Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By TRAVIS CLARK
Portsmouth FC face a long road to recovery, but got some good news today.
A High Court decision in favor of the financially struggling club will allow the team to stay afloat as it attempts to pay off its creditors. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) had filed against the team's administrators, claiming that the plan to pay off the debts favored the current players while paying less back to the HMRC.
If the High Court had ruled in favor of the HMRC, Portsmouth would have been liquidated and likely expelled from the Football League. For now, the club is intact and prepares to begin its Championship season this weekend against Coventry City.
Here are a few other stories for this afternoon:
ROBINHO HOPES TO STAY WITH SANTOS
On-loan Manchester City striker Robino is hoping to stay with Brazilian side Santos instead of going back to England for the start of the Premier League season. The 26-year-old's six month spell ended this week, but Robinho is planning to ask Roberto Mancini if he can stay in Brazil. City has indicated that they don't want to send him out on loan again.
Robinho has had a rocky relationship with the Eastlands-based club ever since joining back in 2008.
BLANC, DEL BOSQUE NAME ROSTERS FOR RESPECTIVE FRIENDLIES
When new France coach Laurent Blanc declared that he would suspend the entire World Cup squad for one game, he meant business. And while it is hardly the severest of punishments to miss out against Norway, Blanc delivered when announcing the roster. The squad is bursting with players eager to impress the new boss of Les Bleus. Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa and Charles N'Zogbia are among the names for the August 11 clash.
World Cup-winners Spain, in action for the first time since hoisting the trophy in South Africa against Mexico, announced their roster as well. Seven Barcelona players including Xavi, Pedro and Gerard Pique will make the trip. Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta were both dropped.
MLS NOTES
Fredy Montero was named Player of the Month for July.
Kansas City Wizards defender Aaron Hohlbein was loaned to Miami FC for the remainder of the 2010 season. Hohlbein made two appearances for the Wizards this year.
FC Dallas will unveil a statue honoring Lamar Hunt prior to tonight's friendly against Inter Milan.
Sean Johnson's save against the Galaxy earned him the Save of the Week.
Rafa Marquez was among the call ups for Mexico's roster to face Spain on Wednesday.
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Can Portsmouth survive a season in the Championship? Will Robinho manage to stay in Brazil? Surprised to see so many Barcelona players in Del Bosque's squad?
Share your thoughts below.