FIFA CORRUPTION CRISIS
Sepp Blatter re-elected as Fifa president for fifth term – The Guardian
Sepp Blatter has been officially re-elected as Fifa’s president for a fifth term by the world governing body’s 209 member associations. Blatter, 79, saw off the challenge of Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein at Fifa’s annual Congress in Zurich. In a secret ballot he was re-elected with 133 votes from the 209 voting members. Prince Ali conceded before the second round of voting took place – when a simple majority would have been enough for either contender to win.
Sepp Blatter: how the great survivor won another term amid Fifa crisis – The Guardian
To much of the outside world it will appear preposterous. But the clues as to why Sepp Blatter was re-elected on Friday for a fifth term despite the storm raging beyond the walls of the profoundly dysfunctional “Fifa family” were liberally sprinkled throughout the pompous grandiosity of the occasion.
Canada’s anti-Blatter vote may be the most significant of them all – the 11.ca
For Canada, this is a case of doing what’s good for soccer over pragmatism. To be frank, it’s in Canada’s best interest that Blatter remain; he’s been a big backer of this country. And, CSA president Victor Montagliani has been lobbying hard for 2026 with Blatter and the old guard. And, if Blatter remains in power, chances are fewer countries would want to challenge the Canadians. They would rightly be suspicious of the bidding process in the wake of the votes to award the 2018 and 2022 tourneys.
Scotiabank to review CONCACAF sponsorship following corruption charges – Global News
One of Canada’s largest banks says it will review its involvement in sponsoring CONCACAF in the wake of corruption allegations against senior FIFA officials.
Gulati doing his part to try to clean messes in FIFA and CONCACAF – Goal
As the lone American on FIFA’s executive committee and one of the leading figures in CONCACAF, the U.S. Soccer president has his hands full trying to clean up dueling messes.
The CSA, Prince Ali and what it means for 2026 – 24th Minute
A lot of fans dismiss Canada’s relevance in FIFA. They are looking at things through a naïve viewpoint though. The truth is that the CSA has become a very effective voice at both CONCACAF and FIFA levels. Canada has lived up to the infamous “middle power” label that Lester B Pearson so loved (and won a Nobel Peace Prize by effectively being) – American-like, without being American — and by doing so Canada has quietly put itself in very good position to land 2026.
Nike dragged into Fifa crisis – but will its brand be damaged? – The Guardian
Nike is alleged to have paid tens of millions of dollars into a Swiss account outside a $160m sponsorship deal with Brazil. It has denied wrongdoing but the incident could come back to haunt the sportswear giant
Why sponsors haven’t cut ties with FIFA – yet – Prost Amerika
The situation that FIFA’s partners and sponsors find themselves in is very tricky, and definitely not as simple as many might think it to be. On the one hand you do not want to associate your company and brand equity with an organization that is the focus of the largest sports scandal in modern history – this is obvious. Why have we not seen a mass exodus from FIFA’s sponsors after this week’s news broke?
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WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Whitecaps FC host Real Salt Lake on Saturday before season-long five-match road trip – Whitecaps FC
The ‘Caps host Real Salt Lake on Saturday afternoon in their final home match until July 12 (as a result of scheduling conflicts with the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup).
A “Real” Test for the Whitecaps – Eighty-Six Forever
When you look at the MLS Western Conference standings and see our beloved Vancouver Whitecaps FC sitting near the top of the standings it seems silly for me to say that Saturday’s match is of the “must win” variety because prior to the start of the season we all would have been very happy to see the Caps in third place a third of the way into the year.
Real Salt Lake treks to Vancouver, hoping to grind out a result – Salt Lake Tribune
“Every game right now is important to us,” Nick Rimando said. “We need to get three points, but right now it’s just about finding our identity and really grinding out these points. If it’s ugly, it’s ugly. Because right now, [points] aren’t coming. I’d rather have three ugly points than no points at all.”
Whitecaps look to turf RSL a second time – 24 Hours
The new turf at BC Place will be ready for the weekend’s clash against Real Salt Lake, and the two teams will be the first to play on it before the FIFA Women’s World Cup takes over the venue soon after.
Whitecaps prepare to play on new turf at BC Place Stadium – Metro
On Saturday, the Whitecaps host Real Salt Lake at BC Place. That game will take place on the new Polytan turf that, according to PavCo, comes with a total cost of $1.327 million Cdn, and is certified to meet the FIFA 2-Star and World Rugby Regulation 22 specifications.
Rosales: ‘I’ve played with and against many teams but this is one of the best‘ – Whitecaps FC
Mauro Rosales has been in the trenches with Vancouver Whitecaps FC this season and it’s taken its toll on the veteran midfielder.
Waston on all-star radar; Seattle game on Caps’ fans’ – The Province
Fan voting for the MLS all-star game started on Thursday. In other words, it’s time for a slew of Whitecaps fans to try and get Seattle Sounders players to Denver for the July 29 showcase/gimmick against Tottenham Hotspur. Three days later, on Aug. 1, the Caps are in Seattle for one of the biggest games of the year.
Whitecaps prepared for tougher times to come – The Vancouver Sun
But in a clear sign that parity reigns just over a third of the way through the 2015 MLS season, the Caps’ rocky patch hasn’t cost them a lot in terms of positioning in the ultra-tight Western Conference, or even in the overall standings.
Q&A with Daniel Sagno (Whitecaps Residency/Canadian U16) – Prost Amerika
In 2004 Daniel Sagno moved from Guinea to Winnipeg, Manitoba. In finding his passion for soccer he linked up with the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Program in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. Since overcoming some personal tragedy in his life by losing both his parents, he has turned to the soccer pitch and has excelled for the Whitecaps U16, U18 and the Canadian U16 team.
Manchester City’s friendly with MLS side Houston Dynamo cancelled following flooding – Mirror
Manchester City’s planned post-season friendly with MLS outfit Houston Dynamo has been cancelled due to flooding. Manuel Pellegrini’s side had been due to take on the American outfit last night, but heavy rain in the city left the pitch unplayable.
Interview with Eric Hassli – Red Nation Online
His 2012 stay with TFC was short and sweet. Hassli is now with the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions and he has also been suiting up to play indoor soccer from time-to-time with the Las Vegas Legends. We recently caught up with him to see how he is doing.
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NASL
Match Preview: FC EDMONTON -v- FURY FC – Ottawa Fury
Perhaps calling the Ottawa and Edmonton match-up a ‘rivalry’ last season might have been a stretch. But the two teams laid a foundation in 2014 for what has arguably become a fantastic Canadian rivalry that added two more chapters last month in Amway Canadian Championship action.
NASL’s deep ties with Traffic Sports create serious questions about league’s future – World Soccer Talk
NASL now faces a difficult financial road without the involvement of Traffic Sports. Of primary concern must be the continued funding of league operations if more expansion teams and thus expansion fees are not added in the next few months as well as the future of the Carolina RailHawks.
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FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015
Canada-England a soccer reunion for Desiree Scott – St. Catherines Standard
With Canada being the host team this time around for a friendly on Friday night at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Scott looks forward to giving a warm welcome to her four Notts County club teammates — at least before the opening kickoff. After all, Scott’s nickname is “The Destroyer.”
Few seats left for women’s soccer friendly in Hamilton – Hamilton Spectator
The game, which also features a pre-kickoff fan fest, free giveaways and a halftime high-five Guinness World Record attempt, is the last for Canada before the Women’s World Cup opens in Edmonton on June 6.
Canada WNT veteran Candace Chapman announces retirement– CSA
With 114 appearances, six international goals and an unforgettable Olympic Bronze Medal over a decade on Canada’s Women’s National Team, defender Candace Chapman has decided to call it a career.
Final rosters: Every player going to 2015 World Cup – The Equalizer
Final rosters for all 24 teams are out for the 2015 World Cup. These are the players who will represent their respective countries in Canada.
Holders Japan beat Italy in World Cup sendoff – Fifa
Japan beat Italy 1-0 on Thursday in their final warm-up game before jetting off to Canada to defend their FIFA Women’s World Cup™ title.
FIFA Women’s World Cup will add $52 million to B.C. economy – VanCity Buzz
The month-long tournament is projected to provide $267 million in additional economic activity for the country. Of this figure, $52 million is expected to be generated in British Columbia, with $37 million directly from the Vancouver region where nine matches – including the highly viewed championship final – are being held at B.C. Place Stadium.
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BC SOCCER
BC girls AAA soccer: It’s another Frantic Friday as teams battle for berths in afternoon Final Four – The Province
Listen to Fleetwood Park Dragons head coach Sunny Uppal talk about the modus operandi for his team at the 2015 B.C. girls Triple A soccer championships, which opened a three-day run Thursday in Victoria, and you get the idea that he speaking for the entire 16-team field.
Roadrunners’ offence missing on opening day of girls soccer provincials – Times Colonist
The problem with competing in a short and sweet provincial tournament is, recording a tie in one of your first two games on opening day is akin to stepping on a piece of chewed gum on the scorching pavement in the parking lot.
Merriman named top B.C. youth coach – Nanaimo Daily News
Local soccer stalwart Bill Merriman has another award to add to the collection. Merriman, who has been coaching in the Nanaimo region for more than 30 years, has just been named B.C. Soccer’s youth coach of the year. The VIU Mariners and Mid-Isle Highlanders boss will officially receive the recognition in a couple of weeks time at B.C. Soccer’s annual awards banquet in Vancouver.
Heat come home for PCSL action – Kamloops This Week
Soccer fans in Kamloops will be familiar with much of then Heat’s roster, a mixture of Thompson Rivers University WolfPack players and alumni, Kamloops Youth Soccer Association graduates and a few out-of-town additions.
Penticton Pinnacles show they can battle in the PCSL – Pentiction Western News
They couldn’t exact the revenge they wanted, but the Tim Hortons Penticton Pinnacles managed a better outcome against the Mid Isle Mariners last weekend. Still facing a number of roster challenges in the Pacific Coast Soccer League premier division, the Pinnacles lost the match 2-1. The last time the teams played, the Pinnacles suffered a 6-2 loss.
Pinns Fraser adapts to European play – Penticton Western News
Living in Europe was a dream come true for James Fraser. The Pinnacles FC product returned home in the spring after spending a year taking in the culture of Holland and working to become a better soccer player.
UNBC men add skill up front – Prince George Citizen
When it comes to describing UNBC’s latest recruits for 2015 for the men’s soccer side, head coach Alan Alderson uses the words “dynamic” and “attacking.” He expects forwards Matt Jubinville and Greg Meconse to have an instant impact. Jubinville, from Prince George, and Meconse (Winnipeg) have committed to suit up for UNBC this fall.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
The Next Messi? Nine future stars not to miss at the U-20 World Cup – MLS
The FIFA U-20 World Cup, which starts later this week, is always a showcase of tomorrow’s stars. Here are nine young talents to keep an eye on through the tournament.
Palestine drops request to expel Israel from FIFA, amendment passes by 90% – ESPN
The Palestinian FA has dropped a motion to have Israel suspended from FIFA, with an amended proposal being voted through the FIFA Congress by 90 percent on Friday.
Real Madrid And The Problem With Rich Kids –Vice Sports
Surely, there are reasons Real Madrid fired Carlo Ancelotti. President Florentino Pérez just couldn’t recall any of them on Tuesday, when he fielded questions from the press about why the Italian wouldn’t be continuing with the club next season. Asked what Ancelotti had done to deserve a dismissal, Pérez responded “I don’t know,” as if the decision was something that had happened all of a sudden, beyond his control.
Manager sackings: Does bad hiring lead to too much firing? – BBC Sport
With record TV money entering the game, and the demand of a 24-hour news media, the LMA recognises the “volatile nature” of the industry as club owners continue to lose patience with their appointments. But it prompts the question: are clubs getting them right in the first place?