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Post by steve on Apr 2, 2014 12:07:07 GMT 1
Fifa has imposed a transfer ban on Barcelona. The ban will last 14 months and the punishment is for breaking rules on signing international players under 18.
The Catalan club cannot buy or sell players until the summer of 2015.
Fifa has also sanctioned the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the same breaches
International transfers of players are only permitted if a player is over 18 and Barcelona have breached this.
In the second team they have some players that came last year in an irregular situation; they came from Korea and are 14 and 15.
Barcelona have one year to solve the situation because there are some cases and exceptions where you can do these contracts under the age of 18.
Barcelona will almost certainly appeal against the transfer ban imposed on them by Fifa.
The ban casts doubt over moves already agreed for Borussia Monchengladbach keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Croatian 17-year-old Alen Halilovic, who turns 18 in June.
Barcelona have a trio of youth players from South Korea, including the much sought after 15-year-old striker Lee Seung Woo, plus other players from Africa.
Fifa only allows international youth transfers when one of three situations apply: The player's parents have moved country for their own, non-related reasons; The move takes place within the European Union if a player is aged between 16 and 18; Or the player's home is less than 50km from the national border being crossed.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague on Twitter responding to Barcelona transfer ban:
Sanction is for two consecutive transfer windows. Club plans to appeal. Chelsea did so in 2010 and similar sanction was lifted.
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Post by lesd on Apr 17, 2014 20:41:05 GMT 1
So what have the Copa and the losses to Granada and Atléti told us about Barca?
That they are past it? That Martino has 'lost' the dressing room? That Messi is still not fit? That Xavi and Iniesta are past their prime? That Pinto is not an adequate replacement for Valdes?
Probably - all of them!
But for me, the clear picture is that Guadiola knew what was coming. In his final season, Chelsea edged them out in the C.L. semis, playing a long ball game and erecting a robust defence. It was clear that opponents were learning how to combat tiki-taka through balls.
Atléti play a long(ish)-ball game. Granada and Real played 4-4-2 (or 4-4-1-1) with the two banks of 4 regimentally stifling the Iniesta-Fabregas-Messi triangles.
Martino, I think, has been trying to respond to this by, instead of tiki-takaing THROUGH the defence, getting Alba and Alves to go around it! But, then what? They put crosses in behind the defence but there is no Crouch or Drogba to connect. It's interesting that yesterday's Barca goal WAS from a cross (a corner). But it wasn't any of the usual front men on the end of it - it was Marc Bartra, up from deep mid-field!
The phrase that comes to mind is old dogs and new tricks. I can't ever see the traditional Barca squad adapting to a round-the-corner game. Which probably means one of two things! Either they go or they get back to what they used to do best and find new variations on that theme.
They have a major problem with Neymar. He's being frozen out on the wing (to let Messi play his game?) and seems to be getting more and more frustrated. This results in him reverting to South American type and swan-diving all over the place. Why not play Fabregas further forward and get Neymar more involved with the triangles? That might just provide an 'option' route to keep opponents wondering.
And what of the youngsters? A good question. Or should it be....what youngsters?
Isaac Cuenca was loaned out to Ajax last season, came back in October and has since disappeared without trace. Thiargo Alcantara was sold to Bayern. And my favourite, Cristian Tello, although still at Barca, wasn't even on the bench this week. Something needs to happen to bring through some young blood.
Martino probably will go back to Argentina. And whoever comes in will need to make some BIG decisions.
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Post by donbusby on Apr 18, 2014 18:07:37 GMT 1
Hi Les
A good summing up but you have missed the main point.
Neymar and Messi can't play in the same team, there just isn't room for both of them.
The other point needing mentioning is that Fábregas is there for the cash only and hasn't played well soince his move two seasons ago.
Pinto has the ball distribution (just) of a blind 5 year old.
We do have a brilliant youngster but unfortunately he is playing for Everton.
Well done to the Bees, could be an easy three points forVilla next season!
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Post by lesd on Apr 19, 2014 17:16:30 GMT 1
Oh yes....forgot Mr Deulofeu. He'll surely be back home next season.
Only three points for Villa then, Don? That's encouraging!
With a son/grandson and a drinking buddy who are Villans, that would make for an interesting couple of games!
And with only 1 point today, and three games away (inc. Man City and Spurs)/one home left, things don't look good!
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Post by lesd on Apr 23, 2014 17:13:32 GMT 1
"Barcelona can buy and sell players this summer after Fifa suspended its transfer ban on the club. The Spanish giants were given the 14-month ban after being found to have breached rules on signing international players under the age of 18. However, the suspension is now on hold pending an appeal." (BBC Sport)
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Post by steve on Apr 25, 2014 18:15:54 GMT 1
Tito Vilanova dies: Ex-Barcelona coach loses cancer battle aged 45
Tito Vilanova, the former Barcelona coach, has died aged 45 after a long battle with cancer.
Vilanova had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011 before suffering a relapse in December 2012.
He stepped down as Barca boss last July to continue his treatment, with Gerardo Martino taking charge.
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Post by lesd on May 6, 2014 21:45:30 GMT 1
"Luis Enrique is shaping up as the frontrunner to take the reins at Barcelona next season. This explains why the Celta coach held talks on Monday afternoon with the Catalan club's director of football, Andoni Zubizarreta, and two of his assistants. The coach made the most of having two days off following Celta's win over Osasuna on Saturday to travel to Barcelona and meet Zubizarreta. The meeting took place at 12:15 at Enrique's house in Gavá, up the coast from Barcelona, which the Asturian tactician has had since his playing days at the Camp Nou. Despite Enrique having a year left on his contract, Celta are resigned to losing him. Ironically, the 43-year-old has the chance to further cement his hero status among the Barça fans by leading his current club to victory over Real Madrid next Sunday, which would give the 'Azulgranas' a major boost in the title race." (Marca)
Luis Enriqué played for Real Madrid for 5 years from 1991 before crossing the divide to Barcelona where he played for a further 8 years. Nothing more guaranteed to please your new fans but enrage the team you've left! Especially going from Real to Barca. Would certainly make for interesting Clasicos.
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Post by lesd on Sept 27, 2014 18:21:36 GMT 1
Ray Hudson's at it again!
"Watching this goal will give you an eye-gasm!!!"
Messi makes it 4-0 against Granada after a stupendous passing move. You have to watch it.
"This is disco football."
As Neymar completes his hat-trick. 5-0.
Messi gets his second as Barca win 6-0.
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Post by lesd on Oct 3, 2014 14:25:11 GMT 1
....and next.....
"Barcelona star Lionel Messi to face trial for alleged tax evasion, Spanish judge rules." (BBC News)
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BARCELONA
Nov 1, 2014 23:22:34 GMT 1
via mobile
Post by steve on Nov 1, 2014 23:22:34 GMT 1
BARCELONA 0 CELTS VIGO 1 (1/11/14)
Barcelona suffered their first home La Liga defeat of the season as they were beaten by Celta Vigo at the Nou Camp. The visitors took a surprise lead in the second half when Joaquin Larrivey finished after Nolito's backheel.
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Post by lesd on Nov 3, 2014 12:35:13 GMT 1
Celta were Barca coach Enrique´s previous team!
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Post by lesd on Nov 22, 2014 21:55:23 GMT 1
Barcelona slaughter Sevilla 5-1 with a hat-trick for Messi who has now become the leading La Liga scorer of all time.
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Post by lesd on Nov 30, 2014 22:33:30 GMT 1
Valencia 0-0 Barcelona ... 20 mins to go.
Not sure I appreciate this Valencia team. They're not slow to 'put it about'. Neymar, Busquets and Jordi Alba will all have bruises tomorrow. But they don't like it dished out to them. Otamendi has been rolling all over the Mestalla.
And poor old Suarez is struggling to get the goals he deserves. One saved point blank and another ruled offside though it clearly wasn't.
93 mins and 9 seconds (3 minutes added time!) and Busquets has the last word.
Valencia 0-1 Barcelona.
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Post by lesd on Jan 4, 2015 22:54:21 GMT 1
What a day of Spanish football! Valencia end Real's long winning run (2-1) and David Moyes puts one over on Barcelona (1-0)!
Why are Barcelona so high in the table playing like this and why are Real Sociedad so low playing like that!
Answers on a postcard..............
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Post by lesd on Jan 11, 2015 22:31:02 GMT 1
Barca back to something approaching a team against Atléti.
2-0 up at half-time with 70% possession, but pegged back by a dubious penalty against Messi!
70 mins gone and Atléti haven't have an open-play shot on target!
87 mins and the third goes in.....Neymar, Suarez and now Messi on the score sheet.
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