Top Stories

Tuesday Kickoff: Vergara calls for Herrera to be sacked; Platini prepares to run for FIFA president; and more

MiguelHerreraMexico1-Guatemala2015 (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

In spite of winning the 2015 Gold Cup, Mexico National Team head coach Miguel Herrera’s fiery temper looks to have gotten the worst of him.

According to multiple reports in Mexico, Herrera allegedly physically assaulted journalist Christian Martinoli while the pair were walking through Philadelphia International Airport on their way back to Mexico on Monday. While Herrera has denied hitting Martinoli, the response from Mexican media, fans, and the sport’s financial backers has been nearly unanimous.

Jorge Vergara, owner of Chivas and one of the men that Herrera answers to as Mexican National Team coach, said that he believes Herrera should be fired for his actions.

“It is inexplicable (what happened),” Vergara said, via ESPN Deportes. “Very immature (behavior) is something that should not have happened. Imagine if celebrating when we win, I want to see when we lose. It is a bad example for El Tri and the country.”

Herrera will reportedly meet with the Mexican Football Federation this morning to learn his fate.

Here are some more stories to kick off your Tuesday:

PLATINI EXPECTED TO RUN FOR FIFA PRESIDENT

After sitting out the last election cycle, Michel Platini is ready to throw his hat in the ring.

According to BBC Sport, Platini will run for FIFA President, joining a long list of potential candidates, including Jordan’s Prince Ali, Brazil’s Zico, South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon, and many more.

Under current FIFA rules, each presidential candidate needs at least five national FA’s to back them, but the BBC report states that Platini has support within UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and the AFC.

Platini has been in charge of UEFA since 2007, and has helped grow confederation’s funds by increasing the amount of money they make in TV and marketing rights deals.

WARNER EXTRADITION HEARING DELAYED

Jack Warner and his representatives bought themselves some more time to vigorously defend themselves from extradition to the United States.

At a short hearing on Monday, Warner’s defense team asked for more time to examine the indictment documents alleging that Warner committed fraud, embezzlement, and more over the course of his time as a FIFA vice president and head of CONCACAF.

The court case in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, was adjourned until Aug. 28. Warner told reporters afterwards that he would request his legal team to file for judicial review, claiming that as the leader of the Independent Liberal Party, the Trinidadian government has been trying to force Warner out of the country.

QUICK KICKS

Atletico Madrid have completed the transfer deal for Felipe Luis, bringing him back to Madrid after one year with Chelsea. (REPORT)

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has extended his contract through 2020. (REPORT)

Brazilian midfielder Fred, who plays with Shakhtar Donetsk, has reportedly failed a doping test that was taken during the Copa America. (REPORT)

Villarreal are interested in acquiring Roberto Soldado this summer, but it’s expected to cost upwards of €17 million to sign him from Tottenham. (REPORT)

———–

What do you think of these reports? Do you see Herrera staying on as El Tri manager? What do you think of the controversy? Would Platini make a good FIFA president?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I can’t picture Klinsi punching anybody for insulting or making fun of him. El Piojo is just an uncivilized troll who responds with violence to any type of provocation.

    Fun fact: He would have been in the Mexican 1994 squad had he not, yes, punched and kicked some guy who taunted him.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I9vN1Z4ilM

    Reply
    • imagine the heat of the US presidential race, but its Trump vs. some other nutcase and the entire campaign takes place on a Jerry Springer set. now put that into a Mexican soccer context and its on-going forever – thats FMF for you.

      Herrera is a uncivilized troll, but so is everyone else around him. big money politics and crazy egos in Mexican soccer politics have created this story and continue to make Mexican soccer a mess.

      I wouldn’t ever consider trading our optimistic and (most of the time) unified USSF for the sh!tstorm down south. Hope all of the dual national players, fans, coaches see this and make the easy choice of sticking with the USA.

      Reply
  2. Extradite Jack Warner now and let him wait in general population until his trial date. There’s no chance of retrial release because he is a flight risk. Maybe the guys in Gen Pop can get him to atone for his misdeeds. Ouch.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to BombVoyage Cancel reply