Site icon SBI Soccer

Afternoon Ticker: FIFA considers World Cup change, Wenger extension and more

Sepp Blatter 1 (Getty Images)

By FRANCO PANIZO

On the day that the English Premier League season began, FIFA may have stole the headlines.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced that the sport's governing body is considering doing away with ties in the group stages of the World Cup. Blatter suggested that this approach would end defensive-minded teams from playing for draws in the early games of the tournament

Blatter also said FIFA will contemplate whether or not a tie game in the group stage should be decided through penalty kicks or the Golden Goal rule, which was last used in a World Cup in 2002 in South Korea and Japan.

Here are more stories from Saturday: 

Wenger signs Arsenal extension

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has extended his stay at the club, agreeing to a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2013-2014 season. Wenger agreed to the new deal just a day before Arsenal opens up its Premiership campaign against Liverpool. This season will be Wenger's 15th in charge of the Gunners.

Gerrard hoping Arteta earns England call-up

Steven Gerrard has admitted that he'd love to see Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta suit up for England's national team. Originally from Spain, Arteta has never been capped by La Furia Roja, and Gerrard thinks the 28-year-old should pursue playing for England since he qualifies for the residency rule by having lived in England for five years.

Cardiff City eyeing Bellamy

Championship club Cardiff City has set its sights on forward Craig Bellamy, who has fallen out of favor with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. Cardiff City manager Dave Jones revealed his interest in the Welsh international following his club's 2-1 win over Derby County, but he believes Cardiff might be the least favored choice among Bellamy's suitors. 

Bellamy is also currently linked with Celtic, Fulham and Tottenham.

——–

What do you think of FIFA potentially doing away with World Cup draws? Happy/disappointed to see Wenger staying on? Do you see Arteta suiting up for England? Should Bellamy sign with Cardiff City or go elsewhere?

Share your thoughts below.

Exit mobile version