The punishments levied against Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are set to continue as originally planned.
FIFA announced Wednesday that the duo’s appeals against their current suspension had been denied. The two were provisionally suspended for 90 days back in October after Blatter was accused of making a “disloyal payment” to Platini, although both have denied any wrongdoing in the case.
Platini, whose hopes of running for FIFA’s presidency have been severely jeopardized, will now reportedly take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, an option Blatter may take up as well.
Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Wednesday morning:
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE TO GO ON AS PLANNED FOLLOWING TERRORIST ATTACKS
In the wake of the recent Paris terrorist attacks, UEFA is expecting to continue to run both safely and smoothly.
UEFA announced Wednesday that the federation expects to hold the upcoming rounds of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League as scheduled. The decision comes in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks that killed 129 people, while both Belgium’s friendly with Spain and Germany’s meeting with the Netherlands were canceled due to security concerns.
“All matches are scheduled to go ahead as planned,” UEFA said in a statement. “UEFA has very strict rules regarding safety and security in relation to the organisation of matches and is working closely with the home clubs and local authorities to ensure all necessary measures are implemented to guarantee safety for all involved.
“UEFA has not issued directives about traveling fans, it is up to the relevant authorities to decide on such matters.”
While UEFA prepares for the upcoming round of continental action, both Germany and France are set for this weekend’s return to domestic play following last week’s tragedy.
Bundesliga play is expected to go on without a hitch, while Ligue 1 action will continue without the presence of traveling fans.
“It’s not at all because we fear clashes between supporters,” Ligue 1 president Frederic Thiriez said, “but because the minister, in this extremely difficult time, does not have enough mobile forces.
“There are not enough CRS [riot police] or companies of mobile police officers to guarantee at the same time the care of visiting supporters and general security in the stadiums as well as anti-terrorist surveillance.”
NEYMAR WILL NOT RE-SIGN WITH BARCA UNTIL TAX CONCERNS ARE HANDLED
Neymar’s future at Barcelona looks set to come down to ongoing tax investigations.
The Barcelona star’s father said that Neymar will not sign a new contract with the club until tax “concerns” are cleared up with Spanish authorities. As things stand, talks with the club have begun, but Neymar’s party are awaiting clarity over the investigations.
“We are talking about renewing but there are things outstanding still to resolve, which have us a bit worried,” Neymar Sr. said. “There cannot be these tax concerns from not knowing if we are doing things correctly.
“We must know if Spain accepts our situation. It is hard for us because we are receiving many attacks, from Brazil and from Spain, in tax matters.”
Neymar, his father and club officials are set to appear in court to explain his move to Barca from Santos, which allegedly featured a deal that would help Neymar avoid tax payments.
QUICK KICKS
Mario Balotelli will miss four weeks after undergoing groin surgery. (REPORT)
Dynamo Zagreb president Zdravko Mamic was one of five people arrested over transfer irregularities. (REPORT)
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial left Wembley Stadium on crutches following France’s 2-0 defeat to England. (REPORT)
Bayern Munich’s Thiago will be out up to four weeks after suffering a knee injury while with Spain. (REPORT)
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What do you think of the latest Blatter news? Glad to see play continue in Europe in the aftermath of the Paris attacks? What do you expect from Neymar’s situation?
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