Spiritual healer: I can get Beckham fit

A spiritual healer has claimed he can get David Beckham fit "within three days" despite medical experts ruling him out of action for around six months.

The former England captain saw his World Cup hopes ruined earlier this month when he ruptured his Achilles tendon on AC Milan duty.

Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapakse has offered Beckham his personal physician, Dr Eliyantha Lindsay White, who claims he can get Beckham back on the pitch in time for the finals in South Africa.

"I am ready to treat him," Eliyantha Lindsay White told AFP. "His condition can be easily treated and within three days he will be able to go back to playing. His case is simple. I can treat him. He can play again."

Beckham has been invited to travel to Sri Lanka for treatment.

Dr White recently received praise from Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar after treatment on a knee injury.

By Soccernet staff

Evra blunder hands advantage to Bayern

Manchester United failed to build on an early lead in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, going down 2-1 in the Allianz Arena.

United got off to the best possible start with a goal after just 66 seconds when Wayne Rooney was left unmarked to volley in Nani's free-kick from close range.

But the visitor’s failed to build on this early strike and Munich gradually began to impose themselves on an increasingly nervous looking Reds rearguard.

Franck Ribery, who gave Gary Neville a hard time, levelled with 13 minutes remaining when his free kick took a deflection off Rooney past Edwin Van der Sar .

United then appeared to be hanging on for a draw until Patrice Evra was caught in possession in the final minute by Ivica Olic who raced clear to score.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s misery was compounded by Rooney then limping off with an ankle injury with only an away goal being a crumb of comfort on a disappointing night for the Old Trafford outfit.

NSL posponed till further notice

The Vanuatu National Soccer League (NSL) that was set to kick-off this Saturday 3rd April 2010 is now postponed till further notice.
Port Vila Football Association President, Mr. Robert Calvo reported to Vanuafoot that a PVFA meeting decision today has postponed the NSL, awaiting OFC's decision pertaining to Tafea F.C. Vs Lautoka F.C. case.
OFC disciplinary committee have taken up the Tafea F.C. Vs Lautoka F.C. case and have yet to reach a verdict.
Vanuatu NSL is a new football tournament established to find the best local club to represent Vanuatu in the O-League.
Despite the events that caused misery to the nation, Tafea F.C. is the only club that have been representing Vanuatu in the O-League, and they made history when they reached the finals in 2001 in PNG, but loss to Wollongong Wolves by 1 goals to nil.

Vanuatu says 'Sorry' to Lautoka F.C.

Exchange of mats

In a ceremony organized this today 30th March 2010 by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the Port Vila Ex-FOL house, the Minister responsible for Youth and Sports, Honorable Raphael Worwor reconciled with the Lautoka F.C. and Fiji Honorary Consul over the incident that happened last weekend at the PVM Stadium.
Last weekend match between Tafea F.C. and Lautoka F.C. was brought to chaos after some spectators stormed the pitch few minutes before the end of match and caused the game to stop.
During the ceremony, Honorable Raphael Worwor states the government position on the incident and conveyed Vanuatu’s apology to players and management of Fiji Lautoka team.

“Vanuatu and Fiji have established and built a very strong relationship through exchanges and support in regional and international dialogues and worked together to establish regional institutions as the University of the South Pacific, Forum Secretariat, Secretariat of the South Pacific Community and the Melanesian Spearhead Group, to name a view”, said Minister Worwor.
"As appropriate measures will be taking course, the government finds it proper as Melanesian brothers and also as the host country of this important match to officially in this occasion convey on behalf of the government football family, VFF and people of Vanuatu our deepest words of apology and sorry.
", he said.
Minister Worwor also stressed that the government is seriously concerned as these attitudes do not promote sports and in particular soccer development in the region.
“The actions can also lead to degradation of relationship build so far between the two countries”, he stressed.
The Minister also made an appeal to organizers and in particular VFF to ensure a more tight level of security are in place in the future for important regional and international matches such as this one.
The ceremony witnessed a traditional custom settlement by handing over of custom mats and Kava to Fiji Lautoka team as payment and gesture of peace between Vanuatu people, Lautoka F.C., and Fijian people

Should fans have the right to buy into their clubs?

Barcelona Club President |

Interesting story in the Guardian this morning, saying Britain’s Labour government, if re-elected, are ready to unleash plans to give fans the right to buy their clubs when they come up for sale, and to insist that current club owners give up a stake as high as 25 percent to their supporters.
If we can leave the politics aside (there is an election on the way, and the opposition Conservatives have said acting now, after 13 years in power, makes it a pre-vote gimmick) do you think this is a good idea?
It comes after the high-profile Liverpool campaign to get 100,000 fans of the club to raise 500 million pounds in a “Barcelona style” member share scheme, and more recently the Red Knights proposal of a buy-out of Manchester United from a smaller group of wealthy individuals.
This latest proposal,as reported, seems to be acceptanace that football is not just a business, and would presumably make club ownership less attractive for anyone wanting to get involved just to make a profit.
Certainly, giving fans the opportunity to take on a quarter stake, and with it a big say in the running of the club, sounds a radical idea in the current era of leveraged buy-outs and PIK notes. Similarly, giving fans time and persumably the help they would need to put together a full takeover bid whenever a club goes up for sale also seems a world away from the laissez-faire capitalism we’ve had of late.
Other countries, notably Spain and Germany, cherish their models of full or part fan ownership, even if neither is without its problems (consider the heavy debts Real Madrid and Barcelona have had in the recent past and the inability of carefully run Bundesliga clubs to compete for top-draw players with Spain or England).
More caution in terms of strategy and more modesty when it comes to expectations might be attractive to a lot of English football fans bruised by rising ticket prices and left wondering why so much money is being spent on loan interest payments.
And if it means the end of Premier League teams monopolising the Champions League knock-out phase, would that be a price worth paying?
PHOTO: Barcelona club president Joan Laporta poses at the Nou Camp, February 10, 2010. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino

VFF partners with Lotto NZ

Mr. Lambert Maltock and Mr. Blair Dawkins |

Vanuatu Football Federation signed a partnership contract with Score Sportswear, agent of popular label Lotto, of New Zealand.
The signing took place at Ibis Hotel in Auckland on the 13th of March early this month between VFF President, Mr. Lambert Maltock and Mr. Blair Dawkins who is the managing director of Score Sportswear in New Zealand.
The agreement will allow VFF to purchase Lotto football apparel with Score Sportswear at a lower price, and Mr. Maltock has extended the invitation to interested clubs in Vanuatu to make arrangements through VFF.
The agreement is a 1-year contract and can be renewed the following year.
Lotto is a popular label by an Italian sports apparel manufacturer established in 1973 by the Caberlotto family. Their products are now distributed in more than 60 countries.

Hekari progress to O-League final

Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC are the first team through to the 2010 O-League final after they beat Marist FC 4-1 at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara on Saturday afternoon to claim top spot in Group B.

The other finalist will be determined tomorrow when Auckland City meet Waitakere United in the Group A decider at Kiwitea Street, with Waitakere needing only a draw to claim top spot while Auckland need the win.

It was the imports who starred for Hekari today with goals coming from Fijian Pita Bolatoga and Solomon Islanders Henry Fa'arodo and Alick Maemae, who claimed two. Qualification for the final comes as just reward for the Papua New Guinea club champions after they finished one point behind 2009 finalists Koloale in Group B last season.

Meanwhile, Marist could only manage a consolation goal in the 78th minute through Commins Menapi and finished bottom of the group with one point from six matches.

In today’s other Group B match, Lautoka picked up three points with a 3-1 win over Tafea in Port Vila but the Fijians had to settle for second spot, just one point behind Hekari.

The first leg of the final will be played on Saturday 17 April with the return leg scheduled for Sunday 2 May.

2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS [MATCH DAY 6]

Marist FC: 1 (Commins MENAPI 78’)
Hekari United FC*: 4 (Alick MAEMAE 18’, 29’, Henry FA’ARODO 29’, Pita BOLATOGA 39’)
Saturday 27 March
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands

Tafea FC: 1 (Geoffrey GETE 57’)
Lautoka: 3 (Samuela VULA 35’, Jone VONE 51’, Sailesh SAMY 86’)
Saturday 27 March
Municipal Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu

Eriksson named Ivory Coast boss

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been appointed Ivory Coast boss for the World Cup this summer.

GettyImagesSven-Goran Eriksson recently left Notts County

Eriksson, who has been out of work since leaving his role as director of football at Notts County in February, had recently been interviewed for the Nigeria job but lost out to fellow Swede Lars Lagerback.

However, Eriksson was viewed as the best candidate for Ivory Coast after Russia boss Guus Hiddink decided to take the Turkey job.

Outtara Hego, secretary general at the Ivory Coast football federation, said: "Eriksson signed a contract in London on Sunday.

"As most people know, Guus Hiddink was our first choice. When that did not happen, Eriksson was the best alternative. He has the necessary experience."

Eriksson's agent, Athole Still, told Soccernet on Sunday night: "Sven is here sitting beside me having just signed the contract and I can tell you he is very happy.

"He's only just signed the contract and I think the president made the announcement just before he signed it!"

He added: "I'm sure he would love his new team to play England and, if that was the case, he would only have one thought: to get the win.

"It would also mean that he would have got the Ivory Coast out of the 'group of death' with Portugal, Brazil and North Korea. After what happened to him with England, I am sure he would like nothing better than revenge over both Portugal and Brazil."

In an official statement, the federation said: "Aware of the great expectations of our population who have taken a keen interest in the matter, the executive committee focused its choice on Mr Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"The Swede has been, among others, coach of England and Mexico. He is an experienced technician who has been proven.

"His mission is to lead our team during this World Cup, and to ensure that there is an honourable participation in a competition reserved for the top 32 football nations in the world, and it obviously will be difficult.

"Therefore, the executive committee of the FIF appeals to the sacred union between the Elephants and their coach."
It was reported this week that Eriksson was on a three-man shortlist for the role along with former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes and former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.

Eriksson led England from 2001 to 2006 and managed the team at three major tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups as well as Euro 2004. More recently, he took charge of Mexico during the World Cup 2010 qualifiers but left the position after disappointing results.
At club level, he has managed sides such as Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio and Manchester City, and has won trophies including the UEFA Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and Serie A.

OFC to review crowd incident in Port Vila

OFC has condemned the actions of a group of spectators who stormed the field at Municipal Stadium in Port Vila on Saturday shortly before the final whistle of the Tafea FC vs. Lautoka O-League match.

Reports out of Port Vila suggest that a number of the 3000 spectators ran onto the playing pitch following Lautoka’s third goal in the 86th minute, forcing local officials to end the match prematurely.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says that an investigation will be opened into the matter.

“There was a security breach shortly before the final whistle where spectators ran onto the field of play. Regretfully, there were also reports of physical altercations between spectators, players and match officials but we can confirm that match officials and players are safe,” said Nicholas.

“OFC takes the matter of security very seriously and we are disappointed to hear of this latest incident. A full and thorough investigation will be opened immediately including a review of the television footage from Municipal Stadium. Those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”

The Group B match ended 3-1 in favour of the visiting Lautoka side. Meanwhile Hekari United FC beat Marist 4-1 in Honiara to claim top spot in the group, finishing one point clear of Lautoka, and will progress to the 2010 O-League Final.

Source: www.oceaniafootball.com

Tear drops for Harry Atisson

Harry Atisson who has been promoting football in the country in recent years was disappointed over the actions of football fans yesterday at the PVM Stadium.

Atisson was seen with tears on the national TV during the live coverage of the match between Tafea and Lautoka at the PVM Stadium yesterday afternoon.

"My efforts and those who are promoting football in the country are wasted", he said.

"My efforts and those who are promoting football in the country are wasted"

The O-League match between Tafea F.C. and Lautoka F.C. was interrupted by Tafea supporters who stormed the pitch over the FIFA referee's decisions on the Tafea's side.

When asked about his opinion as a referee development officer and OFC/FIFA referee committee member over the incident, Atisson said "FIFA referee, Michael Hester understood the game and what he did was right".

"The referee applied the laws of the game, and mistakes too can happen anywhere in the world, yet you don't see supporters attacking the referees", he said.

The referees that officiated yesterday's match were selected by OFC referee committee which Atisson is part of, as an exercise to prepare them to participate in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"Those were my referees and they have reached the U17 World Cup semi-finals last year in Nigeria. We should be proud of them because they represent Oceania and are of high and international standard. They applied every laws during the match and you could tell the difference with local referees", he said.

"I am terribly sorry for what happened. The President of the Republic of Vanuatu and the president of Vanuatu Football Federation were there", said Atisson.

"It's a shame, while we are trying our best to take football to another level, some ignorant are trying to paint a bad picture about us", he added.

According to Atisson, the actions could cause Vanuatu to loose some opportunities at the OFC and FIFA level.

Photo: Referees L-R - Tevita Makasini [TON], Michael Hester [NZL], Jan-Hendrik Hintz . Fourth official - Soterio Bernard

Sad day for football in Vanuatu

Tafea and Lautoka's clashed yesterday was interrupted when Tafea supporters stormed in the pitch overruling the referee’s authority by stopping the game before the final whistle.
The incident was sparked 87 minutes in the game when an angry fan ran in and tackled FIFA referee, Michael Hester down for flagging his 2nd red card to Tafea’s Geoffrey Gete over a bad tackle.
Retired referee, Mr. Harry Atisson who has been a referee for the last 20 years, and is a member of the Oceania and FIFA referee committee said “In the laws of the game, a player is disciplined according to the nature of the offense. In Tafea’s case, a bad tackle from behind is a direct red card”.
But, it is unclear, what the intention of those who stormed the pitch later on after Michael Hester’s actions, because not only the referee who got hurt, but the Lautoka F.C. players run for their lives too and one player was badly injured.
It is obvious that the supporters who got in the pitch were Tafea F.C. die-hard fans, and either they got in because they were unhappy over the referee’s decisions or because Tafea was losing.
They took the pitch and outnumbered the securities who look helpless in controlling the situation, but with the help of some fans and football officials, they sheltered Michael Hester and his assistants from the worst could happen.
It was unfortunate for Lautoka players and official when they remain unprotected and one player got badly injured and few got punched and kicked by the angry mobs.
Moses Stevens who is the President of Pacific Island News Association and is a well-known football commentator for the last 15 years said “This is a sad day for Vanuatu football. I have never seen a scene like this during my career”.
It is also wrong to see securities that have been posted to protect the match have also got involved in the brawl.
Vanuafoot contacted a representative of the stadium management, Mr. Bong Shem with regards to security, and Bong said they were informed of the securities involvement. "It is shocking to hear about some of the securities actions. We will review their contract and this could be the end of their service here", said Mr. Shem.
Meanwhile, Michael Hester and his assistants and a Lautoka player went for medical treatment and check-up after the incident yesterday afternoon.
The referee’s and VFF report will be submitted to OFC disciplinary committee later on the week for their consideration. It is possible that OFC will levy tough disciplinary sanctions to Vanuatu over the incident.

Photo: Lautoka F.C. team escorted out by Police.

TAFEA F.C. Vs LAUTOKA F.C. - LIVE Now!

TAFEA F.C. Vs LAUTOKA F.C. match stopped by supporters.

Crowd: 2000+
Weather: Cloudy (no rain)

game about to start.





[commentator]Tafea needs to be carefull in the defence.
* commentato4 is now known as commentator
[commentator] michel kaltak efforts gone wide
[commentator] 8'
[commentator] crowd: 3000+
[commentator]weather: cloudy
[o-league] thanks
[commentator] go to vanuafoot.blogspot.com for start list
[commentator] ball possession: 50/50
[commentator] 11' Sailesh Samy down. Sailas Namatak tafea got red card 
 [commentator] 13' first corner kick to Lautoka
[commentator] tafea down by 1 man
 [commentator] corner kick by Tafea and crossing header by Jean Nako went out
[commentator] 15mins
 [commentator] lautoka missed a good opportunity
* cp03784 (lightIRC@41.223.201.218) has joined #vanuafoot
* cp03784 (lightIRC@41.223.201.218) Quit (Connection closed)
 [commentator] 21 minutes no goals,  both team putting a lot of effort.
[commentator] Nawatu creating a lot of opportunities for Lautoka.
[commentator] few shots saved by Tafea keeper
[commentator] National keeper Alfred mala [TAF] not playing today
[commentator] Another good opportunity for Lautoka again was missed.
 [commentator] Ball possession: 50/50
[commentator] 24 minutes
 [commentator] 1st goal for Lautoka. Long distance ball from Samuela Vula.
[commentator] 25metres out
 [commentator] 25 minuest
 [commentator] *minutes
 [commentator] Penalty awarded to Tafea 
 [commentator] and a yellow card to Lautoka 
 [commentator] Samson Obed's shot was saved by Lautoka GK
 [commentator]  Sakama on the bench 
[commentator]  Play mood: slow, easy 
 [commentator]  double blow for Tafea, 1 red card, 1 goal against 
 [commentator]  35' 0 - 0
  [commentator]  35' 0 - 1 
 [commentator]   foul against Jonah Turu 
 [commentator]  2-3m out  
 [commentator]  Richard Iwai taking the free kick
* lightIRC_7000 (lightIRC@210.7.0.89) has joined #vanuafoot 
 [commentator]  cleared by Lautoka defence
* lightIRC_7000 (lightIRC@210.7.0.89) Quit (Connection closed) 
[commentator]  *defense
[commentator] 41' Lautoka's corner kick opportunity was denied by Tafea defence
[commentator] 1 minute to go
 [commentator] 45' End of first half


TAFEA F.C.  0 - 1 LAUTOKA F.C.

[commentator] Etienne on the bench
 [commentator] Expect change on Tafea's side in the 2nd half. Frazer on the bench too. 
* lightIRC_5347 (lightIRC@110.175.113.19) has joined #vanuafoot 
 [commentator] Substitution: Tafea 4 out. Frazer Maebule 16 in 
 [commentator]4 Tafea - Roger Joe 
 [commentator] 2nd half starts
* Peter (lightIRC@183.81.138.4) has joined #vanuafoot
* Peter (lightIRC@183.81.138.4) Quit (Connection closed) 
[commentator] kaltak (TAF) down
* sugar_king (lightIRC@124.185.127.7) has joined #vanuafoot 
 [commentator] substitution: Tafea 11 in 
[commentator] Tafea 11 is Etienne Mermer 
 [commentator] Good chance for Tafea created by Frazer was shot wide
 [commentator]  Lautoka 2nd goal 
 [commentator]  by Jone Vono 
 [commentator]  bad timing by Tafea defenders
[o-league] who scored the first goal? 
 [commentator]  Samuela Vula 
[commentator]  Lautoka 
[commentator]  Tafea missed a penalty, by Samson Obed 
 [commentator]  8 minutes 2nd half 
 [commentator]  another penalty awarded to Tafea 
 [commentator]  hopefully this one will get in  
 [commentator]  Lautoka player got yellow card 
 [commentator]  9' 2nd half 
[commentator]  Frazer Maebule down inside the penalty box 
 [commentator]  Frazer is a Solomon Islands import player 
 [commentator]  a goal for Tafea 
 [commentator]  by Geoffery Gete
 [commentator] Tafea fans up on their feet 
 [commentator]  Lautoka 2 - 1 Tafea 
 [commentator]  good pass by frazer to richard 
 [commentator]  goal was dismised by referee 
 [commentator]  player was outside 
 [commentator]  richard iwai


Goals: Samuela Vula 25', Jone Vono 51', Geoffery Gete 57'.


 [commentator] Nawatu (LAU) booked
 [commentator] Valerio Nawatu 7
 [commentator] Lautoka dominating in the 2nd half
 [commentator] both teams putting a lot of effort. Substitute Frazer Maebule creating some opportunities for Tafea in the 2nd half
 [commentator] Unfortunately Tafea Frazer Maebule is injured and carried off the pitch
 [commentator]Substitution for Tafea. Sakama in and Frazer out
 [commentator] 73 minutes in the game

Find match photo's on Vanuafoot Facebook photo gallery

 [commentator] 75' Substitution for Lautoka. Nawatu 7 out Sailesh Samy 11 In.
 [commentator] 78' Good crossing by Jean Nako to Richard and left shot taken but it hit the goal post. Tafea having more opportunities.
 [commentator] 79' Lautoka missed a shot in the penalty box
 [commentator] 81' Fredy Vava [TAF] and Vula [LAU] booked. Corner free kick pushed out by Tafea GK.
 [commentator] Another penalty shot awarded to Lautoka
 [commentator]  86' Lautoka 3 - 1 Tafea
 [commentator]  3 minutes to go
[o-league] who scored?
 [commentator]  Saileh Samy
[o-league] thanks
[commentator] game cancelled
 [commentator]  i think
 [commentator]  it's over
 [commentator]  game is over
 [commentator]  Tafea supporters stormed in and close the match.
 [commentator]  they were not happy about the referees decisions

TAFEA F.C. Vs LAUTOKA F.C. match stopped by supporters.

Lautoka F.C. Line-up:

James Chronopoulis (GK) 1,Sameula Kautoga 2,Alvin Avinesh 3,Samuela vula 4,Semesa Nakosia 5, Malakai Waqa 6,Valerio Nawatu 7, Llatia Tuilao 8, Nahuel Arrarte 9, Kamal Hassan 10, Sailesh Samy 11, Jone Yelaqio 12, Apisai Smith 13, Elvin Prasad 14
Marika Robanakadavu 15, Jone Vono 16, Arvindra Naidu 17, Niumaia Tagi 19, Osea Vakatalesau 20, Keli Jeke 21, Alverti Baleiloa (GK) 22, Joshua Wilson 23
Ali Cem Akbal 24,Nikola Zonjic 25, Goran Subara 26, Salesh Kumar 27, Parmesh Prasad (GK) 28, Poasa Bainivalu 29

Tafea F.C. Line-up:
Alfred Malas [GK] 1, Samson Obed 2, Jacgues Mafil Nawan 3, Roger Joe 4, Fredy Vava 6, Moise Poida 7, Jean Nako Naprapol 9, Richard Iwai 10, Etienne Mermer 11, Richard Iata 12, Francois Sakama 13, Jonah Turu 14, Frazer Maebule 16, Geoffrey gete 17, Robert Tom 18, Michel Kaltak 19, Len Merika [GK] 20, Nines Takau 23

Officials:

Referee: Micahel Hester [NZL]
Asst Referee 1: Jan-Hendrik Hintz [NZL]
Asst Referee 2: Tevita Makasini [TON]
Fourth Official: Soterio Bernard [VAN]

Tafea: We will play our game

Tafea F.C. captain, Moise Poida said in an interview with Vanuafoot
this week that Tafea will play their game against Lautoka F.C. this
saturday at PVM Stadium.
Moise made these comments to assure fans gearing up for the this
saturday's match between Tafea F.C. and Lautoka F.C. at 3pm local
time.
"We have never lost a home game in any O-League matches", said Moise
Poida. "And our aim this weekend is to win the show, and also we want
to put on a good show for our Vanuatu people", he added.

World Cup hopefuls out to impress in O-League

This weekend's O-League clash between Auckland City and Waitakere
United will be one of the last opportunities for World Cup hopefuls to

impress in front of All Whites management.
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert and his assistant Brian Turner have
confirmed their attendance at the crucial Group A decider which kicks
off at 3:00pm on Sunday at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham.
Auckland City midfielder Chad Coombes made his All Whites debut
against Mexico earlier this month and says he is hoping to back that
up with another good performance.
"This is a massive game for so many reasons. I just want to play well,
not make too many mistakes and keep my cool," says the 26-year-old PE
teacher.
The versatile Coombes, who has played at full-back, right midfield and
striker, says he doesn't mind where he plays this Sunday.
"Against Waitakere I usually prefer playing up front and I've scored
in the last two games against them. But if I'm in a defensive role
then I'll be up against Roy (Krishna) or Benji (Totori) so that will
be a good test of my abilities."
Teammate Jason Hayne also had a late call up for the one-off match
against Mexico but was not used by Herbert during the 2-0 loss. The
23-year-old midfielder will be keen to impress along with outside
hopefuls James Pritchett and Jacob Spoonley while veteran central
defender Ivan Vicelich will want a strong showing after missing the
last All Whites match through suspension.
In the Waitakere camp, full-back Aaron Scott says he's not going to
think too much about who is watching from the sideline.
"Obviously it's at the back of your mind but what's at the forefront
is playing well and ensuring we win the match," says the
Hamilton-based defender who has five caps for New Zealand.
Scott was a substitute in both World Cup qualifying matches against
Bahrain but was not selected for the Mexico match. The 23-year-old
says the disappointment of missing that match has given him extra
motivation to improve his game.
"I've been doing a lot of work aiming to peak for this match and I'd
like to say I'm close to hitting my best form."
Strikers Brent Fisher and Alan Pearce, who have been involved in New
Zealand teams in the past, will also be out to prove a point this
weekend.
Waitakere player-coach Neil Emblem is delighted Herbert will be at the
match and says it will be the perfect opportunity for players to stake
their claim.
"I believe players at this level should be looked at and the All
Whites management must think the same otherwise they wouldn't be
coming on Sunday," said Emblen.
"It would be fantastic if we can get players from both clubs to earn
selection for New Zealand and go on to play at the biggest football
competition in the world."
Ends
Auckland City FC [NZL] vs. Waitakere United [NZL]
Sunday 28 March 2010
Auckland, New Zealand
Kiwitea Street
Local kick-off: 15H00
Referee: Norbert HAUATA [TAH]
Assistant Referee 1: Brent BEST [TAH]
Assistant Referee 2: Mark RULE [NZL]
Fourth Official: Mirko BENISCHKE [NZL]
Auckland City FC: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 4. Sam
CAMPBELL, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8.
Chad COOMBES, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 10. Grant YOUNG, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC,
13. Alex FENERIDIS, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 18. Paul
GOTHARD  [GK], 20. Greg UHLMANN, 21. Ricky VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam
DICKINSON, 24. Luis CORRALES.
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]
Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron
SCOTT, 4. Tim MEYERS, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin
TOTORI, 10. Alan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 12. Roy KRISHNA, 16. Neil
EMBLEN, 17. Jake BUTLER, 18. Zane SOLE, 19. Dakota SOLAS, 20. Ryan DE
VRIES, 21. Jack PELTER, 22. Liam LITTLE [GK], 24. Luke ADAMS.
Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]
Club contacts:
Auckland City FC: Steve Vuksich +649 21 137 6106 or vuky@mcgregorbailey.co.nz
Waitakere United: Rex Dawkins +6421 974 469 or info@waitakereunited.co.nz

For further information visit www.oceaniafootball.com

Platini to seek second term as UEFA president

EUROPEAN NEWS

Michel Platini has confirmed he is to seek a second term as UEFA president next year.



Michel Platini has confirmed that he plans to stay on as UEFA president

Platini, who defeated Lennart Johansson in the elections for the role in January 2007, told the XXXIV Ordinary UEFA Congress in Tel Aviv that he is eager to continue his work.

"I am a happy man, a happy president and happy to work with you," he said. "There is more work to do in the future so I am happy to announce to you that I am a candidate for re-election to the presidency of UEFA."

It had been suggested that Platini may stand for FIFA president, but he has confirmed that he remains committed to seeing through the four major challenges he had identified at the previous year's congress in Copenhagen.

He had indicated a willingness to ensure that Euro 2012 takes place in Poland and the Ukraine, ensure there is 'financial fair play' in the sport, to halt the traffic of minors and stamp out illegal betting fraud.

Many of Europe's top clubs will be affected by changes demanding financial fair play, which would have ramifications for many Champions League and Europa League sides from 2012.

"I told you, word for word, that in this area we will act because it is a question of ethics, a question of credibility and even a question of survival for our sport," Platini told the congress. "I can tell you today that we have acted.

"We have acted because, since Copenhagen, all the families of football, without exception, have approved our concept and the principles of financial fair play. Principles that are supported and encouraged by the institutions of the European Union.

"A Uefa Club Financial Control Panel has been set up, involving some of the top European experts on these issues ... It is now established that, from the 2012-13 season, clubs participating in European competitions will have to follow a simple but demanding rule: they will not be allowed to spend more than they earn.

"Today, thanks to this set of decisions on financial fair play, and especially in view of the reaction of all members of the football family to these measures, it is clear that football has matured."