The Argentine FA (AFA) has threatened to pull out of the Copa America Centenario after accusing the government of “interference.”
Argentina face holders Chile in California, on June 7, but their participation has been thrown into doubt by the AFA after the Argentine government suspended the federation’s presidential elections, scheduled for June 30.
AFA executive secretary Damian Dupiellet said an emergency board meeting would decide whether the national team should be brought back to Argentina from their pre-tournament base in California.
“The elections are suspended for 90 days and could be suspended for 90 days more,” he said.
“Two inspectors have been sent to carry out an internal review. This is clear interference in the life of the AFA.”
Porto fire Peseiro after five months
Former European champions Porto have fired coach Jose Peseiro after less than five months, the club said.
Porto said they had “reached an agreement for the end of the contractual agreement” with Peseiro, who replaced Julen Lopetegui, himself sacked after only one-and-a-half seasons.
Peseiro, who has also coached teams in Greece, Romania, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt, arrived with Porto in third place and was unable to improve on that as they finished 15 points behind champions Benfica.
Giroud baffled by France fans boos
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud said he finds it hard to understand why some France fans jeered him during their 3-2 victory over Cameroon on Monday.
Giroud, 29, got France’s second goal in the friendly win in Nantes after Blaise Matuidi put them ahead before Dimitry Payet netted an injury-time winner.
Before the game, however, Giroud’s name was jeered by some in the crowd and they continued to grumble about him at various stages throughout the match.
“It’s a shame,” Giroud told reporters after the game.
“Playing for France, even when you miss a chance, you’re expecting applause and encouragement. I don’t understand it too much but it won’t stop me from sleeping.”
Xhaka departure ‘a blow’ for Gladbach
Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer admits the sale of Granit Xhaka to Arsenal is a huge loss for the club.
Without the 23-year-old in the Gladbach midfield next season, Sommer says things will not be the same – on and off the field.
“His departure is a huge loss for us because Xhaka is not just very important as a player, but also as a person,” Sommer said.
“He is the one pulling the strings in midfield and our game would often run through him.”
Morata keen on Real Madrid return
Alvaro Morata has confirmed his desire to win trophies with Real Madrid but the Spanish striker made it clear he will not leave Juventus unless he is guaranteed first-team football.
The Spaniard is at the heart of transfer talk over his future, as the Bianconeri are looking to keep him in Turin while Real Madrid are considering to exercise their €30m buy-back clause.
“My experience at Juventus was rewarding,” he said.
“I won everything that could be won in Italy, more than once, and I developed as a player and as a person.
“Returning to Real Madrid is what I’d like best. This is my desire, to win with Real.
“But in that club there are some extraordinary players, and what I want is to play and feel important.”
Crerand says Carrick signed new deal
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has signed a new contract, according to club stalwart Paddy Crerand.
Carrick’s previous deal with the Red Devils was set to end this summer after 10 successful seasons at Old Trafford.
However, Crerand appeared to let slip that the 34-year-old has agreed fresh terms with the club.
Speaking on MUTV, Crerand said: “Something that happened today that nobody has mentioned, and I’m delighted that he has signed another contract: Michael Carrick. He’s signed a contract for another year.”
Mkhitaryan to reject Dortmund extension
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to reject Borussia Dortmund’s offer of a contract extension.
Dortmund have been trying to tie Mkhitaryan to a new deal since the turn of the year but, going into the summer break, the 27-year-old has yet to put pen to paper and is about to enter the final 12 months of his current Borussia contract.
German tabloid Bild reported that the Armenia international is set to reject a contract offer.
His agent Mino Raiola told the paper: “Why should we prolong it now? ‘Micki’ is under contract until 2017, and we continue to think about his future.”