By RYAN TOLMICH

FIFA executive committee member Theo Zwanziger insists that Qatar is still at risk of losing the 2022 World Cup if the country doesn’t clean up its act regarding labor practices.

Zwanziger, who has repeatedly criticized the idea of a Qatar-based World Cup, has given the country a March deadline in a proposal that will be given to FIFA’s executive committee Friday.

“Qataris must deploy, by a March 10, 2015 deadline, the independent commission – tasked with regularly monitoring human rights conditions at World Cup construction sites and note progress – as demanded in the Piper report,” Zwanziger said.“Until now apparently not much has happened.”

If the country fails to meet those deadlines, Zwanziger, who is set to step down from his position in March, believes that the country should be stripped of hosting duties.

“I would expect that a national federation would put in a request for a vote by the 209 member federations at the FIFA congress at the end of May in Zurich on stripping Qatar of the World Cup.”

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

CLUB AMERICA ADD FOUR PLAYERS FOLLOWING LIGA MX TITLE

Just a few days removed from their Liga MX triumph, Club America has shown that they are not prepared to rest on their laurels.

With an eye on the Clausura title, America announced Monday that the club has signed midfielder Cristian Pellerano and striker Dario Benedetto from Club Tijuana, striker Darwin Quintero from Santos Laguna, and  left back Miguel Samudio from Libertad. Samudio joins after being on-loan to Brazil’s Cruzeiro last season.

With the four additions, America add to the team’s championship experience, as Pellerano enters the fold having previously won a title with Xolos, while Quintero earned both a league title and a Copa MX with Santos Laguna.

CRUZEIRO LOOK FIGHT OFF REAL MADRID INTEREST WITH NEW DEAL FOR SILVA

Real Madrid have been linked with Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva for months, but current club Cruzeiro is determined to hold onto their star for just a little while longer.

Cruzeiro have reportedly offered Silva a new contract that will see the midfielder earn double his previous salary, while also adding to the player’s release clause. Cruzeiro’s reported strategy is to hold onto the player through the Copa Libertadores before selling at an increased value.

At present, Real Madrid have reportedly offered around $15 million, while Cruzeiro have demanded closer to $19 million for any transfer.

QUICK KICKS

Liverpool fullback Glen Johsnon is set to miss a month of action due to a groin injury. (REPORT)

Roma manager Rudi Garcia has been given a two-match ban for an altercation with a steward. (REPORT)

Scotland’s Rangers are set to appeal a fine given over player payments. (REPORT)

Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech revealed that there was a delay in bringing out a stretcher for Kurt Zouma, who was injured in Chelsea’s clash with Derby County Tuesday. (REPORT)

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What do you expect to come of Zwanziger’s proposal? Who do you see as the favorites heading into the Clausura campaign? How would Lucas Silva fare with Real Madrid?

Share your thoughts below