Eniola Aluko to Offer Proof to MPs on Lack of BAME Representation In UK Sports, An Honour For India to Host Women's Asian Cup: Bala Devi and More (Football Round-up)

Former England striker Eniola Aluko will provide evidence to a British parliamentary committee next week over the lack of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) representation in UK’s sports leadership roles.

Aluko, currently the sporting director for Aston Villa women’s football was part of a parliamentary hearing three years ago for being racially abused by then England manager Mark Sampson. The former England international has now been called to an evidence session of the Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee on Tuesday. 

Also Read | FIFA’s Relief Fund Needs to Reach Indian Football’s Grassroots to Help Save Domestic Structure

The Parliamentary committee along with Premier League CEO Richard Masters will discuss the lack of BAME representation at club level at the session. The committee will also evaluate the included elements of gyms and leisure facilities and the impact of their closure on communities.

The move has come in response to the  Black Lives Matter movement which highlighted the lack of BAME representation at football clubs and governing bodies at all levels.

‘Honour To host Women's Asian Cup’

Indian striker Bala Devi believes it will be an honour for India to host the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 and the decision has been deeply motivating to do better.

The 30-year old forward player has been keeping herself fit at Gaslow awaiting the resumption of the Scottish Premier League. 

"There really isn't a lot to do as of now, apart from training and keep yourself at the peak of fitness. I was really excited when I saw India were announced as the hosts. It really is an honour to host such a prestigious tournament. It means so much for women's football in India - the  announcement has given us all that extra motivation," Bala said.

Bala has been changing her schedule in accordance with the status of the pandemic. She is busy with indoor exercises, yoga, jogging in the park with all the social distancing measures. 

"Due to the current situation we are all doing our own individual practice and fitness. When the team does report together we will see what the plans are. I will train and play for my club Rangers FC once things open up after the lockdown and hope to be at  peak fitness," she said. 

Not Fearing the Sack: Howe

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has stated that the fear of being sacked will not protect his team from relegation  by the Premier League.

Second from bottom,  Bournemouth’s five-year tenure in the top flight is under threat.They also yet to face Manchester United on Saturday.

Also Read | Sanjita Chanu: What Happened With Me Was Wrong, Should Not Happen to Anyone Else

“Fearing the sack is not helpful and productive in any way,” Eddie Howe told a news conference on Friday.“What am I going to do? Sit at home and worry about my future? No. I am going to try and make the team play better and try to focus all my energies on what we deliver on the training ground, how I speak to my players.”

Bournemouth have deepened their mire this week, beaten 4-1 by Newcastle United. However, they still have a chance since they are only one point below 17th placed Watford and three points behind West Ham United in 16th.

“A lot of people are certainly welcome to their opinion and a lot of outsiders, probably a huge percentage of people, will say we’re done, we’re finished,” Howe said.“But historically at this club, that’s always been the way in many different aspects. We have been written off and we’ve managed to overcome that mindset and against the odds we’ve come through and achieved great things.We’re going to have to call on all of those resources now. One point in seven games is nowhere near what we need.”

West Ham Confident

West Ham are confident they will not get reprimanded after Eintracht Frankfurt filed a complaint with FIFA about the club delaying a £5.4m payment for Sébastien Haller.

West Ham made Haller their record signing last summer last summer, paying 75% of the £45m fee paid up front. An investigation has commenced after the club missed a 15 May deadline to pay the latest instalment. The club could face sanctions from FIFA yet.

Also Read | Sir Everton Weekes: The West Indies Pioneer Who Redefined Cricket’s Colour in Whites

West Ham are thought to be relaxed about the issue and insist it is not a funding problem. FIFA’s rules on ‘overdue payables’ state that ‘clubs are required to comply with their financial obligations towards players and other clubs as per the terms stipulated in the contracts signed with their professional players and in the transfer agreements’.

A club found delaying payment for more than 30 days without an agreement risks sanctions ranging from a warning, a fine or, for more serious cases, a transfer embargo for one or two transfer windows.

The rules state that more serious penalties would be given to repeat offenders. It is also being said that West Ham’s delayed payment was down to a commercially confidential issue between them and Frankfurt. Sources at West Ham have indicated the payment will be processed soon, and that they are resolving the matter.

Review of Criminal Complaints Against FIFA Boss

Switzerland has called for a special prosecutor to review criminal complaints against FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and Attorney General Michael Lauber after both men held undocumented meetings while Lauber's office was investigating suspected bribery within the football governing body.

Also Read | Real Madrid Femenino: Club Makes History, Forms Women’s Team

Last month Lauber came under an impeachment process relating to his handling of the inquiry. The watchdog overseeing Swiss federal prosecutors -- Lauber's office -- placed him under investigation after he hosted three closed-door meetings with the FIFA President, last year, regarding a corruption inquiry. Lauber and Infantino both deny any wrongdoing.

The watchdog announced that lawmakers conducting the impeachment process were going to review Infantino's conduct in the investigation too, after three criminal complaints were filed against both men and other unnamed persons.

FIFA said it welcomed the appointment and is going to fully cooperate. Previous complaints against Infantino had been dismissed by various authorities, it said.

"There was a mountain of questions," Infantino said in a statement provided by FIFA, referring to the investigations.

"So it's legitimate to offer to contribute to the Swiss Attorney General about the clarification of these events, hoping that those who have done criminal acts and damaged FIFA will be held to account for that," he said.

Read more sports stories from Newsclick