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Fulham Say Schwarzer Will Not Go To Arsenal
Fulham has taken steps to assuage rumors that goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has requested a transfer to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger had a £2 million bid rejected earlier in the transfer window for the former Middlesbrough man.
“The club has not received a transfer request from Mark Schwarzer. Mark is under contract with us until the summer of 2011 and the manager has underlined his commitment to keep hold of his best players,” said a Fulham spokesman.
Rumors were reignited when Aston Villa’s possible sale of Brad Friedel to Fulham to replace Schwarzer was one of the reasons for Martin O’Neill’s departure. But newly appointed Fulham manager Mark Hughes is determined to retain the 37-year-old Australian.
FIFA To Investigate North Korea’s Treatment of World Cup Players
After reports of North Korean players and coaches being subjected to public humiliation and hard labor after their disapointing World Cup campaign FIFA president Sepp Blatter confirmed an investigation will be launched against Korea DPR.
“We contacted them [North Korea] to discuss the election of a new president, and if they are true, the allegations made by the media that the coach and some players have been condemned or punished,” said Blatter.
FIFA has historically been very harsh on government interfering with their soccer federations, sometimes banning nations from FIFA competitions.
Carvalho Leaving Chelsea For Real Madrid
Ricardo Cavalho is leaving Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu as Chelsea has accepted a £6.65 million from Real Madrid for the Portugese defender.
“Chelsea can confirm it has agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Ricardo Carvalho,” said a statement on Chelsea’s website. “The transfer is subject to a medical and the player agreeing to personal terms.”
