Site icon SBI Soccer

Mid-Day Ticker: USMNT 31st in FIFA rankings, Inter fires Gasperini and more

USMNTJT0902113967

Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com

As the U.S. men's national team continues its winless stretch, the team keeps tumbling down the FIFA rankings.

The United States is No. 31 in the latest rankings, down three spots after losses to Costa Rica and Belgium earlier this month. Spain recaptured the top spot from the Netherlands, who falls to No. 2 after a one-month stay atop the world and two victories in European championship qualifying.

Mexico is the highest-ranking CONCACAF team in the world at No. 20, and Egypt, which is getting set to officially introduce Bob Bradley as its head coach, comes in at No. 36.

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

GASPERINI AXED BY INTER

It didn't take long for Inter Milan to make a change after an embarrassing loss to recently promoted Novara on Tuesday.

Gian Piero Gasperini was axed as coach after guiding Inter to an 0-2-1 start in league play and a home loss in the opening game of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Claudio Ranieri is considered the favorite to take over as the fourth Inter coach since Jose Mourinho left following the 2010 season. 

FIFA APPOINTS HAYATOU TO OVERSEE OLYMPICS

FIFA is hardly doing itself any favors when it comes to shedding the reputation of being corrupt.

The world's governing body of soccer appointed Issa Hayatou, the current president of the Confederation of African Football, as the head of the soccer tournament at next summer's Olympics in London.

Hayatou is currently under investigation by the International Olympic Committee for corruption after allegedly accepting money from a former FIFA marketing partner two decades ago.

TOURE RETURNS FOR CITY

Following the conclusion of his six-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance, Manchester City defender Kolo Toure will make his return to action in the club's Carling Cup match against Birmingham City on Wednesday.

Toure was suspended in February after his positive test, which he said was triggered by him taking his wife's water tablets that contained a banned diuretic. His suspension ended earlier this month.

EVERTON HOPES TO EXTEND MOYES

Manager David Moyes' contract at Everton doesn't expire until 2013, but the club is hoping to lock him up for the long haul by discussing a contract extension this year.

March will mark Moyes' 10-year anniversary with the club, which lost the likes of Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford in the summer transfer window but is currently in seventh place in the Premier League through four matches.

——————–

What do you think of the United States' ranking? Who would you like to see take over at Inter? What do you think of Hayatou being given Olympic responsibility? How much better off is City with Toure in the mix? Hope to see Moyes stay at Everton?

Share your thoughts below.

Exit mobile version