Football's New Eastern Promise

Carlos Tevez

The football war is on with the news this week that Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down a €300 million transfer offer to play football in the China Super League. It seems the Real Madrid striker could be the next name on a list that has already claimed Carlos Tevez from his boyhood club Boca Juniors in Argentina to sign for Shanghai Shenhua. The Brazilian star Oscar, albeit in the twilight of a glittering career, who is also moving for a €420,000 per week deal. These developments no doubt sending shivers through the Premier League so very accustomed to bringing stars from abroad to England for what have been to date record breaking wages.

Throughout Europe the feeling will be the same as club presidents contemplate the fees that could be earned from selling, not only key assets, but unloading peripheral ones on lengthy and unaffordable deals. In a sport constantly seeking more cash to run expensive operations the new China option clearly will make 2017 a very happy new year for many. Which already impacted on Liverpool a year ago, when they missed out on Brazilian Alex Teixeira. However, Juergen Klopp believes clubs like Liverpool still carry lustre for those whose priority is football over wages. But he may very well being walking alone with that assessment when he explained: “Nobody has to leave Liverpool because of money,” said Klopp. “Maybe there are a few clubs in world football who can play better and if you can go there, these few clubs, yes then do it. But for all the rest this should be the best place to be.”

A touch of wishful thinking no doubt.

Given that the Premier League has just established its global value thanks to the generosity of Sky Sports and BT Sport which to date has allowed many clubs claim overseas players with their loosened cheque books. And indeed, big name managers. No different to what the Italian league did decades ago. Or La Liga in Spain where FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have hired nothing but big names on record breaking fees over the years. And still do with Lionel Messi Sergio Aguero, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Neymar all enrolled in Spanish football for many years. So, the China influence will cause concerns in a game that is driven by agents for the most part, all of whom will now be seeking eastern clubs for more of their assets. The fees quoted this week make the Paul Pogba move to Manchester United paltry.

Although the traditionalists will baulk at the thought of having to watch games on TV at three am to see some of their favourite stars. The stark commercial truth is that it will all be streamlined should the European audience be of value. However, with the population in China western viewership and their sleeping habits will be of little concern. But having been accustomed to seeing the big names every Saturday on a Match of the Day, live or indeed during Champions league clashes these audiences will fade if the bigger names and younger starts chose to move east. In Europe, Real Madrid could see their big names become very attractive also. Albeit Gareth Bale has just extended his deal for another few years with an official buy-out clause at €1bn – as a deterrent. Not a problem if any Chinese club fancied him in their roster.

The names also include managers; with Luiz Felipe Scolari joining Guangzhou Evergrande; former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson now with Shanghai SIPG and Dan Petrescu manages Jiangsu Guoxin Sainty. Just to mention a few.  Unlike the MLS, or indeed its previous iterations, the USA is no longer the automatic graveyard choice for retiring names. Or those seeking a juicy pension as China is attracting a younger age demographic that the US was never able to achieve. The dangers for the Premier League are obvious.

In 2016 Premier League clubs started to share the £5.136 billion from Sky Sports who broke the bank to retain most the UK television rights. A massive increase for the 2016-2019 rights from the outgoing deal of £3.018bn deal and could not have factored the impact of the China money that is already making senior professionals to start looking east. Not only for the twilight years but for their last major deal. Undoubtedly the flights to China are chocker with hungry agents, would be agents and the football cognoscenti chasing these life changing financial rewards. It could not come at a worse time for the Premier league already facing the wider uncertainty of Brexit and freedom of movement in the EU.

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Why are Clubs so Keane on Roy

Roy Keane is box office. No doubt about it. 

But as a TV pundit where his clear views and willingness to voice strong opinions contrast sharply with some of his more bland PC studio colleagues. Making him a big draw for ITV Sport’s Champions League fixtures during the winter months. Promising much too for this month’s World Cup in Brazil. Until. Well, until he changed his mind.

His commercial value alongside Martin O’Neill in the backroom of the Republic of Ireland, was viewed as a marketing coup. However in classic Keane mode the recent headlines have been more of a PR headache as the Republic’s Assistant manager has been consistently linked with other vacant managerial positions. Ranging from Celtic to the most recent Aston Villa. The type of headlines though that were giving his current gaffer some annoyance during the trip to the USA.

"I think that he has enjoyed it here immensely - that obviously plays a part in his thinking," added the Republic boss.

"In the future, he will have loads of offers, as he has had in the past and in the immediate past," O'Neill said.

"Things like this here will crop up again, with a wee bit of luck. I'm not saying Celtic will, but that type of job will.

"Everything now at this minute is on the backburner in terms of all speculation, all that type of stuff. I don't really want to continue on with this until we come back from the United States."

In opting out of his ITV commitments ahead of a World Cup is bound to bring some reminiscence of a previous walk out. Albeit in less dramatic fashion than the infamy of Saipan, where in 2002 as a Manchester United player – at the peak of his game – left the Irish squad. Undoubtedly would also have proved that vital cog to a team that made it to the World Cup quarterfinals without him. Particularly, if he delivered performances similar to Lansdowne Road on September 1, 2001 against Louis van Gaal’s Holland. 

Although it is easy to see Keane’s value as a player, it is a manager that the value seems over stated. After all promotion was secured at Sunderland in his first season, then survival in year two, with year three more tumultuous. All ending in his resignation before Christmas 2008.

His next move to Ipswich Town in April 2009 was in a two year deal that saw him sacked within seventeen months. Leaving the ream no better than when he arrived and with his nemesis Mick McCarthy following in his footsteps to work miracles. In November, amidst much fanfare, Keane became part of the Football Associations Dream Team with Martin O’Neill as replacement for the departed Giovanni Trapattoni. 

Then over the six month mark O’Neill’s deputy is being linked with other offers. Lending weight to Sir Alex Ferguson’s comment when pressed by the media about Keane’s potential pedigree.

"Young managers come along and people say this one will be England manager or boss of this club, but two years later they're not there. It's not an easy environment to come into, I wouldn't forecast anything.”

So why were Celtic FC anxious to hire the Cork man? Or now supposedly Aston Villa. Or indeed a number of other clubs who seemingly have enquired about his services. The answer. He puts bums on seats it seems.

In Glasgow the void left after the departure of the highly regarded Neil Lennon will be hard to fill and with season tickets on sale, a Champions League qualifier due. Keane would have been a commercial catch. But he also would have been under pressure straightaway. Given Lennon has left a legacy to be fulfilled at the club - that exceeded Martin O'Neill's tenure - is one that an ambitious manager might be tempted. But for the long haul.

Many others would be fearful of taking on the task as recent seasons have seen Celtic set benchmarks that will be unbeatable in the short term. Having punched well beyond their weight outside the Scottish Premier League. 

Yet with little track record beyond Sunderland, and no CV that points to building strong squads, or a coaching pedigree second to none. Or some radical new formations, it seems that box office is exclusively where Keane adds value. 

Regardless last week the FAI released a short statement confirming Keane would be staying put.

"The Football Association of Ireland [today June 2] confirmed that Roy Keane will travel with the Republic of Ireland squad to the US after he decided not to pursue the informal talks that took place with Celtic any further."

Having been first touted at Old Trafford as a possible replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane seemed on the fast track until that interview in 2005. A critical interview that caused much reaction within the club. Then at Keane’s suggestion, the players gathered to watch the interview. 

Afterwards, Keane stood up and rounded on Ruud van Nistelrooy, Edwin van der Saar and assistant manager Carlos Quieroz - as Ferguson recalls in his book:

“Roy asked the players whether they had anything to say about what they had just seen. Edwin van der Sar said yes. He told Roy was out of line criticising his teammates. So Roy attacked Edwin. Who did he think he was, what did Edwin know about Manchester United? Van Nistelrooy, to his credit, piped up to support Van der Sar, so Roy rounded on Ruud. Then he started on Carlos. But he saved the best for me.” 

“‘You brought your private life into the club with your argument with Magnier,” Fergsuon wrote.

“At that point, players started walking out. What I noticed about Roy that day as I was arguing with him was that his eyes started to narrow, almost to wee black beads. It was frightening to watch. I never understood his obsession with the Rock of Gibraltar affair.

“After Roy had left, Carlos saw I was quite upset. ‘He needs to go, Carlos,’ I said. ‘One hundred per cent,’ he said. ‘Get rid of him.’”

In one interview Ferguson summarised Keane as follows: “The hardest part of Roy’s body is his tongue… It was frightening to watch. And I’m from Glasgow.”

Clearly Keane is box office on TV. The problem is everyone is chasing him for his dug out work. 

But so far there is little sign that is of equal quality.

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Dan is the BBC SPOTY Man

BBC Sport

Dan Carter has been named BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year for 2015.

Carter beat Usain Bolt, Novak Djokovic, Katie Ledecky, Jordan Spieth and Serena Williams to the award that was decided by public vote for the first time.

The Racing 92 fly-half was crowned World Rugby player of the year after helping New Zealand retain the World Cup in October.

"I'm thrilled to have been voted BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year by the UK public," Carter said.

"It's been an incredible year for me on British soil and the support has been phenomenal.

"It was an incredibly competitive shortlist and I'm honoured to have been recognised alongside these great sportsmen and women from around the world."

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The Sharapova Drug Head Ache

Maria Sharapova is part of an immense financial and marketing juggernaut that is now struggling to deal with the news that the Russian tennis player failed a recent drug test. Indeed, some may say, just for using a drug that was only recently banned in January 2016. Albeit the former Wimbledon champion has been using it for ten years without hindrance. An administrative oversight the partial explanation for failure of the test. Only adding to the global incredulity with key sponsors reacting in mixed fashion since the news was broken in Los Angeles by Sharapova herself.

With an estimated career earnings of $285 Maria has been a money making machine since winning the singles women title in 2004 at the age of 17 in SW19. Providing her sponsors with a dream opportunity ever since and all benefiting from an association with an athlete associated with “trust” and “aspiration” according to sponsorship consultants Repucom. In fact, last year alone Sharapova earned just under 30 million dollars of which two thirds came from Nike, Tag Heuer, Head, Porsche, Tiffany, Avon and Evian. The Russian a key asset in a sponsorship industry valued at $50Bn and one where she still remains the highest paid female athlete – surprisingly ahead of Serena Williams and Lyndsey Vonn. 

Hence the reluctance on the part of the sponsors to part company, with only Porsche and Tag Heuer doing brave enough to do so. Along with UNICEF, who also suspended her ambassadorial role.

The ambivalence offered by the current suspension suits top sponsor Nike, who have yet to take action and will be unlikely to do so until relevant sanction is finally confirmed. With much guessing as to where Meldonium fits in the banned substance list and difficult to gage in the scale of drug offences. Some estimates suggesting the maximum four-year ban - which seems harsh given the precedents – or as little as six months. For Nike such high profile storms are not uncommon given the breadth of their portfolio and also having lived the Lance Armstrong doping scandal for a number of years. Added to Justin Gatlin’s drug ban, Tiger Woods domestic upheaval and then Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault allegations. Leaving the US sportswear company now more adept at crisis management with reliable techniques to minimises any blemish to their instantly recognisable swoosh. 

But the added news this week that four Russian track-and-field athletes have also tested positive for Meldonium will further undermine any efforts to overturn a global doping ban of their athletes in time for the Olympics later this year. Thus far 16 Russian sportsmen and women have been caught using Meldonium since it was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency on January 1st. Dmitry Shlyakhtin, head of the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF), said on Monday four athletes had now tested positive, although he did not name the athletes and so it was unclear whether Russian sprinter Nadezhda Kotlyarova, who revealed on Sunday she had taken Meldonium, was included as one of the four. So unless the ban is lifted Russian athletes will miss the 2016 Rio Olympics in August. Indeed, since Sharapova admitted using Meldonium, at least 100 athletes from multiple countries have tested positive for the drug, which is used to treat diabetes and low magnesium and has been linked to increased sporting performance. 

Meldonium is particularly popular in Russia and the former Soviet Union, having been invented in Latvia it was used to help Soviet soldiers fight at high altitude in the 1980’s. 

Last week Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova faced a life ban from the sport after she also tested positive for it. The 23-year-old four-times breaststroke world champion, who has been based in the United States since 2011, tested positive for the drug during an out-of-competition test. Efimova, bronze medallist at the 2012 London Olympics in the 200m, could be handed a lifetime ban from competitive swimming as she has previously failed a drugs test. In May 2014, she was disqualified for 16 months by the International Swimming Federation (Fina) after traces of the anabolic steroid DHEA, which speeds up metabolism and helps with weight loss, were found in her system at an out-of-competition test in Los Angeles in 2013.

In the case of Maria Sharapova though the news has created a division in the game as some believe it was an honest and genuine mistake. Others have not been so understanding with French tennis player Kristina Mladenovic saying the Russian was a “cheater”. A sentiment also has been heard from Jennifer Capriati in the wake of Sharapova string of victories - which include a total of five grand slams.

Capriati’s career was cut short by injury after winning two Australian Open titles and the 2001 French Open, and she was furious because she felt her career ended prematurely in part because she refused to cheat.

"I had to throw in the towel and suffer," Capriati posted on Twitter "I didn't have the high priced team of [doctors] that found a way for me to cheat and get around the system and wait for science to catch up.

"What's the point of someone taking a heart medicine that helps your heart recover faster unless you have a heart condition? Is that accurate?

"It's always about one thing that benefits everyone. #money. "Maybe I should start taking it? Lol I might feel better."

Capriati believes the Russian should be stripped of her 35 professional titles, which includes two French Opens (2012, 2014), the 2004 Wimbledon championship, 2006 US Open crown, and the 2008 Australian title.

"How much did it take away from the other person’s food plate," Capriati asked.

Despite being dogged by injury Sharapova is still only 28 and even if it were to be a four year ban she could still remain a winning force at the age of 32. But in admitting culpability and facing the media Sharapova has attempted to address the matter in the hope that – any ban permitting – the reaction will soon blow over. This positive action learned from the experience from other athletes caught in the past. Some of whom tried to hide in the wake of allegations. 

But with launch of Sugarpova, the savvy Sharapova will want to control the news cycle as much as possible as any prolonged bad news is unhelpful for all parties in her marketing juggernaut. As the Sugarpova brand heads into the world of gummy candies and chocolates, as well as other home goods, operating in a very attractive demographic for tennis sponsors. Consequently, Sharapova’s management will be watching events very closely and awaiting the confirmation of the possible ban to minimise the damage. As will the sponsors with Head tennis racquets, who only secured Sharapova’s services in 2013 after the Russian ended a long association with Prince. 

Head could face costly damage to their brand if the ban proves very lengthy. Not unlike Nike, the racquet maker has a lot invested in the Russian and so even the suspension could be costly to them. Hence their silence on the matter.

For most of us though taking performance enhancing drugs is an offence and merits the appropriate punishment. But then again most of us are not part of the marketing and financial juggernaut that is Sharapova and so remaining objective is perhaps easier. But if Sharapova makes $12m a year from Nike sponsorship the sportswear company must make a lot more from the association? 

But breaking that relationship would surely turn things on their Head.

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RTE Radio 1 - Today with Sean O'Rourke

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Kurtis Haiu 1984 -2016 #RIP

Kurtis Haiu 1984 -2016

Former Blues Super Rugby player Kurtis Haiu has died from a rare form of cancer, aged 31. Haiu played 53 games for the Blues between 2006 and 2011 and 75 for provincial club Auckland before retiring because of a rare form of bone cancer.

“The Blues family are deeply saddened by this news. Several of our players were close to Kurt and have spent time with him over the past weeks and months,” Blues chief executive Michael Redman said on behalf of the team’s players and management.

He said the franchise would discuss an official response on Thursday. The Rugby Players Association said Haiu had tried a variety of treatments for the cancer, Ewings Sarcoma, including alternative treatment in Switzerland and surgery.

Blues Captain Jerome Kaino said Haiu’s battle with cancer was characteristically brave. “I loved playing footy with Kurtis and I will treasure those memories of my Blues brother and pray that he rests in peace,” he said.

Haiu also represented New Zealand at the under-19 and under-21 levels and played for Auckland’s Marist Rugby Club. “It is with great sadness that we inform our Marist Family of the passing on of a Marist son, Kurtis Haiu. No doubt there will be more said about you Kurtis and your devotion to our beloved club but for now, we just bid you farewell,” the club posted on its Facebook page.

Tributes are already flowing in social media, including from former All Black Keven Mealamu who tweeted: “Rest well my Brother, Much Love and Blessing”.

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Sarah Young - RIP

BBC Sport 

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, founder of the Clipper Round the World yacht race, has pledged a full investigation into the death of a British crew member.

Sarah Young, 40, was washed overboard in the Pacific Ocean and is the second person to die in this year's event.

Sir Robin said everyone involved in the race was in "shock" over the death.

The investigation will focus on why she was not tethered to the yacht, Sir Robin said, adding safety was a vital part of the sailors' training.

Fellow Briton Andrew Ashman, a crew member on the same boat, died after being knocked unconscious. in September.

Despite being amateurs, both Miss Young and Mr Ashman were experienced sailors.

Miss Young was tidying the cockpit of the IchorCoal yacht after reefing the mainsail when she was knocked from her position by a wave. She fell back towards the guard wire and was swept under it by another wave.

Rescue attempts were hampered by winds of up to 40 knots and her body was recovered more by her crewmates than an hour later.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Miss Young but she did not regain consciousness. She died at about 13:44 BST on Friday.

The cause of her death is yet to be confirmed but is suspected to be drowning or exposure, organisers said.

Sir Robin, who in 1969 became the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world, told the BBC: "We've only had two fatalities in something like 4,000 people, in 10 races around the world.

"It's a shock to all of us and we want to find out exactly why it happened. Why wasn't she hooked on? This is what I've got to establish."

It was an "appalling coincidence" that two crew members from the same yacht had died, he added.

Sir Robin described Miss Young as experienced as a "very popular member of the crew, a very easy person to like".

The IchorCoal yacht, pictured, set off on the latest leg of the race on 21 March

He went on: "One of the things we really focus on in Clipper with the four weeks' training is safety.

"That is the primary consideration, the one thing we drum into all crew."

Miss Young, who was from London, was one of the sailors taking part in the entire round-the-world challenge.

The incident happened during the ninth race of the 14-stage event which started in August and covers more than 40,000 nautical miles.

Sarah Young

Sarah Young was taking part in the year-long race on the IchorCoal boat

Miss Young had already sailed more than half way round the globe, covering 20,000 nautical miles before setting off from the latest leg of the race on 21 March.

She had pulled out of part of the challenge after the death of her mother, organisers said.

Miss Young was the owner of a personal lifestyle company and prior to the Clipper Race had taken part in other expeditions, including mountaineering in Nepal. She had also run a marathon and was a qualified diving group leader.

Fellow IchorCoal crew member Eliotte Ashcroft wrote on Facebook that Miss Young was a "witty, ballsy, caring lady".

The boats are currently racing in the north Pacific, which is where Young was swept overboard

This latest stage of the race takes crews from Qingdao in China to Seattle in the United States and has 3,242 miles still to go.

The crew will now continue on their journey to Seattle.

Sir Robin said: "I should think they are in shock and will want to take it easy for a bit and I have to say I think if I was in their position I would do the same."

More than 700 crew members are participating in the 2015-16 race, which will end in London on 30 July.

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EURO 2016 Behind Closed Doors If Needed - O'Neill

PA

Martin O’Neill would reluctantly accept Euro 2016 games being played behind closed doors if the ongoing terror threat meant that was the only alternative.

Uefa said on Wednesday that it had no plans to keep supporters out of games at this summer’s finals in France in the wake of Tuesday’s attacks in Brussels.

However, O’Neill, the Republic of Ireland manager, admitted that – should security chiefs decide that is the best solution to guarantee the safety of all involved – they would have to do it.

He said: “If someone wants to make an attack as happened yesterday, it’s very, very difficult to deal with that, but overall the security that we’re being provided with is really excellent and like everything else, I’d comply with anything that is happening.

“There’s talk about matches being played behind closed doors, but the safety of people is of paramount importance and anything that is agreed upon, we will fall in line.

“If that is an alternative and it’s the only alternative, then if we are going to have the competition, we may have to comply with it.”

Heightened security around the tournament is likely to have repercussions for Ireland and their fans around their base in Versailles.

O’Neill said: “If security is tightened, as it probably will be, then maybe the players might have to stay closer to the hotel. I don’t think we want to turn away supporters, but at the same time security, I think people will realise that it might be very, very tight.”

Meanwhile O’Neill is concentrating on Friday night’s friendly encounter with Switzerland and the following game against Slovakia on Tuesday.

The midfielder Jeff Hendrick has returned to Derby for treatment on a longstanding shoulder injury, while the Stoke striker Jonathan Walters is expected to return to the Irish camp before the second game after heading home as he nurses a minor hamstring strain.

The captain Robbie Keane again sat out training on Wednesday, but O’Neill is confident he will be available for both games.

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