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Mid-Day Ticker: Donovan wins Everton award, Blatter faces challenger and more

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By AVI CREDITOR

Landon Donovan has won over everyone from Everton's manager to teammates to the UK media since his loan spell in England began early last month.

Now he has won over Everton's fans as well.

Donovan was named Everton's Player of the Month, an award voted on by the Toffees' supporters.

In four Premier League appearances in January, Donovan scored one goal and assisted on another. His form carried over into February, as he put forth his best effort in Everton's 2-1 upset of table-leaders Chelsea on Feb. 10.

Donovan and Everton face another challenge Saturday, as they welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park.

Here are some other stories from Thursday:

BLATTER TO FACE OPPOSITION IN 2011

Sepp Blatter will be gunning for his fourth term as FIFA president when he is up for re-election in the summer of 2011, but this time he expects to face at least one challenger.

At an unannounced appearance in front of reporters at FIFA's headquarters, Blatter offered that he is prepared to run against "a candidate from Asia" whom he didn't name. Reports suggest that he could be referring to Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed Bin Hammam.

Blatter has been FIFA's president since 1998, when he took over for Joao Havelange. He ran unopposed when he secured his third term.

TOGO DECISION DELAYED

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has delayed making its decision whether to overturn the ban levied on the Togo national team.

The ban, which stipulates that Togo cannot compete in the next two African Cup of Nations tournaments (2012, 2014), was appealed earlier this month.

By not having the ban overturned, Togo will not be included in Saturday's draw for the 2012 qualifying matches, which begin next September. However, if the ban is eventually lifted, the draw will be redone at a later date, according to the BBC.

PORTSMOUTH LOOKING TO SELL PLAYERS NOW

Portsmouth, in desperate need of money before a March 1 court date that will determine whether the club must shut down, has asked the Premier League if it can operate outside the transfer window and sell players now to raise funds.

The club needs approval from the Premier League, the English Football Association and FIFA before going ahead with any moves.

VIEIRA ACCEPTS SUSPENSION

Manchester City's Patrick Vieira has decided not to appeal the three-game suspension he received for kicking Stoke City's Glenn Whelan in the groin in their match earlier this week.

Vieira will miss Premier League games against Liverpool and Chelsea and an FA Cup replay against Stoke while he sits out.

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Think Donovan can keep his form for Everton? Would you like to see someone else in charge at FIFA? Surprised that Togo's verdict hasn't been decided yet? Should Portsmouth be able to make moves outside of the transfer window?

Share your thoughts below.

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