortmund's U17s and U19s this season.

Moukoko is also set to make his debut for Germany's U19 side. 

As.com

Tags: Borussia Dortmund, IQ

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Liverpool Announce Pre-Tax Profit Of $54 Million For 2018-19

Feb 27, 2020 1:11 PM

Liverpool announced that they made a pre-tax profit of $54 million in 2018-19.

They also announced a turnover of $686 million due to increased media, matchday, and commercial revenue.

Liverpool invested $287 million in players during the time, most notably on Alisson, Fabinho, Naby Keïta and Xherdan Shaqiri.

The club's media revenue increased $52 million to $336 million.

“This continued strengthening of the underlying financial sustainability of the club is enabling us to make significant investments both in player recruitment and infrastructure," said Andy Hughes, Liverpool's CEO. "Being able to reinvest over £220m on players during this financial period is a result of a successful business strategy, particularly the significant uplift in commercial revenues.

“The cost of football, however, does continue to rise in transfers and associated fees but what’s critical for us is the consistency of our financial position, enabling us to live within our means and continue to run a sustainable football club.”

Andy Hunter/The Guardian

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David Beckham Seeks To Replicate LAFC, Atlanta United

Feb 27, 2020 12:49 PM

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said he wanted Inter Miami to have the same impact as LAFC and Atlanta United for their expansion season.

"We have seen great teams like Atlanta United who created a great atmosphere since the first day. We want to accomplish something similar because LAFC has done it as well," said Beckham before Miami's MLS opener this weekend.

Beckham added that the team still seek to bring in one more Designated Player.

Miami currently have 2 DPs, with one more slot available.

“We are in Miami so people will always talk about bringing superstars but we are happy with the player we have so far. This is exactly where we wanted to be just days away from our debut in MLS. Of course we still want to bring in one or two more players but we will wait until summer to fill that third DP spot. We did plan this project for many years not just for this season so lets be patient,” 

Rodrigo Serrano/As.com

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Manchester City Formally Appeal UEFA Ban To CAS

Feb 26, 2020 12:43 PM

Manchester City have formally lodged their appeal against UEFA's 2-year ban from the Champions League.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said that the appeal is an on-going matter, adding that "it is not possible to indicate at this time when a final award in this matter will be issued."

The CAS will invite written submissions from both parties, eventually culminating into a hearing between the two parties.

Pep Guardiola reiterated his position with the club. 

"We were under suspicion for a long time, we have the right to appeal and I trust the people in my club," Guardiola said. "They explain the reasons, they showed me the arguments and the proofs. We are optimistic that finally if we deserve to be in the Champions League we can do it next season, if finally it doesn't happen we have to accept and move forward.

ESPN

Tags: Manchester City, IQ

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George Clooney Reportedly Interested In Buying Malaga

Feb 25, 2020 12:55 PM

George Clooney is interested in purchasing Malaga for $108 million, according to reports in Spain.

Clooney is reportedly interested in filming an Amazon series surrounding the club, and wants to turn the region into the "European Hollywood."

"There is a powerful production company here in Málaga, they want to turn Málaga into the 'European Hollywood' and they are filming series here on the south coast for Amazon and are already negotiating with the club. However, they do not want to pay the crazy sum Al-Thani is asking for. A fortnight ago, he was asking 100 million euros for Málaga. What they are prepared to offer is much more than the amount he paid for the club (36 million euros) and talks are ongoing," said Small Shareholders Association president Antonio Aguilera.

Malaga are currently in 14th place in Spain's second division. 

Carlos Cariņo/As.com

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Manchester United Debts Rise To Over $500 Million

Feb 25, 2020 12:49 PM

Manchester United's net debts have risen from $95 million to over $500 million.

The debt show a 37.6% decrease in broadcast revenue due to the club not being in Champions League.

Net revenue decreased 19.3% overall.

Other increases in debt stem from player acquisitions over the winter window, including Bruno Fernandes.

Team chairman Ed Woodward continued to back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

“We are pushing for a strong finish in the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup as we enter the final third of the season,” said Woodward. “We have continued to make progress on our squad rebuild, with many changes in terms of players that we have brought in and players that have come through our academy.

“The foundation for delivering the long-term success that we are all working towards is in place as we implement our plan and our footballing vision with Ole.”

Jamie Jackson/The Guardian

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Herculez Gomez: Gio Reyna Should Start For USMNT

Feb 24, 2020 1:11 PM

Herculez Gomez praised 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gio Reyna, saying that he should start for the USMNT.

Reyna recently became the youngest player in US history to play in a Champions League match, making a substitution appearance against PSG.

"Gio is a playmaker and if he keeps improving as a player Gregg Berhalter needs to call him up to the national team. A player like that needs to be a starter because of his talent. Times have changed and Berhalter needs to see what this wonderkid can do for him. I think it would make the USMNT better," said Gomez.

Gomez also gave his input for a potential 3-player midfield as the USMNT heads into 2022 World Cup qualifying.

"I think that the fans would love to see Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie together in the midfield."

Rodrigo Serrano/As.com

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Koke Compliments Joao Felix Following Villarreal Match

Feb 24, 2020 12:14 PM

Koke said that Joao Felix was gaining his form following Atletico Madrid's 3-1 win over Villarreal.

Felix, returning from a lengthy injury spell, came off the bench and scored.

"Everyone can see what is expected of João, he's a young boy and he has lots of room for improvement," said Koke after the match.

"Many great players have had to adapt to Atlético and it's not easy, he's young. If he listens to the boss and his team-mates, he will be the player that everyone wants to see."

Diego Simeone went on to compliment Koke's versatility.

"He knows what we're looking for, a tactical condition that lots of players don't have and a pass that seems slow but he knows where he is.

"He can play on the right, in the middle. He and Saúl are the ones who can play in any position."

As.com

Tags: Atletico Madrid, IQ

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South Korea Suspends Domestic League Over Coronavirus Fears

ESPN

Conmebol Threaten To Ban Teams Who Withhold Image Rights

Antonio Strini, Guilherme Sacco, Jean Santos & Rodrigo Guerra/ESPN

Frank Lampard: Board Backs Decision To Bench Kepa Arrizabalaga

ESPN

Quique Setien Says Barcelona Players Stand By President

Marca

FC Cincinnati Coach Ron Jans Resigns Amid Investigation

ESPN

Iker Casillas Announces Candidacy For Spanish FA President

Rodrigo Faez/ESPN

Barcelona Threaten Legal Action Against Social Media Allegations

Moises Llorens & Sam Marsden/ESPN

Manchester City Could Face Premier League Sanctions

David Conn/The Guardian

Ernesto Valverde Wants Australian A-League Move

ESPN

Odion Ighalo Trains Away From Manchester United Over Coronavirus Fears

The Guardian

Liverpool To Begin $77 Million Redevelopment of Anfield

The Guardian

Iker Casillas To Run For President Of Spanish Football Federation

Rodrigo Faez & Alex Kirkland/ESPN

Jurgen Klinsmann On Leaving Hertha: 'I Took Over A Suicide Mission'

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Mo Salah Overtakes Lionel Messi In Value On Transfermarkt

As.com

Jurgen Klinsmann Leaves Hertha Berlin After 76 Days

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Inter Milan Win First Round Of Trademark Battle Versus Inter Miami

David Winker/Law.com

Austin FC Sign Multi-Year Jersey Sponsorship With YETI

mlssoccer

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal Still Aiming For Champions League

Nick Ames/The Guardian

NYCFC Close To Agreement For 25,000 Seat Stadium In The Bronx

David Waldstein/New York Times

MLS, Players Association Reach Agreement On New CBA

Jeff Carlisle/ESPN