By FRANCO PANIZO
Neven Subotic is one of the top young centerbacks playing in Europe, but his future is under threat after Geman authorities opened a sexual assault investigation against him.
Subotic and three others are under investigation after a 21-year-old woman claimed she was the victim of a sexual assault. According to the victim, the incident happened after a private party at Subotic's residence.
No word on how long the investigation could last, but it is an untimely blow for Subotic, who recently returned to Borussia Dortmund's starting lineup after two months on the sidelines with facial fractures.
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USA U23 TEAM PLAYS TO SCORELESS DRAW WITH SAPRISSA RESERVES
On the same day the U.S. men's national team defeated Venezuela, U.S. Under-23 head coach Caleb Porter saw his side play to a scoreless draw against Saprissa's reserves in Costa Rica. The game, which was played at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, saw both teams create chances but neither was able to capitalize.
Here is the U.S. team's starting lineup:
Zac MacMath; Kofi Sarkodie (Sheanon Williams, 77), Zarek Valentin (capt.) (19-Royal-Dominique Fennell, 77), Sebastien Ibeagha (Andrew Wenger, 46), Jorge Villafana; Amobi Okugo (Mix Diskerud, 46), Jared Jeffrey (Michael Stephens, 61), Dilly Duka (Isaac Acuna, 67); Freddy Adu, Tony Taylor (Jack McInerney, 70), Jack McInerney (Joe Corona, 46)
The U.S. U-23 team will wrap up its January camp with a scrimmage against Alajuelense.
BALOTELLI CHARGED FOR VIOLENT CONDUCT BY FA
Mario Balotelli just cannot get away from making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Balotelli has been charged by the FA for violent conduct following an incident with Scott Parker in Manchester City's 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday. The incident occurred when Balotelli caught Parker in the head with one foot before proceeding to stomping on him with the other. Balotelli could face a four-match ban for his actions.
AC MILAN BACK IN FOR TEVEZ
AC Milan has reentered the Carlos Tevez sweepstakes, hoping it can sign the Manchester City forward before the end of the winter transfer window next week. Milan had pulled out of conversations for Tevez earlier this month but it is back in the race for his signature, according to club president Adriano Galliani. Tevez has previously stated his desire to play for the Rossoneri, but Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the mix to sign the Argentine international.
BILYALETDINOV SET FOR MOVE AWAY FROM EVERTON
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has not performed as well as expected since joining Everton in 2009, and the Toffees are set to let him go. Everton has agreed to a transfer deal with Spartak Moscow for Bilyaletdinov. The Russian international has already agreed to personal terms, but needs to pass a medical in Moscow in the coming days to finalize the transfer.
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What do you make of the investigation being opened on Subotic? Think a scoreless draw with the Saprissa reserves is a good result for Porter and the U.S. U-23 team? Do you see Tevez signing with AC Milan? How do you look back on Bilyaletdinov's time with Everton?
Share your thoughts below.