In the heart of the Amazon rainforest lie the ruins of a club that once played in the Primera Div...

<p>In the heart of the Amazon rainforest lie the ruins of a club that once played in the Primera Division, Peruvian football's top tier. They're located in Iquitos, the largest city on the planet that can't be reached by road.</p><p>Iquitos is a metropolis within a jungle, a place where a praying mantis will greet you at the airport and where tropical downpours will drench your backpack. It's where the Third World and nature collide violently, resulting in countless social plagues, including abject poverty and wildlife trafficking. Endangered animals, both live and dead, can be purchased in Belen, a partially floating shanty town and market where foreigners wander in search of ayahuasca, of which there is no shortage.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/282852/cropped_IMG_6331.jpg?ts=1518215576"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>Football is merely an afterthought, due in no small part to the death of Colegio Nacional Iquitos. CNI played in the Primera Division as recently as 2011. That was the year it all fell apart. The club was relegated, marking the beginning of the end.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In Peru, relegation is often a death sentence. Peruvian football is comprised of just two professional divisions; there's no third tier. As a result, clubs relegated from the Segunda Division must climb back via the Copa Peru, a complicated tournament that features five phases and 50 contenders. The champion is promoted to the Primera Division. The runner-up is promoted to the Segunda Division. Forty-eight clubs go nowhere.</p><p>But CNI went straight from the Primera Division to the Copa Peru, avoiding the Segunda Division altogether.</p><p>Outside the Estadio Max Augustin, where CNI used to play and which was one of the four stadiums for the Under-17 World Cup in 2005, Arlindo Ruiz Lopez, a coach, explains what went wrong.</p><p>"We have an economic mishap that the team fell out the categoria," Ruiz says, referencing Peruvian football's two professional divisions. He tells me CNI can no longer play in the Copa Peru because there's "been a death."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/282857/cropped_unnamed.jpg?ts=1518215946"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>"It no longer exists," Ruiz declares. "In a few words, it no longer exists."</p><p>I ask Ruiz if there's a way to revive CNI, to which he answers: "You can revive it, right? But a new board has to be formed because the person in charge, who was the president, was Mr. Ivan Vasquez. He was the president, and when the team descended, he disappeared. There's a large sum of money that's owed to the football federation. There are players who are also owed, coaches who are also owed."</p><p>CNI's death coincided with the birth of Estudiantil CNI, another club founded by the school in Iquitos. They share a connection but aren't the same entity.</p><p>Ruiz explains: "A little team has come together here, but from right there, from CNI. But it was, well, a team ... it wasn't directly the situation of that of CNI. It's a team that many directors formed. It comes out of the school."</p><p>In 2017, Estudiantil CNI reached the fifth and final phase of the Copa Peru and missed out on the Segunda Division by just four points. The run gave Iquitos' population a reason to believe professional football can return to the city sooner rather than later.</p>

The death of football in Iquitos, Peru

It's been one blow after another for SSC Napoli's top full-back.  Faouzi Ghoulam suffered a poten...

<p>It's been one blow after another for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/9" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/9">SSC Napoli</a>'s top full-back.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/27500" href="https://www.thescore.com/seri/players/27500">Faouzi Ghoulam</a> <a href="http://www.sscnapoli.it/static/news/Ghoulam-suffers-knee-injury-in-training-14123.aspx">suffered</a> a potentially serious knee injury in training Friday, with the early signs pointing to a fractured right kneecap. The Algerian left-back will undergo tests to ascertain the extent of the harm.</p><p>Ghoulam last played on the first day of November, when Napoli suffered a 4-2 defeat to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/61" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/61">Manchester City</a> in the Champions League. The product of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/teams/756" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/teams/756">AS Saint-Etienne</a> was replaced in the 31st minute after appearing to pull a muscle while stretching for the ball.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>As a result, Ghoulam boasts just 11 Serie A appearances this season, in which he's tallied two goals and three assists.</p>

NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 01: Faouzi Ghoulam of Napoli during the UEFA Champions League group F match between SSC Napoli and Manchester City at Stadio San Paolo on November 1, 2017 in Naples, Italy.

Napoli's Ghoulam suffers suspected fractured kneecap in training

The Professional Footballers' Association is reportedly willing to set itself up as an arbitrator...

<p>The Professional Footballers' Association is reportedly willing to set itself up as an arbitrator in the stalemate at King Power Stadium.</p><p>According to <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/11240099/pfa-offers-to-help-resolve-riyad-mahrez-and-leicester-stand-off">Sky Sports</a>, the PFA offered to help resolve the standoff between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/28518" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/28518">Riyad Mahrez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/165" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/165">Leicester City</a>. The assistance was apparently proposed last week after the Algerian winger's continued absence from training, but the offer is yet to be taken up. The union is allegedly monitoring Mahrez's nonattendance.</p><p><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/11238917/riyad-mahrez-absent-as-leicester-resume-training">Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett</a> reported on Tuesday that Mahrez missed training for the fourth time in a week since a deadline-day move to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/61" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/61">Manchester City</a> failed to materialise. He missed Leicester's last two games, and it reportedly remains unclear whether he was given permission to skip the last training session or if he's refusing to attend.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Following the 1-1 draw between Leicester and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/192" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/192">Swansea City</a>, in which Mahrez was nowhere to be seen, Claude Puel said: "Riyad is not my preoccupation. My preoccupation is my available players and to keep them in a positive attitude and to continue this good work."</p><p>Leicester will play City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.</p>

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: A picture of Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City is seen prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City and Swansea City at The King Power Stadium on February 3, 2018 in Leicester, England.

Report: PFA offers to mediate between Mahrez, Leicester

West Ham United and Patrice Evra are done talking.  West Ham signed Evra on Wednesday, as the lef...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/65" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/65">West Ham United</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/1831" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/players/1831">Patrice Evra</a> are done talking.</p><p>West Ham <a href="https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/february/07-february/west-ham-sign-premier-league-great-patrice-evra">signed</a> Evra on Wednesday, as the left-back joined the Hammers on a short-term contract until the end of June 2018. The footballer will wear No. 27 and be reunited with David Moyes, his manager at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/62" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/62">Manchester United</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We love this game! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForEvraBlowingBubbles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForEvraBlowingBubbles</a> <a href="https://t.co/UugpXaL6um">pic.twitter.com/UugpXaL6um</a></p>— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/961253247200714752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>In November, Evra's contract at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/teams/85" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/teams/85">Olympique Marseille</a> was terminated by mutual consent after he aimed a kick at one of Les Olympiens' supporters. The UEFA Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body suspended him from all club competitions until June 30 and fined him €10,000.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm really happy to be a Hammer, to be back in the Premier League and I love this game!" Evra exclaimed, using his catchphrase. "It's amazing to be back and I am thankful to West Ham for giving me the opportunity to do my job. When I wake up and know I am going to work hard, to have fun with my teammates and give my best on the pitch, I want to say a massive thanks to West Ham, to the chairman, to the manager to all my teammates, who have given me a nice welcome, my agent, and my brother.</p><p>"I'm just happy to be here, it's really simple. You don't realise how lucky you are and just to wake up this morning and know I am going to train with my new teammates made me smile!"</p><p>Evra talked the move through with both Moyes and David Sullivan, West Ham's joint-chairman.</p><p>"It happened really fast," Evra said. "My agent called me and told me I needed to come back (from Dubai) to London as quick as I could and I had a nice meeting with the manager, who I know from Manchester United, of course, and I met the chairman, so it was really easy. When you have to make a deal and money is not the issue, the deal could be done in five minutes. The main thing was for me to join West Ham and to help my teammates to win as many games as we can. It was the fastest thing I have done in my life, because both parties wanted to work together, so it was very easy to make an agreement!"</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">2014 - Patrice Evra scored Manchester United's final goal under David Moyes' management, netting in a 1-3 defeat at Bayern Munich in April 2014. Reunited. <a href="https://t.co/VMIkbALP9q">pic.twitter.com/VMIkbALP9q</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/961254476014325760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Evra will also be reunited with Angelo Ogbonna, with whom he took the pitch at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/6" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/6">Juventus</a>.</p><p>Evra was at the heart of the Red Devils' conquest of the Champions League in 2007-08, and helped the club win the Premier League five times between 2006 and 2013.</p>

Olympique de Marseille's French defender Patrice Evra (L) looks on next to Olympique de Marseille's French goalkeeper Steve Mandanda prior to the UEFA Europa League Group I football match Marseille vs Vitoria Guimaraes on October 19, 2017 at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southeastern France. / AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND LANGLOIS

West Ham confirms signing of Patrice Evra on short-term contract

Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation, is calling for action with reports o...

<p>Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation, is calling for action with reports of discrimination on the rise in English football.</p><p>On Wednesday, Kick It Out <a href="http://www.kickitout.org/news/significant-rise-of-discrimination-reports-at-mid-way-stage-of-2017-18-season/#.WnsEhiXwaUk">divulged</a> statistics that showed a significant rise of discrimination reports at the midway stage of the 2017-18 season. The organisation received more than 300 reports relating to 282 incidents of abuse by the end of 2017, marking an increase of 59 percent from the same period in the previous campaign. Those incidents cover the professional game, grassroots football, and social media.</p><p>Racist behaviour was once again the highest form of discrimination, accounting for 54 percent of the reports. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia made up 22 percent, and antisemitism comprised 9 percent.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Type of discrimination:</p><ul>
<li>Race - 151 reports</li>
<li>Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia - 63 reports</li>
<li>Antisemitism - 25 reports</li>
<li>Disability - 19 reports</li>
<li>Sexism - 17 reports</li>
<li>Anti-Muslim hatred - 7 reports</li>
</ul><p>Lord Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out, called on football authorities to increase their efforts in tackling discriminatory behaviour, saying: "Our latest statistics reveal a significant increase in incidents of discrimination in football, which should act as a wake-up call to everyone in the sport. The spike in these midseason reporting statistics come against the backdrop of rising hatred in our society, as recently shown in Community Security Trust's publication of reported antisemitic incidents. These pieces of evidence indicate there is no place for complacency when it comes to challenging prejudice.</p><p>"In recent years, the football authorities have improved procedures it has in place to identify and challenge discrimination in the game and we are pleased that more people are aware of the reporting avenues available to them - but we must continue to ensure reporting processes deliver outcomes for perpetrators, as well as victims of hatred in football. Ultimately, tackling discrimination must be a collective effort. The leaders across all sections of society and football, as well as the broader public and football supporters themselves, need to take action, report discrimination, and help us eradicate hatred."</p><p>In January, Ouseley warned against assuming that bullying and discrimination are things of a bygone era, declaring, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/12/herman-oseley-action-whistleblowers-football">the Guardian's Martha Kelner</a>: "I'm aware there are many people in the professional realms of football who are governed by the fear of challenging the managers and coaches where things are happening. Although it's much better than it used to be, the fear is still there."</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 28: Lord Herman Ouseley is presented with the Admin Award at the Football Black List 2016 at Village Underground on March 28, 2017 in London, England.

Kick It Out reveals significant rise in reported incidents of discrimination

Another footballer is reportedly set to enter Crystal Palace's treatment room.  According to the ...

<p>Another footballer is reportedly set to enter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/168" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/168">Crystal Palace</a>'s treatment room.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/05/football-crystal-palace-wilfried-zaha-knee-specialist-injury-newcastle">the Guardian's Ed Aarons and Dominic Fifield</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/7311" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/7311">Wilfried Zaha</a> is set to see a knee specialist. The winger suffered an injury as the Eagles played out a 1-1 draw with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/77" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/77">Newcastle United</a>, and it's understood he sustained it during the first half but remained on the pitch until the game ended. He was reportedly sent for a scan on Monday and was referred for more treatment, meaning he's expected to miss at least four weeks.</p><p>A prolonged absence would mark Zaha's second of the season. He suffered a knee injury as Palace fell 3-0 to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/191" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/191">Huddersfield Town</a> on the first matchday of the Premier League season and didn't return until October, tallying the winner as the Eagles beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/58" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/58">Chelsea</a> 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Until then, they had zero points in the top flight of English football.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Crystal Palace with and without Wilfried Zaha starting in the Premier League this season <br><br>Full player statistics: <a href="https://t.co/gnmc4TYiHh">https://t.co/gnmc4TYiHh</a> <a href="https://t.co/fs8QH3EOAM">pic.twitter.com/fs8QH3EOAM</a></p>— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhoScored/status/960617462222946305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Palace will play <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/59" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/59">Everton</a> on Saturday and then enjoy more than two weeks off, returning to the pitch on Feb. 26 when the Eagles host <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/64" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/64">Tottenham Hotspur</a> at Selhurst Park.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace looks dejected after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on February 4, 2018 in London, England.

Report: Zaha will see knee specialist, expected to miss at least 4 weeks

Ronald Koeman is back in the Netherlands.  On Tuesday, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond re...

<p>Ronald Koeman is back in the Netherlands.</p><p>On Tuesday, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond reached an agreement with Koeman to become the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///eurc/teams/151" href="https://www.thescore.com/eurc/teams/151">Netherlands</a>' manager. The Dutch tactician put pen to paper on a contract with the Oranje up to the 2022 World Cup.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">Ronald Koeman en Nico-Jan Hoogma tekenen contract: <a href="https://t.co/ONw1r3G7HR">https://t.co/ONw1r3G7HR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelkomRonald?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelkomRonald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelkomNicoJan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelkomNicoJan</a> <a href="https://t.co/yzdXcNYGMQ">pic.twitter.com/yzdXcNYGMQ</a></p>— KNVB (@KNVB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KNVB/status/960886000854724609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Koeman, out of work since leaving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/59" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/59">Everton</a> in October, replaces Dick Advocaat, who stepped down after failing to lead the Oranje to the 2018 World Cup. The job will mark Koeman's 10th in a managerial post following spells with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/teams/637" href="https://www.thescore.com/uefa/teams/637">Vitesse</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/269" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/269">AFC Ajax</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/293" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/293">Benfica</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/298" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/298">PSV Eindhoven</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/teams/45" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/teams/45">Valencia CF</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/teams/96" href="https://www.thescore.com/uefa/teams/96">AZ Alkmaar</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlgq/teams/690" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlgq/teams/690">Feyenoord Rotterdam</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/166" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/166">Southampton</a>, and the Toffees.</p>

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Ronald Koeman, Manager of Everton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on October 22, 2017 in Liverpool, England.

Koeman named Netherlands manager

Chelsea's drubbing at Watford reportedly wasn't enough to cost Antonio Conte his job.  Conte won'...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/58" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/58">Chelsea</a>'s drubbing at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/175" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/175">Watford</a> reportedly wasn't enough to cost Antonio Conte his job.</p><p>Conte won't be sacked in the wake of Chelsea's 4-1 defeat at Watford, and his position wasn't discussed after the game, according to <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42958930">BBC Sport's Simon Stone</a>. The Italian manager apparently gave the Blues' footballers three days off, and sources at Stamford Bridge point to the club remaining in the Premier League's top four as the reason not to make a change, as well as its presence in the Champions League and FA Cup.</p><p>The beating suffered at Watford marked Chelsea's third loss in four games in all competitions, and the first time since 1995 that the Blues were defeated by three goals in consecutive matches. The cold streak includes a 2-1 loss at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/56" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/56">Arsenal</a> in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and a 3-0 thrashing by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/204" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/204">AFC Bournemouth</a> at Stamford Bridge.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm not worried about my job. I work every day and I give 120 percent. Okay? If this is enough, it's okay. Otherwise the club can take a different decision. But I'm not worried," Conte said after Chelsea's defeat at Vicarage Road, per <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/06/chelsea-football-antonio-conte-played-with-fear-future-watford-premier-league">Dominic Fifield from the Guardian</a></p><p>"My conscience is clear. I go to sleep without a problem that maybe, maybe, I could do this or that. I try to do everything. If it's not good, the club can make a different decision. Life goes on. For sure, this is a difficult moment. If we want to find excuses, alibis, we can find everything. Tiredness, injuries ... but this is not my way to face the situation, to solve the problem.</p><p>"The problems you have to solve with work. You don't win with excuses. In my life, I like to be a winner, and I'm a winner. Now it's very difficult to predict turning this situation into a positive, but I can promise to work to change it. But, I repeat, the level of our performance was very poor."</p><p>It should be noted that West Brom, scheduled to visit Chelsea on Monday, is known for executing the Blues' managers. Andre Villas-Boas was sacked following the club's 1-0 defeat at The Hawthorns in 2012. Just eight months later, Roberto Di Matteo suffered a similar fate.</p>

WATFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road on February 5, 2018 in Watford, England.

Report: Conte won't be sacked in wake of Chelsea's defeat at Watford

Jonathan Moss, the referee who controversially awarded two penalty kicks as Liverpool and Tottenh...

<p>Jonathan Moss, the referee who controversially awarded two penalty kicks as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/60" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/60">Liverpool</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/64" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/64">Tottenham Hotspur</a> played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield, is accepting some blame.</p><p>A spokesman for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited group said on Monday that Moss acknowledged he was "misguided" to ask Martin Atkinson, the fourth official for the game, for help using television when awarding the first of two penalties to Tottenham.</p><p>Moss awarded the penalty after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/3804" href="https://www.thescore.com/engfa/players/3804">Harry Kane</a>, who was offside when collecting a pass from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/50263" href="https://www.thescore.com/engfa/players/50263">Dele Alli</a> which took a deflection off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/3933" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/3933">Dejan Lovren</a>, was brought down by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/16967" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/16967">Loris Karius</a>. As detailed by <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42943628">BBC Sport</a>, the referee made the request via his headset and was seen on camera asking Atkinson if there was "anything from TV" to show that the Croatian centre-back touched the ball.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>There was no video assistant referee in operation for the game.</p><p>"Jon Moss was in a good position to see that a Liverpool player deliberately played the ball before it fell to Harry Kane in the penalty area," the spokesman said, according to <a style="background-color: rgb(247, 247, 247);" href="https://twitter.com/richard_conway/status/960556992539627520">BBC Sport's Richard Conway</a>. "He then correctly judged that Kane was fouled by Lorius Karius. However, given the speed of the attack he was uncertain of the identity of the Liverpool player who kicked the ball. Eddie Smart, having identified that Kane was in an offside position, correctly sought clarification on whether Dejan Lovren had deliberately played the ball. His question created some momentary confusion when Eddie asked if 'Lovren' had touched the ball. Moss knew a Liverpool player had touched the ball but not that it was Lovren.</p><p>"He then asked a question to his fourth official Martin Atkinson and acknowledges that referencing 'TV' was misguided. Atkinson did not reply to the question and so had no involvement in the decision. Having properly reflected on the questions asked, Jon knew that a Liverpool player, now identified as Lovren, had played the ball and that no offside offence had occurred. He then awarded the penalty. For the avoidance of doubt, Atkinson did not view a television monitor and did not relay any information to the on-field officials.</p><p>"In real time this was a difficult series of decisions which the match officials judged correctly in recognising that Kane was not offside, as Lovren had deliberately played the ball, and he was fouled for the award of the penalty kick. The interpretation of 'deliberately' kicking a ball considers whether a player has intentionally tried to kick a ball - it does not consider whether the ball ends up where a player may have wanted to kick it."</p><p>Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League referee and BT Sports pundit, <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/both-penalties-were-offside-but-harry-kane-didnt-dive-unlike-dele-alli-7prsmlwhl">said</a> that the penalty should not have been awarded because it was offside.</p>

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Refree Jonathan Moss consults with his assistant referee over a penalty decision during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 4, 2018 in Liverpool, England.

PGMOL: Despite 'misguided' TV query, Moss' call correct on Spurs PK

Some left. Others came.  On Monday, squad changes were confirmed for the Champions League, as the...

<p>Some left. Others came.</p><p>On Monday, squad changes were confirmed for the Champions League, as the tournament's round-of-16 contenders had their alterations approved. All clubs were allowed to register a maximum of three new footballers by the deadline of midnight on Thursday, including one player who was fielded by another club in the group stage of another UEFA club competition.</p><p>Here are all the changes:</p><h3><strong>AS Roma</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In: </strong>None</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Hector Moreno, Abdullahi Nura</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Barcelona</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In: </strong>Jose Arnaiz, David Costas, Yerry Mina</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Gerard Deulofeu, Javier Mascherano, Rafinha, Arda Turan</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Bayern Munich</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Manuel Neuer, Sandro Wagner, Kwasi Okyere Wriedt</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Marco Friedl</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Besiktas JK</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Cyle Larin, Vagner Love, Domagoj Vida</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Orkan Cinar, Siyar Kepir, Matej Mitrovic, Cenk Tosun</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Chelsea</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Ross Barkley, Olivier Giroud, Emerson Palmieri</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Jake Clarke-Salter, Michy Batshuayi, Kenedy, Charly Musonda</li>
</ul><h3><strong>FC Basel 1893</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Fabian Frei, Leo Lacroix, Valentin Stocker</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Manuel Akanji, Alexander Fransson, Omar Gaber, Cedric Itten, Dereck Kutesa, Dominik Schmid, Renato Steffen</li>
</ul><h3><strong>FC Porto</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Yordan Osorio, Goncalo Paciencia, Majeed Waris</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Joao Costa, Jorge Fernandes, Hernani, Miguel Layun, Ruben Macedo, Federico Varela</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Juventus</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Stephan Lichtstein</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Benedikt Howedes</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Liverpool</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Ings, Virgil van Dijk</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Philippe Coutinho, Jon Flanagan, Marko Grujic, Daniel Sturridge</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Manchester City</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Jacob Davenport, Eliaquim Mangala, Charlie Oliver</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Manchester United</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Alexis Sanchez</li>
<li>
<strong>Out: </strong>Henrikh Mkhitaryan, James Wilson</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Paris Saint-Germain</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Lassana Diarra</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Remy Descamps, Moussa Diaby, Alec Georgen, Lucas Moura</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Real Madrid</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> None</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> None</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Sevilla</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Guilherme Arana, Roque Mesa, Sandro Ramirez</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Ganso, Michael Krohn-Dehli, Borja Lasso, Walter Montoya</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Shakhtar Donetsk</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Dodo, Ruslan Fomin, Vyacheslav Tankovskiy</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Marcio Azevedo</li>
</ul><h3><strong>Tottenham Hotspur</strong></h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>In:</strong> Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura</li>
<li>
<strong>Out:</strong> Juan Foyth, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou</li>
</ul>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford on February 3, 2018 in Manchester, England.

Who's in? Who's out? Champions League squad changes confirmed

Luigi Di Biagio will keep tabs on Italy for the time being.  On Monday, the Federazione Italiana ...

<p>Luigi Di Biagio will keep tabs on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///eurc/teams/150" href="https://www.thescore.com/eurc/teams/150">Italy</a> for the time being.</p><p>On Monday, the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio <a href="http://www.figc.it/it/204/2540799/2018/02/News.shtml">announced</a> that Di Biagio was put in charge of Italy's next two friendlies. The Azzurri will play <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///copam/teams/140" href="https://www.thescore.com/copam/teams/140">Argentina</a> in Manchester on March 23, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///eurc/teams/147" href="https://www.thescore.com/eurc/teams/147">England</a> in London on March 27.</p><p>Di Biagio, who represented <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/11" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/11">AS Roma</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/5" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/5">Internazionale</a> as a footballer, is the coach of Italy's under-21 team. He led the team to the semi-finals of the 2017 European Under-21 Championship.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, marking the first time since 1958 that the Azzurri missed out on football's most prestigious tournament, Gian Piero Ventura was sacked as the national team's manager. In February, Antonio Conte rejected the chance to meet with the FIGC and said he's intent upon seeing out his contract at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/58" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/58">Chelsea</a>, saying, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/02/antonio-conte-rejects-italy-talk-chelsea">the Guardian's Dominic Fifield</a>: "My intention, my will, my desire is to respect this contract. So no, I must be honest, no."</p>

BRESCIA, ITALY - DECEMBER 13: Luigi Di Biagio of Italy looks on during the international friendly match between Italy U19 and Finland U19 on December 13, 2017 in Brescia, Italy.

Luigi Di Biagio to lead Italy against Argentina, England

Harry Kane's game knows no bounds.  On Monday, one day after Kane tallied his 100th goal in the P...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/3804" href="https://www.thescore.com/engfa/players/3804">Harry Kane</a>'s game knows no bounds.</p><p>On Monday, one day after Kane tallied his 100th goal in the Premier League as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/64" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/64">Tottenham Hotspur</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/60" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/60">Liverpool</a> played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield, the English striker set his sights on a second century.</p><p>"Two hundred goals has to be the aim, and hopefully quicker than I got to 100," Kane said, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/05/tottenhams-harry-kane-set-sights-on-second-century-after-joining-100-club">the Guardian's Andy Hunter</a>. "It is nice, I am going to enjoy the moment, but let's see how many I can get this year and go from there. Hopefully, I can get better and better. I am 24 years old, that's not young but it's not old, so I've still got a lot of learning to do. I feel I am getting more experience year by year and I feel I am getting stronger and more physical, and hopefully that continues. I will always keep trying to work hard and to get better."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kane tallied his 100th goal in the Premier League by converting a penalty kick in the 95th minute of the draw between Tottenham and Liverpool. The product of Spurs became the second-fastest footballer to reach the milestone, doing so in 141 games. Alan Shearer holds the record, having done so in 124 matches.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HKane</a> Welcome to the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> 100 club 🙋🏼‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/strikersunion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#strikersunion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bigballs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bigballs</a> ⚽️</p>— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanshearer/status/960218211584303105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After the game, Kane received a celebratory pair of boots.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HKane</a> receives a celebratory pair of <a href="https://twitter.com/nikefootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nikefootball</a> boots after scoring a century of <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> goals. 💯 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneOfOurOwn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneOfOurOwn</a> <a href="https://t.co/QX6DTwYWV9">pic.twitter.com/QX6DTwYWV9</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/960235650606870528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Kane's first professional goal came exactly seven years ago, when, while on loan at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/teams/202" href="https://www.thescore.com/engfa/teams/202">Leyton Orient</a>, he produced a close-range finish against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/teams/173" href="https://www.thescore.com/engfa/teams/173">Sheffield Wednesday</a>.</p>

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 4, 2018 in Liverpool, England.

Kane aiming to reach 200 Premier League goals

The Portland Timbers were watching the Sudamericano Sub 20.  On Friday, the Timbers acquired Cris...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/teams/530" href="https://www.thescore.com/mls/teams/530">Portland Timbers</a> were watching the Sudamericano Sub 20.</p><p>On Friday, the Timbers <a href="https://www.timbers.com/post/2018/02/02/portland-timbers-acquire-midfielder-cristhian-paredes">acquired</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fmf_cl/players/90950" href="https://www.thescore.com/fmf_cl/players/90950">Cristhian Paredes</a> from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fmf/teams/308" href="https://www.thescore.com/fmf/teams/308">Club America</a> on loan for the 2018 Major League Soccer season, utilising Targeted Allocation Money, with a purchase option.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“He has experience, he’s young and he has the qualities we were looking for.”<br><br>A look at our newest midfielder, <a href="https://twitter.com/CristhianP_25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CristhianP_25</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://t.co/wxTM3R0x4J">pic.twitter.com/wxTM3R0x4J</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/959544819998601216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I was training with my club, America, and I talked to my representatives," Paredes <a href="https://www.timbers.com/post/2018/02/02/cristhian-paredes-eager-begin-new-journey-timbers-i-m-here-and-i-m-ready-go">said</a>. "He said, 'Cristhian, get ready, we're going to MLS.' I'm here now, and I'm very happy."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Paredes is atop the list of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///copam/teams/143" href="https://www.thescore.com/copam/teams/143">Paraguay</a>'s promising outfield players. In 2017, the teenage central midfielder stood at the Sudamericano Sub 20, although it must be noted the tournament was dismal and highlighted by a dearth of talent. The product of Club Sol de America subsequently joined America and made his international debut, taking the pitch as a second-half substitute in a friendly between La Albirroja and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/teams/148" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/teams/148">France</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Making it official.✍️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://t.co/nXUtEQpOEm">pic.twitter.com/nXUtEQpOEm</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/959548099722018816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

Paraguay's Cristhian Paredes celebrates after scoring against Chile during their U20 South American Championship football match, at the Olympic Stadium in Riobamba, Ecuador, on January 24, 2017. / AFP / Rodrigo BUENDIA

Portland Timbers acquire Cristhian Paredes from Club America on loan

Roy Hodgson is bringing a third goalkeeper to Selhurst Park.  On Friday, Hodgson said Crystal Pal...

<p>Roy Hodgson is bringing a third goalkeeper to Selhurst Park.</p><p>On Friday, Hodgson said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/168" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/168">Crystal Palace</a> have signed a pre-contract with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/49925" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/players/49925">Vicente Guaita</a>, and that the Spanish 'keeper will join the Eagles in July, once the shot-stopper's contract with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/teams/52" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/teams/52">Getafe CF</a> is expired. Los Azulones reportedly resisted interest in the product of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/teams/45" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/teams/45">Valencia CF</a> during the January transfer window, including a bid valued at around £2 million.</p><p>"We have signed a pre-contract with Vicente Guaita so he will join us on 1 July," Hodgson said, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/02/football-crystal-palace-getafe-vicente-guaita-goalkeeper">the Guardian's Dominic Fifield</a>. "We would have liked to have tried to persuade the club to sign him in January but they didn't want to do that, which is their right because his contract with them does not run out until the summer. It is good news that we will have him from 1 July and he will boost our goalkeeping contingent in the way I was hoping it would be boosted."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The only two 'keepers at Hodgson's disposal are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/2000" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/2000">Wayne Hennessey</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/7309" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/7309">Julian Speroni</a>, who are splitting minutes this season. Meanwhile, Guaita is enjoying a superb campaign, and is one of the main reasons why Getafe is just five points outside of a European spot.</p>

Getafe's Spanish goalkeeper Vicente Guaita grabs the ball during the Spanish league football match Getafe CF vs Valencia CF at the Col. Alfonso Perez stadium in Getafe on December 3, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO

Crystal Palace signs pre-contract with Getafe's Vicente Guaita

West Ham United is cutting ties with Tony Henry.  On Friday, the club terminated Henry's contract...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/65" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/65">West Ham United</a> is cutting ties with Tony Henry.</p><p>On Friday, the club <a href="https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/february/02-february/club-statement">terminated</a> Henry's contract "following his unacceptable comments that were widely reported in the press."</p><p>Henry, who was employed as director of player recruitment, reportedly told an agent in an email: "We don't want any more Africans." He was confronted by the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-5335207/West-Ham-director-sparks-race-row-African-stars.html">Daily Mail</a> and admitted West Ham wants to limit the number of African players because "they have a bad attitude" and "cause mayhem" when they're not in the team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>David Moyes said there was no policy at West Ham against signing African players and declared the Hammers tried to sign two on deadline day.</p><p>"The comments are wrong," Moyes said, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/02/david-moyes-west-ham-african-players">the Guardian's Paul McInnes</a>. "We were signing two players from Africa on deadline day. I can only say they're wrong. We're a multinational club and we always want to sign good-quality players. You can see the players we sign, you can see the players we have signed over years. We look to buy the best available and it doesn't matter where they're from to me at all. I have never experienced prejudice in a club's transfer policy, never ever. Not at all."</p><p>Moyes insisted the incident hasn't caused ruptures within the club, saying: "I don't think it's had any effect on morale. I've spoken with one or two of the African players and they seem fine. They've trained well the last couple of days. Morale is good because we're on the back of a good run. The players are doing really well."</p><p>The two African players that Moyes was referring to are apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/165" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/165">Leicester City</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/27507" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/27507">Islam Slimani</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/teams/698" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/teams/698">Lille</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/53110" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/players/53110">Ibrahim Amadou</a>. The Algerian forward joined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/77" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/77">Newcastle United</a> on loan until the end of the season, while the Cameroonian defensive midfielder stayed with Les Dogues.</p><p>Moyes also pointed to his history of working with African players, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/713" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/713">Steven Pienaar</a>, who played under the Scottish manager three times, at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/59" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/59">Everton</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/63" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/63">Sunderland</a>.</p><p>"I have never had a problem with African players. I loved working with Pienaar, Joseph Yobo grew on us, Yakubu was a great boy. I brought in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/49995" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/49995">Didier Ndong</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/55072" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/players/55072">Papy Djilobodji</a> at Sunderland. And <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/692" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/692">Victor Anichebe</a> wouldn't be happy if I forgot him. I've worked with African players during all of my time as a manager. I've had good African players and bad African players. But that's no different from good Scottish, or bad Scottish."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/2200" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/2200">Cheikhou Kouyate</a>, who is from Senegal, took to Instagram on Thursday, writing: "African and proud."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bepk-9XBMic/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:26.15740740740741% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bepk-9XBMic/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">African and proud😀 #alhamdulillahforeverything 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roilionpapis8/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Cheikhou Kouyate🦁👑🦁</a> (@roilionpapis8) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-02-01T09:50:06+00:00">Feb 1, 2018 at 1:50am PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" defer src="https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></figure><p>The Football Association <a href="https://twitter.com/FAspokesperson/status/959068119955259393">confirmed</a> it's investigating reports concerning West Ham.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: A view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on January 30, 2018 in London, England.

West Ham fires Tony Henry after comments on African players

Citizens are calling out the contrast in salaries at Manchester United.  On Thursday, community l...

<p>Citizens are calling out the contrast in salaries at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/62" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/62">Manchester United</a>.</p><p>On Thursday, community leaders from Greater Manchester Citizens, a local chapter of Citizens UK, <a href="http://www.citizensuk.org/manchester_divided_the_true_cost_of_alexis_sanchez_s_record_400_000_a_week_salary">called foul play</a> on low pay of employees at Old Trafford, especially compared with players' salaries. The January transfer window closed with record outlays and sky-high player salaries as clubs spent a <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/news/612249?sf180950876=1">net</a> of £148 million, and while it was open, United retained top spot in the <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/sports-business-group/articles/deloitte-football-money-league.html">Deloitte Football Money League</a>, generating total revenue of €676 million.</p><p>Greater Manchester Citizens said, "life on low pay for sub-contracted workers at the Theatre of Dreams is a very real nightmare," and called for United to become an accredited Living Wage employer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The call came 10 days after United signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/368" href="https://www.thescore.com/seri/players/368">Alexis Sanchez</a> from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/56" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/56">Arsenal</a>. According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/22/alexis-sanchez-joins-manchester-united-henrikh-mkhitaryan-arsenal">the Guardian's Jamie Jackson</a>, the Chilean attacker's salary is closer to a basic £300,000 per week than the reported £500,000 per week. Taking the average of £400,000, Greater Manchester Citizens declared (based on a 37.5-hour working week and a National Living Wage hourly rate of £7.50):</p><ul>
<li>Sanchez's weekly salary is the equivalent of 23 workers paid a Living Wage for a year.</li>
<li>A minimum-wage worker needs to work 27 years to match Sanchez's weekly salary.</li>
<li>It will take just 82 minutes into Sanchez's debut at Old Trafford for him to earn the annual salary of a low-paid stadium worker (£14,625).</li>
<li>Sanchez, the highest-paid footballer in Premier League history, reveals "a grotesque tale of two halves with many low-paid staff struggle to make ends meet, with some on less than £7 per hour".</li>
<li>The reported transfer fee pocketed by Fernando Felicevich, Sanchez's super agent, would allow 6,100 low-paid workers in the community to take home an extra £2,437.50 per year if uplifted to the real Living Wage rate.</li>
</ul><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/newcitizens/pages/2864/attachments/original/1517417448/Sanchez_web_1.jpg?1517417448"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>(Courtesy: Citizens UK)</p><p>"As the 2018 winter transfer window closes on record-breaking player pay, low-paid staff at the Theatre of Dreams are facing a real nightmare to meet he real cost of living, as the club refuses to pay a voluntary Living Wage rate (£8.75 per hour)," Greater Manchester Citizens stated.</p><p>The organisation is planning action outside Old Trafford as part of a national campaign to tackle low pay at football clubs. The campaign is kicking off with a <a href="http://www.citizensuk.org/co_sign_our_letter_to_manchester_united">letter</a> addressed to Ed Woodward, United's chief executive officer, that is signed by community leaders and supporters. It will be handed in to the Red Devils' headquarters on Thursday morning and received backing from Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, as well as churches, trade union branches, a housing association, student bodies, and fan clubs.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm proud to be <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManUtd</a>'s MP. I'll be even prouder if they become <a href="https://twitter.com/UKLivingWage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKLivingwage</a> accredited <a href="https://t.co/Cbmm9cyyWA">https://t.co/Cbmm9cyyWA</a></p>— Kate Green (@KateGreenSU) <a href="https://twitter.com/KateGreenSU/status/959049664887705600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"We're asking you to do the right thing on behalf of the lower paid staff at Manchester United football club, who have told us of their struggles on low pay in a time when football players are receiving a king's ransom in wages every week," the letter reads.</p><p>Citizens UK "organises communities to act together for power, social justice, and the common good."</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: A general view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Stoke City at Old Trafford on January 15, 2018 in Manchester, England.

Manchester United faces call to address 'grotesque' low pay of workers

There's a new Batman at Borussia Dortmund.  Dortmund loaned Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea until th...

<p>There's a new Batman at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/teams/114" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/teams/114">Borussia Dortmund</a>.</p><p>Dortmund loaned <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/31093" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/31093">Michy Batshuayi</a> from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/58" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/58">Chelsea</a> until the end of the season as the Belgian striker <a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2018/01/bundesliga-loan-for-batshuayi.html">signed</a> for the German club on Wednesday. The loan was announced after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/8639" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/players/8639">Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a> joined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/56" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/56">Arsenal</a> for a club-record transfer fee, reportedly valued at £56 million.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/31/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-joins-arsenal-deadline-day-transfer">the Guardian's David Hytner and Dominic Fifield</a>, Dortmund reportedly made it clear that the club wouldn't sell Aubameyang unless a replacement was sourced.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">🤝 BVB leiht Michy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Batshuayi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Batshuayi</a> bis Saisonende vom <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> aus!<br><br>Alle Infos: <a href="https://t.co/WUplWHl5b4">https://t.co/WUplWHl5b4</a> <a href="https://t.co/za5nQaT2dT">pic.twitter.com/za5nQaT2dT</a></p>— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BVB/status/958743246259261440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Batshuayi, who pulled on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///eurc/teams/1117" href="https://www.thescore.com/eurc/teams/1117">Belgium</a>'s shirt at Euro 2016, <a href="http://www.bvb.de/eng/News/Overview/Borussia-Dortmund-to-loan-Michy-Batshuayi-from-Chelsea-until-end-of-season">said</a>: "I want to play as much as possible and score many goals. The World Cup is taking place in the summer."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">💪 Michy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Batshuayi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Batshuayi</a> ist da! <a href="https://t.co/W1bc41bkvA">pic.twitter.com/W1bc41bkvA</a></p>— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BVB/status/958748128684986368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Batshuayi joined Chelsea from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/teams/85" href="https://www.thescore.com/fran/teams/85">Olympique Marseille</a> in July 2016, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract. The product of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/97" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/97">Standard de Liege</a> made just 12 Premier League appearances, nine of them as a substitute.</p>

Batshuayi signs for Borussia Dortmund on loan until end of season

The confusion over Michy Batshuayi's future is reportedly over.  According to BBC Sport's Simon S...

<p>The confusion over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/31093" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/31093">Michy Batshuayi</a>'s future is reportedly over.</p><p>According to <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42886255">BBC Sport's Simon Stone</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/teams/114" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/teams/114">Borussia Dortmund</a> has agreed to a loan deal for Batshuayi, who will be signed for the rest of the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/8639" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/players/8639">Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a> joined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/56" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/56">Arsenal</a> for a club-record fee and the German club apparently said the product of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/8" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/8">AC Milan</a> would only be sold if a replacement was found.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFC</a> | Batshuayi is undergoing his medical at Dortmund. <a href="https://t.co/hwm1fDiaNk">pic.twitter.com/hwm1fDiaNk</a></p>— Chris Davison (@c11davison) <a href="https://twitter.com/c11davison/status/958655518683402240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Antonio Conte admitted his preparations for Wednesday's game between Chelsea and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/204" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/204">AFC Bournemouth</a> were severely disrupted by the uncertainty surrounding Batshuayi's future with the Blues, saying, per <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/30/chelsea-antonio-conte-michy-batshuayi-loan-dortmund">the Guardian's Dominic Fifield</a>: "It's not simple, this situation with Batshuayi. There is only one day left in the transfer market, and the player knows very well the situation. Today he trained well and I prepared the game with him. But you don't know what will happen tonight or tomorrow. We must be ready to face every situation. It's not the best situation to face, but we have to.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"For sure, in this type of situation, the coach has to speak with the player involved. For now he's a Chelsea player. For this reason, he's in contention for tomorrow's game. Also because I have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/13168" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/13168">(Alvaro) Morata</a> injured and I don't have other options, especially as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/2456" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/2456">Willian</a> is also injured. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/8653" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/8653">(Eden) Hazard</a> can play No. 9, so I'd need to find another No. 10. It's not easy to prepare."</p><p>Chelsea reportedly held talks with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/64" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/64">Tottenham Hotspur</a> over a possible swap deal involving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/1102" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/1102">Fernando Llorente</a>, but Batshuayi rejected the move, wanting to be a first-choice striker.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">🦇🌑🌕 ... 👀</p>— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbatshuayi/status/958660771851984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Dortmund will visit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/teams/118" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/teams/118">1. FC Koln</a> on Friday in the Bundesliga.</p>

Chelsea's Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in London on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS /

Report: Borussia Dortmund agrees to sign Chelsea's Batshuayi on loan

Olivier Giroud is reportedly primed to join Chelsea.  Giroud is to join Chelsea for £18 million, ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/10689" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/10689">Olivier Giroud</a> is reportedly primed to join <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/58" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/58">Chelsea</a>.</p><p>Giroud is to join Chelsea for £18 million, reports <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/01/30/olivier-giroud-join-chelsea-18m-paving-away-arsenal-complete/">The Telegraph's Matt Law</a>, paving the way for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/56" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/56">Arsenal</a> to complete the transfer of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/8639" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/players/8639">Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a>. The French striker is apparently poised for the move across London after the Blues found a breakthrough in negotiations, while the Gunners can finish the signing of Aubameyang, who travelled to the capital city on Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/31093" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/31093">Michy Batshuayi</a> will allegedly join <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/teams/114" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/teams/114">Borussia Dortmund</a> on loan as a replacement.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/30/olivier-giroud-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-michy-batshuayi-chelsea-arsenal-dortmund-transfers">the Guardian's David Hytner</a>, Giroud was touted as a makeweight in Arsenal's deal for Aubameyang, but the product of Grenoble Foot 38 wanted to stay in London. Having started just one Premier League game this season, he apparently prioritised the opportunity for more playing time before the 2018 World Cup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dortmund reportedly permitted Aubameyang to travel to London to undergo a medical and finish hammering out the details of a deal valued at £60 million, but indicated the transfer wouldn't be signed until a replacement was found.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We Global <a href="https://t.co/89bOyonfcG">pic.twitter.com/89bOyonfcG</a></p>— FLIGHT C25A (@FlightC25A) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlightC25A/status/958340341308018690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Similarly, Chelsea allegedly wanted to send away Batshuayi, but wouldn't do so without a replacement who could share some of first-choice centre-forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/13168" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/13168">Alvaro Morata</a>'s burden.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 19, 2017 in London, England.

Report: Chelsea set to clinch £18M signing of Giroud

Inigo Martinez is heading for the exit at Real Sociedad.  On Tuesday, Athletic Club announced tha...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/49827" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/players/49827">Inigo Martinez</a> is heading for the exit at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/teams/359" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/teams/359">Real Sociedad</a>.</p><p>On Tuesday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/teams/36" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/teams/36">Athletic Club</a> <a href="http://www.athletic-club.eus/cas/noticias/18697/incorporacion-del-jugador-inigo-martinez.html">announced</a> that Martinez will join Los Leones once his contract expires by virtue of depositing €32 million, the termination clause's value, at the Liga de Futbol Profesional's headquarters. The Basque defender will sign a deal valid until June 30, 2023, with the cancellation clause valued at €80 million.</p><p>Real Sociedad later <a href="https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/inigo-martinez-triggers-his-release-clause">announced</a> that Martinez had his contract terminated after matching his release clause at La Liga's office, thereby ending his relationship with the Txuri-urdinak.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The announcements were made on the same day that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/61" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/61">Manchester City</a> signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/49850" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/players/49850">Aymeric Laporte</a> in a transfer worth €65 million.</p><p>Martinez, who is a product of Real Sociedad, is swapping one Basque club for another. At a time when football is more globalised than ever, Athetic continues to succeed as a club whose squad is made up entirely of Basque footballers.</p>

Inigo Martinez (L) of Real Sociedad runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League football match Rosenborg BK v Real Sociedad on November 23, 2017 in Rosenborg, Norway. / AFP PHOTO / NTB scanpix AND NTB Scanpix / Ole Martin Wold / Norway OUT

Inigo Martinez will join Athletic after paying €32M termination clause

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/carlo-campo/content_cards