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Wednesday Kickoff: Drogba heads to China, Blatter’s goal-line tweet & more

Drogba (Reuters Pictures)

Didier Drogba's move to China is officially complete.

The former Chelsea star signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Shanghai Shenhua, where he will be reunited with former strike partner Nicolas Anelka while playing under former Argentina coach Sergio Batista.

"I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but feel that Shanghai Shenhua FC is the right move for me at this time," Drogba said in a statement released by Chelsea. "I am looking forward to a new challenge, to experiencing a new culture, and excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League."

Drogba had long been rumored to be signing with Shanghai Shenhua, but that did not stop other teams, such as Italian champion Juventus, from making offers for the 34-year-old Ivory Coast international, who was the hero of Chelsea's run to the UEFA Champions League title.

Here are a few more stories to get your day going:

BLATTER: GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY A NECESSITY

After seeing Ukraine be denied a goal against England after replays showed that Marko Devic's shot crossed the line in full, FIFA president Sepp Blatter's reaction was the same as the majority of fans around the world: Goal-line technology is a must.

"After last night's match (goal-line-technology) is no longer an alternative but a necessity," Blatter wrote on his official Twitter account.

The International Football Association Board will meet July 5 to determine whether to implement technology, and if so, which system to use. 

SHEVCHENKO RETIRES FROM UKRAINE

As expected, Tuesday's loss to England was Andriy Shevnchenko's final competitive match on the international level.

The 35-year-old striker retired from international duty after co-host Ukraine was eliminated from Euro 2012 Tuesday, ending a memorable three-game run for the veteran.

"It was my last official game for Ukraine," Shevchenko told reporters. "A bit later on I will arrange a farewell game to say goodbye to supporters."

Shevchenko turned in one of the performances of the tournament with his two-goal effort against Sweden, his first match in a European championship after a decorated club career. He started against France but did not score and then was forced to come off the bench against England while nursing a knee injury. 

SRNA SUGGESTS REF BIAS FOR SPAIN 

Croatia captain Darijo Srna feels that his team wasn't just playing against Spain in its Euro 2012 finale, but that it was going up against the referees as well.

Srna asserted that referee Wolfgang Stark and his crew were biased toward the defending World and European champions, denying Croatia what he feels were two certain penalties. The plays in question were Sergio Ramos' sliding, studs-up challenge while going for a loose ball with Mario Mandzukic and Sergio Busquets' clash with Vedran Corluka late in the match.

"If they had the same situations for Spain, they would give a penalty," Srna said. "We can't change anything but it's not nice when someone doesn't respect you."

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What do you think of Drogba's move? Do you agree with Blatter? What is the extent of video replay that you want in the game? What did you think of Shevchenko's showing at Euro 2012? Do you think Srna has a point?

Share your thoughts below.

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