Pirlo Replaces Maurizio Sarri as Juventus Manager; Wolverhampton Wanderers Reach an Agreement with UEFA After FFP Breach and More (Football Round-Up)
Andrea Pirlo, who was appointed the manager of the Juventus Under-23 side just last month, has signed a two-year contract to lead the main team.
Former Italian international and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as Juventus’ new manager just 24 hours after the club sacked Maurizio Sarri. Juventus sacked Sarri following the team's departure from the Champions League in the round of 16 on August 7.
Also Read | Barefoot Reality: Indian Football’s First Wave of Modernisation a Repercussion of Helsinki Disaster
Pirlo, 41, who had a legendary playing career with Juventus, AC Milan and Italy, winning numerous league titles, the Champions League and a World Cup in 2006, was appointed manager of Juventus' Under-23 side just last month. He has signed a two-year contract to coach the first team.
"Today's choice is based on the belief that Pirlo has what it takes to lead from his debut on the bench an expert and talented squad to pursue new successes," Juve said in a statement.
"Today begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football, as it was said almost a week ago: from Maestro to Mister," it added.
Earlier, the 61-year-old Sarri was dismissed even though he led Juventus to the Serie A title win just two weeks ago. "Juventus Football Club announces that Maurizio Sarri has been relieved of his post as coach of the First Team," the club said on its website.
"The club would like to thank the coach for having written a new page in Juventus' history with the victory of the ninth-consecutive championship, the culmination of a personal journey that led him to climb all the divisions of Italian football," it added.
Wolves’ UEFA Penalty
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be allowed to register 23 players instead of 25 if they make it to the Champions League. The penalty was imposed after the Premier League side breached UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
A statement by UEFA said Wolves had agreed to pay each club 200,000 euros ($235,720.00) in fines that could also be increased to 600,000 euros.
Also Read | Integrity via Harmony: The Cuban Boxing Philosophy That Shaped India
FFP regulations have the goal of stopping clubs from running big losses through spending on players.
“The settlement agreement covers the sporting seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22,” UEFA said in the statement.
“Wolverhampton Wanderers undertakes to report a maximum break-even deficit of 30 million euros in the financial year ending in 2020 and to finally reach, in the 2021-22 season, an aggregate break-even results for the financial years ending in 2019, 2020 and 2021 within the acceptable deviation.”
Cahill on Subrata Paul
Everton legend Tim Cahill holds ‘Spiderman’ Subrata Paul’s “work ethic and commitment” in high regard. The Australian believes that has ensured “Subrata to stay at the top his game”.
In a live chat with AIFF TV where Subrata Paul was the guest, Cahill sent a message from Australia saying “Off the park, one of the best things about him is his commitment and professionalism. In the game, he is second to none.”
Paul has not been in the Indian football squad for the last few years. Last season, he played in the Indian Super League for Jamshedpur FC. In the upcoming edition, he will be in the Hyderabad FC camp.
“I strongly believe that I have a lot to contribute to the national team. Coach has (Igor Stimac) said whoever has an Indian passport stands a chance to get selected to play for the country. I am working day in and day out to achieve it,” Paul said.
“I want to play another Asian Cup. It may sound funny,” he said during a chat with the AIFF TV.
Silva Wants to Win CL with PSG
Thiago Silva's eight-year-long stint with Paris Saint-Germain is nearing its end and the Brazilian centre-back aims to clinch the Champions League trophy for the club.
Also Read | eSports and Olympics: Evolutionary Dilemma Gets Real in Virtual World
After a humiliating defeat against Manchester United last season, which was also the third consecutive last-16 exit, the PSG player is more than ready to face Atalanta in Lisbon on Wednesday.
"I have seen everything here. This competition is so important, for the players but also for the club. Winning it was the objective when I came here," Silva, whose contract is about to expire, said in an interview with AFP.
The game will be played as a one-off tie behind closed doors in the Portuguese capital after UEFA decided to play without any spectators due to coronavirus pandemic.
Shamsuddin Passes Away
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed grief over the demise of Mohd. Shamsuddin, Vice-Chairperson, AIFF Finance Committee.
Shamsuddin was the Honorary Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh, passed away because of a cardiac arrest on Friday.
Shamsuddin was one of the longest-serving honorary secretaries of the state association. His stints also included working as the Vice-Chairperson of the AIFF Finance Committee from 2017 to 2020, said AIFF in a statement.
Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF said Shamsuddin is going to be remembered for his "apt administrative skills".
"The AIFF fraternity is sad to know about the demise of Shamsuddin, the former Vice Chairman, AIFF Finance Committee. He will be remembered for his apt administrative skill and passion for football," said Das.
Get the latest reports & analysis with people's perspective on Protests, movements & deep analytical videos, discussions of the current affairs in your Telegram app. Subscribe to NewsClick's Telegram channel & get Real-Time updates on stories, as they get published on our website.
