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Mid-Day Ticker: Bin Hammam suspicious of FIFA, Chelsea nears Lukaku & more

BinHammam (Getty Images)

Mohamed bin Hammam wants answers.

Bin Hammam, a recent challenger to president Sepp Blatter's throne who was given a lifetime ban from FIFA after being found guilty of bribery by the organization's ethics committee, has yet to receive documentation outlining the reasons for his expulsion. Until FIFA produces those reasons, bin Hammam cannot formally appeal his punishment.

"Although FIFA was keen to introduce the sanctions against me immediately, it has been in much less of a hurry to publish the reasons behind its decision," bin Hammam wrote in a statement. "This delay is suspicious in that it gives FIFA the time to devise a justification for a decision that it was always going to make anyway. This is also outrageous as FIFA has been quick to publicise my guilt while holding up my opportunity to appeal. FIFA is therefore violating its own rules by seeking to enforce an order before issuing a decision explaining its grounds."

Here are a few more stories from around the soccer world:

CHELSEA CLOSING IN ON LUKAKU DEAL

After a long chase, Chelsea is reportedly close to signing 18-year-old Belgian star Romelu Lukaku.

Currently a teammate of Sacha Kljestan at Anderlecht, Lukaku is thought to be one of the world's true up-and-coming strikers. He has long been a target for Chelsea, and according to Belgian reports, he would land at Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal while competing in a crowded stable of forwards for immediate playing time.

Lukaku scored 19 goals in all competitions for Anderlecht last season.

LATEST FABREGAS BID REJECTED

Once again Barcelona offered, and once again Arsenal declined.

According to reports, Arsenal has rejected Barcelona's latest bid for Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, which was believed to have been in the €38 million range. Arsenal has been reportedly seeking a €45 million payday for its influential midfielder and captain, who is a product of the Barcelona academy system.

UNITED SHORTHANDED FOR COMMUNITY SHIELD

Javier Hernandez has been ruled out, and Michael Carrick and Rafael are doubtful for Manchester United's Community Shield match against crosstown rival Manchester City this weekend.

Hernandez picked up a concussion while training ahead of the MLS All-Star Game and is set to miss at least a couple of more weeks. Carrick suffered an Achilles injury during former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar's testimonial match this week, while Rafael was injured in United's friendly with Barcelona in Washington, D.C., last weekend.

City, meanwhile, is set to have new signing Sergio Aguero on the matchday roster for the game but will not have the services of Carlos Tevez.

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Do you side with bin Hammam? How could you see Lukaku faring with Chelsea? Do you think the Fabregas-Barcelona saga will ever end? Who do you think will win the Community Shield?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. watching an excellent stream of Mix Diskeruud and Staebek vs FFK. FFK 1-0 over STB and dominating the match. Few touches and soft play for Diskeruud & STB up to 60th min. But all of a sudden, a nice sequence leads to score by Mix, – plus STB scores again. 2-1 STB over FFK.

    Reply
  2. Bin Hammam is right! FIFA is crooked! I heard he has first hand information (from himself) that all types of crooked things are going on.

    pffffffft

    Reply

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