Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By RYAN TOLMICH

With La Liga currently taking part in a major crackdown on match-fixing, it has come to light that Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero was among the players to take a stand.

Caballero reported an attempted match-fix to authorities last season after the then-Malaga goalkeeper was called by an “intermediary” and offered compensation to let in a goal. While no actual amount of money was discussed, Caballero went straight to Spanish authorities to file an official complaint.

The match in question was a clash between Malaga and Elche on May 3 that resulted in a 1-0 Elche victory. After the game, which is currently under investigation, then Malaga coach Bernd Schuster revealed his frustration with his players’ efforts.

“I have some players who are unrecognizable,” Schuster said. “We are on the pitch, but we are not there.”

Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Friday morning:

BUSTOS RESIGNS AS CHIVAS DE GUADALAJARA MANAGER

Much like their former sister club, Chivas de Guadlajara currently find themselves in disarray.

Shortly following Thursday’s 3-1 loss to Toluca, manager Carlos Bustos resigned as manager after winning just one of the team’s past eight games. Bustos, whose departure comes just two days after the resignation of sporting director Francisco “Paco” Palencia, was the club’s third manager of 2014.

“I would like to thank the club and all the people who work with Chivas, from Jorge [Vergara] on down,” Bustos said in a statement. “With everyone I have always had the best support, but sadly, sometimes things don’t go the way one plans.

“I have my dignity, I could insist upon my place, I have not been thrown out of the club. This was my decision, on behalf of my coaching staff, we want the best for a great team such as Chivas and we are grateful to have been part of this institution. Thank you.”

Currently in a relegation fight, Chivas captain Omar Bravo revealed his disappointment with Bustos’ departure.

“I understand that the fans are upset and irritated, that is part of everything, but the only thing that we can do is to keep working so we can give the fans happiness and above all, get ourselves out of this situation we are in,” Bravo said. “There is a team with more will than the results indicate, a good group, and within it I believe there are many areas of opportunity.

“Of course, this news [Bustos’ departure] is not agreeable. You come here with a project and when things culminate in this manner, of course, it is disagreeable. We have 21 points to dispute still and even though some of the team is down, we must overcome this and try to get as many points as possible.”

WENGER CLAIMS THAT FABREGAS PREFERRED ARSENAL MOVE

Saturday’s clash between Chelsea and Arsenal is sure to bring out even more emotion than usual due to the continued love between a manager and his former player.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted that he is still a fan of Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas, who joined the Blues from Barcelona this summer. Ahead of this weekend’s meeting, Wenger also revealed that Fabregas would have preferred a return for the Emirates, but it was not to be due to the current makeup of the Gunners’ midfield.

“Certainly, yes,” Wenger said when asked if Fabregas wanted an Arsenal reunion. “I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.

“I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Ozil. We were not in need of offensive players.

Wenger also called on Arsenal supporters to pay their respects to Fabregas, who played for Arsenal from 2003-11.

“Cesc Fabregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career,” Wenger said. “I have no personal animosity against Fabregas. He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves.”

QUICK KICKS

England manager Roy Hodgson revealed that Jonjo Shelvey, who was recently called up to the national team, had previously rejected the chance to feature for the U-21 side. (REPORT)

Barcelona have asked a consultant to provide a report of potential sponsors ahead of the 2016 expiration of their current deal with the Qatari government. (REPORT)

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew hopes to prove doubters wrong amid constant calls for the manager’s removal. (REPORT)

Newcomers Juan Benat and Rodrigo are among the 23-man roster called up by Vicente del Bosque for Spain’s upcoming games against Slovakia and Luxembourg. (REPORT)

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How big of a problem do you think match-fixing is in the current game? What do you think of the current situation at Chivas de Guadalajara? What do you think of Wenger’s comments regarding Fabregas?

Share your thoughts below.