Nice have been caught up in a betting controversy after six players received bans and fines from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) for gambling on matches in French football.
In total, 19 players and coaches have been sanctioned by the LFP for breaching betting rules, six of whom featured for Nice last season, including top scorer Valere Germain, who was on loan from Monaco, and Alexandre Mendy, who joined Guingamp on Friday.
Germain has been hit with a two-match ban, with one suspended, and a fine of €1,500, while Kevin Gomis, Olivier Boscagli and Mendy received the same punishment.
The LFP’s disciplinary body also handed out a three-match suspended ban to Jeremy Pied and Albert Rafetraniaina but did not impose a fine.
Nice coaches Alexandre Dellal and Emmanuel Valance were also punished.
Nice were not the only club to fall foul of the rules, though, as Bordeaux duo Thomas Toure and Cedric Carrasso received three-match suspended bans, while Calvin Mangan of third-tier club Chateauroux has been given a five-match ban, three of which are suspended.
LFP rules state that professionals cannot bet on matches in competitions their team is involved in, but the body did not state which games the players and coaches placed wagers on.
Pied, who was part of a Nice team that finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, accepted responsibility on Twitter.
“I inadvertently bet 10 euros on a Ligue 1 match, a bet which I lost,” Pied wrote.
“Nice supporters, rest assured that in no way did I bet against Nice. You know me well enough to know I’m not capable of that. Regardless of the punishment I will accept it.”
Pierre Gibaud (Sochaux), Kevin Dupuis (Orleans), Anthony Derouard and Vincent Leca Boucher (both Bastia) complete the list of players sanctioned.
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Other coaches to receive punishments were Pierrer Barrieu (Le Havre), Jean-Michel Huriez (Caen), Julien Witkowski (Reims) and Robin Crouzil (Toulouse).
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Hungary v Belgium: Lukaku targets last-four spot
Romelu Lukaku has piled the pressure on Belgium ahead of their Euro 2016 last-16 clash with Hungary by admitting “anything less than the semi-finals would be a major disappointment”.
The Everton striker, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland on matchday two, feels Marc Wilmots’ ‘Golden Generation’ should be aiming to reach at least the last four in France.
He said: “We still have to make steps forward as a team, but we are on the right track. “Every game is like a final from here on in, it’s all over if we lose a game. I agree with those who say anything less than making the semi-finals would be a major disappointment.”
He added to UEFA.com: “This team has been playing together for more than six years now. “We have always understood each other, but now we know we can change the game at any moment. As long as everyone sticks to their defensive task, we know we can create a chance or score a goal out of nothing. That’s the great thing about this team.”
Belgium’s matchwinner against Sweden, Radja Nainggolan, concedes he knows little about Sunday’s opponents. “Honestly, I don’t know a lot about them. The most important thing is that, if we play to our own strengths and play the way we like to play, then we can defeat them. I think that’s the most important thing for us,” he said.
Wilmots may have to make a decision over Mousa Dembele, with the Tottenham midfielder training separately on Friday due to an ankle problem.
Hungary qualified as winners of Group F after drawing with Iceland and Portugal and beating Austria. Bernd Storck’s men are not to be underestimated, with captain Balazs Dzsudzsak relishing the opportunity to return Hungary to the top table of European football.
He said: “It’s really an incredible feeling that I could achieve this during my football career – being the captain, being able to lead the group and after 50 years Hungary being here, among the best 16 in Europe. “At the moment everything seems like a dream and we’re always asked after the matches what we feel. And I think our answers are too simple because we’re still affected by what’s going on in Budapest and in Hungary, that 15 million people went out of their minds, that everyone wants to go out onto the streets to party and celebrate and that everybody wants to watch the national team’s matches.
“The fans here are also fantastic, coming out and setting an example, 15-20,000 of them marching up and down in the streets of Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux, and with no problems, no criminal behaviour among them. “Everyone has come here to support the Hungarian team, which gives you a boost and makes you hugely proud.” Key Opta stats:
– Belgium have won six of their last eight encounters with Hungary (including the last four) whilst drawing the other two. Hungary’s last victory dates back to November 1958, in a friendly (3-1). – Belgium have scored in each of their last 10 games against Hungary, including at least two goals in each of the last five encounters. – Hungary have made it out of the group stages at a major tournament for the first time since the 1966 World Cup – they were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals by the USSR.
– Hungary were the joint-top scorers in the group stages alongside Wales (6 goals each). 50 per cent of their goals came from outside the box (3 out of 6).
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– Eden Hazard has assisted Belgium’s last two goals. However, he’s still goalless in 637 minutes at major tournaments with the Red Devils.
The Everton striker, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland on matchday two, feels Marc Wilmots’ ‘Golden Generation’ should be aiming to reach at least the last four in France.
He said: “We still have to make steps forward as a team, but we are on the right track. “Every game is like a final from here on in, it’s all over if we lose a game. I agree with those who say anything less than making the semi-finals would be a major disappointment.”
He added to UEFA.com: “This team has been playing together for more than six years now. “We have always understood each other, but now we know we can change the game at any moment. As long as everyone sticks to their defensive task, we know we can create a chance or score a goal out of nothing. That’s the great thing about this team.”
Belgium’s matchwinner against Sweden, Radja Nainggolan, concedes he knows little about Sunday’s opponents. “Honestly, I don’t know a lot about them. The most important thing is that, if we play to our own strengths and play the way we like to play, then we can defeat them. I think that’s the most important thing for us,” he said.
Wilmots may have to make a decision over Mousa Dembele, with the Tottenham midfielder training separately on Friday due to an ankle problem.
Hungary qualified as winners of Group F after drawing with Iceland and Portugal and beating Austria. Bernd Storck’s men are not to be underestimated, with captain Balazs Dzsudzsak relishing the opportunity to return Hungary to the top table of European football.
He said: “It’s really an incredible feeling that I could achieve this during my football career – being the captain, being able to lead the group and after 50 years Hungary being here, among the best 16 in Europe. “At the moment everything seems like a dream and we’re always asked after the matches what we feel. And I think our answers are too simple because we’re still affected by what’s going on in Budapest and in Hungary, that 15 million people went out of their minds, that everyone wants to go out onto the streets to party and celebrate and that everybody wants to watch the national team’s matches.
“The fans here are also fantastic, coming out and setting an example, 15-20,000 of them marching up and down in the streets of Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux, and with no problems, no criminal behaviour among them. “Everyone has come here to support the Hungarian team, which gives you a boost and makes you hugely proud.” Key Opta stats:
– Belgium have won six of their last eight encounters with Hungary (including the last four) whilst drawing the other two. Hungary’s last victory dates back to November 1958, in a friendly (3-1). – Belgium have scored in each of their last 10 games against Hungary, including at least two goals in each of the last five encounters. – Hungary have made it out of the group stages at a major tournament for the first time since the 1966 World Cup – they were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals by the USSR.
– Hungary were the joint-top scorers in the group stages alongside Wales (6 goals each). 50 per cent of their goals came from outside the box (3 out of 6).
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A new look for 2016, this is the jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer.
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– Eden Hazard has assisted Belgium’s last two goals. However, he’s still goalless in 637 minutes at major tournaments with the Red Devils.
Dyke hopes Brexit can help England youngsters
Football Association chairman Greg Dyke hopes Britain’s upcoming exit from the European Union will lead to more opportunities for young English players in the Premier League.
Thursday’s referendum saw 52 percent of the country opt to leave the EU, while 48 percent were in favour of remaining, which led to prime minister David Cameron announcing his resignation.
Dyke suggested that if there are fewer foreign players able to sign for Premier League clubs, it could be good news for home-grown players looking for first-team opportunities.
“One of my concerns in my period as chairman has been the decline in the opportunities for kids at the bigger clubs to get through and into the first team – very few make it,” Dyke told Sky Sports. “If anything happens that gives them better chances, then I welcome it.”
He added to BBC Sport: “My personal view has always been that the decline in the number of English players in Premier League first teams – we are down to about 30 per cent now – is a shame. If it increases the number of English players, that is to be welcomed.” Dyke was surprised by the result of the referendum and stressed he had been in favour of remaining a part of the EU.
“Well I don’t think any of us expected it to happen,” he said. “I was personally in favour of remain as an individual. I think most of us thought that we would stay in, but it has turned out we are not. “Therefore in terms of football that could make quite a big difference because things like the Bosman ruling were all European rulings and they won’t apply to us in future. Quite how different we won’t know until we know the terms that we leave under.
“But clearly if the free movement of labour changes then English football clubs won’t just be able to bring in any European footballer they want to and whether the total number reduces will depend on the terms of the exit. “There will have to be a process. I think the clubs will clearly want to keep a totally free market [but] whether that is possible we won’t know for probably two years.
“It would be a shame if some of the great European players can’t come here, but I don’t think that will happen.” Meanwhile, Harry Kane told a press conference that England’s players have been discussing the Brexit result ahead of their last-16 Euro 2016 match against Iceland on Monday.
“Obviously we woke up and saw the news and a few of the lads were talking about it,” Kane said. “But I don’t think the lads are too focused on it to be honest.
“The Euros is the main thing, trying to progress and do well in that. I don’t think any of us know too much about it to comment on it.
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A new look for 2016, this is the jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer.
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“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I don’t know enough about it to be concerned about it and I don’t think the other players do as well.”
Thursday’s referendum saw 52 percent of the country opt to leave the EU, while 48 percent were in favour of remaining, which led to prime minister David Cameron announcing his resignation.
Dyke suggested that if there are fewer foreign players able to sign for Premier League clubs, it could be good news for home-grown players looking for first-team opportunities.
“One of my concerns in my period as chairman has been the decline in the opportunities for kids at the bigger clubs to get through and into the first team – very few make it,” Dyke told Sky Sports. “If anything happens that gives them better chances, then I welcome it.”
He added to BBC Sport: “My personal view has always been that the decline in the number of English players in Premier League first teams – we are down to about 30 per cent now – is a shame. If it increases the number of English players, that is to be welcomed.” Dyke was surprised by the result of the referendum and stressed he had been in favour of remaining a part of the EU.
“Well I don’t think any of us expected it to happen,” he said. “I was personally in favour of remain as an individual. I think most of us thought that we would stay in, but it has turned out we are not. “Therefore in terms of football that could make quite a big difference because things like the Bosman ruling were all European rulings and they won’t apply to us in future. Quite how different we won’t know until we know the terms that we leave under.
“But clearly if the free movement of labour changes then English football clubs won’t just be able to bring in any European footballer they want to and whether the total number reduces will depend on the terms of the exit. “There will have to be a process. I think the clubs will clearly want to keep a totally free market [but] whether that is possible we won’t know for probably two years.
“It would be a shame if some of the great European players can’t come here, but I don’t think that will happen.” Meanwhile, Harry Kane told a press conference that England’s players have been discussing the Brexit result ahead of their last-16 Euro 2016 match against Iceland on Monday.
“Obviously we woke up and saw the news and a few of the lads were talking about it,” Kane said. “But I don’t think the lads are too focused on it to be honest.
“The Euros is the main thing, trying to progress and do well in that. I don’t think any of us know too much about it to comment on it.
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A new look for 2016, this is the jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer.
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“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I don’t know enough about it to be concerned about it and I don’t think the other players do as well.”
No favourites against Italy, says Koke
There are no favourites in Monday’s Euro 2016 clash between Italy and Spain, according to Koke.
Vicente del Bosque’s men suffered a late loss to Croatia in their last group game, setting up a crunch last-16 meeting with the the nation they beat to win this competition four years ago.
“I watched the last final on the television, I enjoyed the great game that we played in,” he said on Thursday. “We know how [Italy] play. Bit by bit, we are studying our opponent.
“It is the decision of the boss to see if we are going to change our line-up. “We always go out to win, it is the only way that we know how to play. The other day, we were unlucky. We hope to win on Monday.
“There are no favourites when it is between such big national teams. We have to put in our biggest performance in order to win and progress.”
Koke has made just one substitute appearance for Spain at this tournament, but he is remaining patient as the competition moves into the knockout rounds.
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“The boss thought that not changing anything was best for the team,” he added. “Those of us who are playing less, we are still giving it everything.” alex morgan jersey 3 star
“I watched the last final on the television, I enjoyed the great game that we played in,” he said on Thursday. “We know how [Italy] play. Bit by bit, we are studying our opponent.
“It is the decision of the boss to see if we are going to change our line-up. “We always go out to win, it is the only way that we know how to play. The other day, we were unlucky. We hope to win on Monday.
“There are no favourites when it is between such big national teams. We have to put in our biggest performance in order to win and progress.”
Koke has made just one substitute appearance for Spain at this tournament, but he is remaining patient as the competition moves into the knockout rounds.
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A new look for 2016, this is the jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer.
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“The boss thought that not changing anything was best for the team,” he added. “Those of us who are playing less, we are still giving it everything.” alex morgan jersey 3 star
Krychowiak not thinking about PSG as Poland stand by Lewandowski
Rumoured Paris Saint-Germain transfer target Grzegorz Krychowiak claims he is fully focused on Poland’s Euro 2016 clash with Switzerland on Saturday, when Robert Lewandowski will be expected to end his goal drought.
PSG are claimed to be interested in signing Krychowiak from Sevilla, with the widespread reports about the player in Spain, France and back home potentially a source of distraction ahead of the round-of-16 tie in Saint-Etienne.
But the 26-year-old midfielder insisted there is no chance his mentality with be affected for the crucial game at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. “I am prepared 100 per cent for this match against Switzerland,” he said when asked about the PSG rumours.
“I’m very well prepared. The group-stage matches are history. Every game is like a final. I’m 100 per cent [focused] on the Euros. We are very ambitious and want to go as far as possible, this is the most important thing for me, to be here at the Euros. “These kind of matches motivate us, we are aware it’s like a final for us. We want to achieve something. We will be fighting hard to get through to the next round.”
Krychowiak’s coach Adam Nawalka meanwhile issued a staunch defence of star striker Lewandowski, who is yet to breach the opposition’s defence in three group-stage matches. “We don’t have a single problem with the fact Robert hasn’t scored a goal,” Nawalka said.
“He’s doing a great job for the side. The team’s good is the most important [aspect]. He’s playing very well in this role.” Nawalka also rejected suggestions made by a journalist from Portugal, Poland’s possible quarter-final foes, that the Bayern Munich centre-forward’s underwhelming tournament had initially mirrored that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled in his team’s first two matches before exploding into life with two goals and an assist against Hungary.
“I don’t like those comparisons and don’t want them,” he said. “We’re happy to have Robert in the team.” Krychowiak meanwhile, playing at this competition in a country where he appeared for Bordeaux, Nantes and Reims from 2008 to 2014, is enjoying being back on familiar territory, but made the point that representing his national team on the big stage is more significant.
“This is an exceptional tournament for me,” he said.
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A new look for 2016, this is the jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer.
2016-17 USA Away Sydney Leroux Women's 3-Star Jersey (#2).
“I’ve spent a lot of time here, seven years, but playing for the national team with the eagle on my heart – it doesn’t matter where the tournament takes place, we want to show our best.”
PSG are claimed to be interested in signing Krychowiak from Sevilla, with the widespread reports about the player in Spain, France and back home potentially a source of distraction ahead of the round-of-16 tie in Saint-Etienne.
But the 26-year-old midfielder insisted there is no chance his mentality with be affected for the crucial game at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. “I am prepared 100 per cent for this match against Switzerland,” he said when asked about the PSG rumours.
“I’m very well prepared. The group-stage matches are history. Every game is like a final. I’m 100 per cent [focused] on the Euros. We are very ambitious and want to go as far as possible, this is the most important thing for me, to be here at the Euros. “These kind of matches motivate us, we are aware it’s like a final for us. We want to achieve something. We will be fighting hard to get through to the next round.”
Krychowiak’s coach Adam Nawalka meanwhile issued a staunch defence of star striker Lewandowski, who is yet to breach the opposition’s defence in three group-stage matches. “We don’t have a single problem with the fact Robert hasn’t scored a goal,” Nawalka said.
“He’s doing a great job for the side. The team’s good is the most important [aspect]. He’s playing very well in this role.” Nawalka also rejected suggestions made by a journalist from Portugal, Poland’s possible quarter-final foes, that the Bayern Munich centre-forward’s underwhelming tournament had initially mirrored that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled in his team’s first two matches before exploding into life with two goals and an assist against Hungary.
“I don’t like those comparisons and don’t want them,” he said. “We’re happy to have Robert in the team.” Krychowiak meanwhile, playing at this competition in a country where he appeared for Bordeaux, Nantes and Reims from 2008 to 2014, is enjoying being back on familiar territory, but made the point that representing his national team on the big stage is more significant.
“This is an exceptional tournament for me,” he said.
USA (#2) Sydney Leroux Away Women's 3-Star Soccer Jersey 2016/17.
Name : Sydney Leroux, Number : (#2), Material: 100% polyester, Model Year: 2016.
Quality products at unbeatable prices. Free shipping worldwide! 16% lighter than previous kits, Woven crest and team details for pride, Best fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable, Side mesh panels for enhanced breathability and wider range of motion. Sydney Leroux Jersey.
A new look for 2016, this is the jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer.
2016-17 USA Away Sydney Leroux Women's 3-Star Jersey (#2).
“I’ve spent a lot of time here, seven years, but playing for the national team with the eagle on my heart – it doesn’t matter where the tournament takes place, we want to show our best.”
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