Chelsea F.C

[abadani69]

UEFA has no plans to ban new Chelsea manager Avram Grant from coaching in the Champions League despite uncertainty over his qualifications, European soccer's governing body said on Thursday.

Grant, who took over from Jose Mourinho last week, has yet to obtain the UEFA Pro Licence normally required to coach in European competition and the Premier League.


"We are awaiting the outcome of the discussions between Chelsea, the Israeli Football Association and the English Premier League," said a UEFA spokesman.

"But we have no intention of banning him from the touchline or taking any other such disciplinary measure."

Chelsea were unavailable for immediate comment.

The spokesman said UEFA would only be forced to consider Grant's case if the Premier League formally complained to the European body about his lack of qualifications.

Former Israel coach Grant was named Chelsea's director of football before taking over as coach following Mourinho's shock departure from the west London club last week.

[abadani69]

Chelsea are keeping their options open on whether skipper John Terry will play against Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday after the defender underwent surgery for a broken cheekbone on Sunday.

In a statement on the club's Web site (www.chelseafc.co.uk), Chelsea did not rule out him appearing in the Group B match at the Mestalla.

"John Terry underwent an operation on Sunday morning on a depressed fracture to his right cheekbone," the statement said.

"His availability for Valencia will be assessed over the next few days following the surgery."

Terry suffered the injury during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Fulham when he collided with Fulham's American striker Clint Dempsey after just three minutes of their Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.

Terry played on until halftime before coming off. The match ended goalless.

Were Terry to play against the Spaniards, he would almost certainly have to wear a protective mask.

Chelsea drew with Rosenborg Trondheim in their opening group match while Valencia won at Schalke 04.

[abadani69]

Didier Drogba shrugged off speculation about his Chelsea future to score in his team's 2-0 Premier League victory at Middlesbrough on Saturday, one of many notable goals from Africans playing in Europe.

In an interview with France Football magazine last week the powerful Ivorian striker suggested that he had been unhappy at Stamford Bridge for some time and would like a transfer to one of the leading continental sides.

However, Chelsea manager Avram Grant put his faith in Drogba on Saturday and he was rewarded with a typically strong run and composed finish in the eighth minute.

Elsewhere in the Premier League Nigerian striker Benjani Mwaruwari continued his excellent form for Portsmouth with their first goal in a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic.

Benjani broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, volleying home a cross from Ghanaian Sulley Muntari to move to the top of the goalscoring charts with seven league strikes.

Ivory Coast international defender Kolo Toure scored his first goal of the season for Arsenal with a powerful low long-range free-kick in the 68th minute of their 2-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers.

And South African forward Benni McCarthy scored twice as Blackburn Rovers cruised to a 4-2 home win over Reading.

In Spain, the two leading African players, Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon and Frederic Kanoute of Mali, both sat out injured as their teams managed contrasting results over the weekend.

Kanoute's struggling Sevilla ended their run of four consecutive league defeats with a 2-0 win at Levante but Barcelona missed Eto'o as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Villarreal.

In France, Algerian striker Rafik Saifi scored twice for Lorient but could not prevent his side sinking to defeat in a 5-3 thriller at Auxerre.

Nice moved up to seventh after two well taken goals from Ivory Coast striker Bakari Kone helped them to a 3-1 home win over rock bottom Metz.

French-Senegalese forward Bafetimbi Gomis scored twice in six first-half minutes to give St Etienne a 2-0 win at Toulouse.

In Germany, Nigerian marksman Solomon Okoronkwo scored a last minute consolation in Hertha Berlin's 3-2 defeat at second placed Werder Bremen on Saturday.

In the Netherlands, Moroccan striker Samir El Gaaouri scored a consolation goal as VVV-Venlo went down 3-1 at second placed PSV Eindhoven.

Despite El Gaaouiri's best efforts things look increasingly bleak for VVV who are bottom of the Dutch top division with just three points from their eight games.

In Italy, Ghanaian striker Gyan Asamoah scored a terrific goal to save a home draw for Udinese as they were held 1-1 by fifth placed Palermo.

There looked to be little danger when Asamoah picked up the ball but a combination of some excellent quick feet and a deadly low finish earned Udinese a point.

[Rasputin]

[abadani69]

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will become Chelsea’s manager after the European Championship.

The Premier League club announced Avram Grant’s replacement on its Web site Wednesday after Scolari’s side secured a quarterfinal berth by beating the Czech Republic 3-1.

The Portuguese football federation confirmed the deal on its Web site, saying Scolari would not extend its contract with Portugal after the European tournament because of the Chelsea offer.

Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich’s hiring of a World Cup winner is starkly different from the inexperienced Grant’s appointment last September.

Scolari, who guided his native Brazil to its fifth world title in 2002, will start at Chelsea on July 1.

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo backed the move and could face Scolari next season if he stays at Manchester United.

“He needs to look for his future. I respect that,” Ronaldo said. “If he has better conditions, better things for the family and for him, I respect that. This is football, it’s always like that.”

Scolari’s Portugal lost the Euro 2004 final in Lisbon to Greece and was ousted by France in the 2006 World Cup semifinals.

“It would be hard to leave, for the beauty of the country and for all that Portugal has,” Scolari said Tuesday. “It’s hard, but I’m a professional. I lived and I can live anywhere in the world. I have to be prepared for anything.”

The 59-year-old former defender has never managed a European club, but has won the Copa Libertadores—South America’s knockout competition—with Brazilian clubs Gremio and Palmeiras.

Scolari spurned the chance to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager in 2006 after being aggravated by the English media intrusion and because he didn’t want to make a decision before—or during—the World Cup.

Scolari is due to hold a press conference in Switzerland on Thursday. His spokesman didn’t have any immediate comment.

“Out of respect for his current role as head coach of the Portuguese national team, and to ensure minimum disruption to his work, there will be no further comment from Chelsea FC nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences,” Chelsea said in a statement.

Grant left Stamford Bridge last month after finishing second to Manchester United in the Premier League title race and the Champions League, while being beaten by Tottenham in February’s League Cup final.

Most fans never warmed to the dour Israeli, ruing the departure of his charismatic predecessor Jose Mourinho, who led the Blues to two Premier League titles after replacing Claudio Ranieri in 2004.

[Rasputin]

دکو به چلسی پیوست


دکو در عمر حرفه ای خود هم در جام لیگ قهرمانان و هم در جام یوفا قهرمان شده است
باشگاه چلسی با پرداخت مبلغی معادل 16 میلیون دلار، دکو هافبک پرتغالی باشگاه بارسلونا را به خدمت گرفت و با او قراردادی دو ساله امضاء کرد.
اخیرا پپ گواردیولا، مربی جدید بارسلونا گفته بود این بازیکن جایی در برنامه آینده او ندارد.

دکو به سایت رسمی باشگاه چلسی گفت: "برای من خوب شد که به اینجا آمدم و از اینجا بودن بسیار خوشحال هستم."

از اوایل ماه میلادی جاری که لوئیز فیلیپه اسکولاری، مربی پیشین تیم ملی پرتغال، به سمت سرمربی باشگاه چلسی منصوب شد، دکو اولین بازیکنی است که چلسی به خدمت گرفته است.

چلسی پیشتر با ژوزه بوسینگوا، هم وطن دکو نیز قرارداد امضاء کرده بود.

دکو که در برزیل متولد شده، در سال 2004 و پس از ترک باشگاه پورتو به بارسلونا پیوست.

او در باشگاه پورتو و تحت هدایت ژوزه مورینیو سهمی عمده در قهرمانی تیم خود در جام یوفا، جام لیگ قهرمانان اروپا و لیگ داخلی پرتغال داشت.

او در سال 2006 و در بارسلونا هم به مقام قهرمانی لیگ قهرمانان اروپا رسید و دوبار با این تیم کاتالان به مقام قهرمانی اسپانیا دست یافت.

با این وجود در فصل 2007-2008 چند مصدومیت فعالیت او را با مشکل مواجه ساخت و او در این فصل تنها در 14 مسابقه، تیم بارسلونا را در جریان مسابقات لالیگا از ابتدای بازی همراهی نمود.

آینده خط میانی چلسی

حضور دکو باعث تقویت خط میانی چلسی خواهد شد که در حال حاضر هم از ستارگانی چون فرانک لمپارد، میشائیل بالاک، مایکل اسین، جان میکل اوبی و کلاود ماکلله بهره می برد.

جاناتان لگارد، گزارشگر فوتبال در رادیو 5 بی بی سی، گفت در جریان جام ملتهای اروپا دکو بیش از کریستیانو رونالدو نظر آقای اسکولاری را جلب کرده است.

با این حال او گفت: "قرارداد دو ساله نشان می دهد که او بخشی از یک برنامه بلند مدت برای تیم سازی نیست. او در ماه اوت 31 ساله خواهد شد، اما سابقه پیروزی های اروپایی او با پورتو و بارسلونا از نگرانی ها درباره وضعیت جسمانی او خواهد کاست."

این کارشناس فوتبال همچنین معتقد است حضور دکو، احتمال خروج فرانک لمپارد به اینترمیلان را بیشتر خواهد کرد.

او با یادآوری این موضوع که لمپارد پس از مطرح شدن ظن و گمان ها درباره آینده خود و احتمال پیوستن به ژوزه مورینیو در اینترمیلان، چیزی درباره تصمیم به ماندن در چلسی مطرح نکرده گفت: "مگر اینکه دو طرف (لمپارد و چلسی، و اینترمیلان) در لحظه آخر نظر خود را تغییر دهند، وگرنه تردیدی درباره رفتن لمپارد به ایتالیا وجود ندارد."

[siamak]

A stunning Frank Lampard strike ended Everton's resistance and ensured Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink brought the curtain down on his brief spell in English football by collecting the FA Cup.

The Toffees had made a dream start when Louis Saha put them ahead after just 25 seconds - the quickest goal in Cup final history.

But Chelsea came back strongly and equalised through Didier Drogba's header before Lampard fired home the winner from 25 yards with 18 minutes left.

The margin of victory should have been greater as TV replays showed that Florent Malouda's spectacular strike moments later had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Howard Webb did not give the goal.

In the end it made no difference to Chelsea, or Hiddink, who deservedly has a trophy to show for the impressive work he has done at Stamford Bridge as he returns to his job with Russia.

Victory at a sweltering Wembley brings to an end the Dutchman's brief love affair with the Blues, which began when he watched from the stands as they beat Watford in the fifth round on Valentine's Day.

And his side again demonstrated the patience and power he has instilled them as they fought back to overhaul a dogged Everton side that took the lead with a terrific early strike.

Steven Pienaar's cross was only half-cleared by Jon Mikel Obi and Marouane Fellaini headed down for Louis Saha to smash the ball past Petr Cech.

606: DEBATE
Lamps with the winner and his usual 20th of the season. WELL DONE YOU MIGHTY BLUES. OLE OLE OLE OLE

Drogba's_sniper
The goal clearly rattled Chelsea and their back-four looked nervous whenever the ball came near them immediately afterwards.

But the complexion of the game changed as soon as Hiddink's side settled and began coming forward themselves, using the width offered by Nicolas Anelka and, in particular, Malouda on the left.

Everton right-back Tony Hibbert was given an early yellow card for clipping Malouda's heels, and he spent the rest of the half trying to keep up with the Frenchman, mostly unsuccessfully.

Hibbert was not the only player at fault - he should have received more support from Leon Osman on that flank - but the amount of space they were leaving invited trouble, and Chelsea took full advantage to equalise after 21 minutes.

Malouda, who was completely unmarked, ran on to Lampard's pass and, from his inviting cross, Drogba rose above Joleon Lescott to power home his header.

By now, Hiddink's side were completely on top, with the Toffees unable to keep hold of the ball, let alone use it constructively.

Everton did at least tighten up at the back, with the exception of the hapless Hibbert who was caught out time and time again before the break.

The closest Chelsea came to punishing him further came when a deflected pass span into Cole's path, but the England defender sliced his shot well wide.


Saha's opening goal, after 25 seconds, is the fastest in FA Cup final history
Unsurprisingly, Toffees boss David Moyes made changes at the break - hauling off Hibbert for Lars Jacobsen and moving Tim Cahill further forward in an attempt to wrestle back the initiative.

Even after his reshuffle, Chelsea were still enjoying the lions share of possession and Anelka should have done better when he lobbed over after running clear, but Everton did threaten too.

They showed their intent when from a short free-kick, Leighton Baines whipped the ball into the Chelsea area and Saha's header flew only inches over the bar.

Indeed, the game was still wide open until Lampard's goal on 72 minutes.

The England midfielder collected Michael Ballack's pass, turned inside Phil Neville, and, despite losing his footing, let fly with a tremendous strike that was still rising as it flew into the top corner.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard got a hand to the ball but could not stop it hitting the net - and from there, there was no way back for Everton.

Malouda could have sealed victory when Lampard slid him through but lashed the ball over, then was wrongly denied after his long-range shot hit the woodwork and bounced in.

But, despite that let-off, Everton could not find a response and Chelsea remained in control of the match in the closing stages to win the Cup for a fifth time.

Chelsea's future looks increasingly likely to be placed in the hands of AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, but the 2009 FA Cup final will be remembered for how the Blues gave Hiddink a fairytale finish.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Ballack 61), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne.

Booked: Mikel, Lampard.

Goals: Drogba 21, Lampard 72.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen 46), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 82), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Baxter.

Booked: Hibbert, Neville, Baines.

Goals: Saha 1.

Att: 89,391.

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

[abadani69]

Chelsea have been banned by FIFA from registering new signings until January 2011 after being found guilty of inducing a player to break his contract with another club.

“Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the next two entire and consecutive registration periods (transfer windows),” FIFA said in a statement on Thursday.

The English Premier League club described the ruling as “extraordinarily arbitrary” and “totally disproportionate” and said they would appeal.

The decision is a crushing blow for Chelsea. The next window is in January followed by another in the middle of 2010.

The punishment was handed out by world soccer’s governing body following a contractual dispute involving the transfer of reserve team player Gael Kakuta from Racing Lens in 2007.

Following a complaint from Lens, FIFA’s dispute resolution chamber ruled Kakuta, now 18, had breached his contract with the French club and that Chelsea had induced him to do so.

The player was ordered to pay 780,000 euros ($1.11 million) compensation, which FIFA said Chelsea were “jointly liable” for, and he was given a four-month ban from competitive matches.

Chelsea were also ordered to pay “training compensation” of 130,000 euros to Lens.

“This underlines how important contractual stability is for FIFA and football in general,” said a FIFA spokesman.

Lens president Gervais Martel told French radio station RMC: “We expected that decision. It’s not because you’re called Chelsea that you should not respect the law.

“They contacted him when he was not even 16 which is not acceptable. There is a rule you have to respect.

“I don’t know what will happen next. I don’t expect he will be back with us,” added Martel.

“We spend a lot of money on schooling. There’s no reason why others should use us and benefit from it.”

CHELSEA FURY

The London club were furious at the decision.

“Chelsea will mount the strongest possible appeal,” the club said on their website (www.chelseafc.com). “The sanctions are without precedent to this level and totally disproportionate to the alleged offence and the financial penalty imposed.

“We cannot comment further until we receive the full written rationale for this extraordinarily arbitrary decision.”

Kakuta had been at Lens since he was eight, going through their schooling system. A midfielder, he is a France under-19 international and was due to play in the Sendai Cup in Japan this month.

Hampered by injury, he made only five Chelsea youth team appearances last season and two for the reserves.

He began last season with hamstring problems before being sidelined in February after suffering a double fracture of the ankle in a friendly.

Kakuta’s first season was more successful as he finished as the youth team’s top goalscorer.

Four years ago Chelsea were fined 300,000 pounds ($184,049) by the Premier League over the “tapping up affair” involving the move of Ashley Cole from Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho, coach at the time, was fined 200,000 pounds and Cole 100,000 pounds after the three parties were found guilty of breaking league rules by attending a meeting at a London hotel.

The fines against Mourinho and Cole were later reduced to 75,000 pounds but both had appeals dismissed by the league.

In May, Swiss club Sion were banned by FIFA from registering new players for one transfer window after the controversial signing of Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari from Al Ahli last year.

The ban was put on hold by CAS in July after Sion appealed.