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The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had myriad reasons to duck a parliamentary grilling this week. Years of greed and dysfunction at the heart of Irish football have come to head. The organisation is broke. Sponsors are dropping out and the government is withholding funding. Redundancies and cutbacks loom. Public anger is mounting and there are threats to staff. Many wonder if the FAI can – or should – survive. Little wonder the board backtracked on a promise to attend an Oireachtas sports committee hearing on Wednesday that would have interrogated the debacles. In a statement the board said it cancelled the showdown with lawmakers in Dublin in order to focus on a restructuring package to “guarantee the future” of the association and safeguard jobs. “The board remains committed to appearing before the committee on a date when the appropriate representatives are available,” it added. Many politicians and football fans remain unconvinced the FAI … [Read more...] about FAI in meltdown: debts and dysfunction put Irish football in peril

Everton fans face the prospect of a Duncan Ferguson-Zlatan Ibrahimovic buddy movie if word reaching the Rumour Mill from Italy is proved correct. Big Zlat is back in Europe having come, seen and conquered MLS by getting knocked out in the play-offs each season and is still desperate for on-field action. Milan, one of his myriad former clubs and another institution seeking a redemptive hero, may though end up being his eventual short-term destination. At 38, daring to Zlatan is only likely to be a quick fix. Even if Zlat does arrive on Merseyside, it won’t be Big Dunc calling the shots as the former “Birdman of Barlinnie” does not want the Everton job full-time. That opens the door for Carlo Ancelotti, whose main memory of Goodison Park until recently was probably being given his cards by Chelsea in the tunnel on the final day of the 2010-11 season. Mikel Arteta remains in the mix but Arsenal is the most likely destination for he of the immovable hair, a position Don … [Read more...] about Football transfer rumours: Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Everton or Milan?

Not even his most ardent critics – and there are plenty of them – dispute James Harden’s greatness. His numbers are undeniable, he efficacy is unimpeachable, and his continued evolution, still adding wrinkles to his game at 30, is inspiring. Yet it’s unlikely the Houston Rockets guard will ever be universally adored, at least not to the extent of a LeBron James or even a Stephen Curry. It is a question of style, rather than substance, that prevents so many basketball fans truly taking Harden into their heart. And, in this regard, there are parallels to be drawn between the NBA scoring machine and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Of course, Rockets fans worship Harden, just as supporters of Juventus and Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s current and former club respectively, idolize the Portuguese forward. Fans inside the Toyota Center have watched Harden blossom from the perennial sixth man traded from Oklahoma City to escape the shadows of Kevin Durant and Russell … [Read more...] about Is James Harden the NBA’s Cristiano Ronaldo?

Liberian President George Weah was forced to work from home on Thursday after his office was invaded by snakes. Two black snakes were found slithering from a hole in the reception area of the building hosting the presidential office.  George Weah: From football star to Liberian president A rising star in football Outside Liberia, George Weah is best-known as a football player. In his heyday, he was considered to be one of the best strikers in the world. Football helped Weah escape a life of hardship. The son of a mechanic, he grew up in a slum in the Liberian capital. The family sank deeper into poverty after his father's early death. Fortunately, Weah was discovered by a Liberian football team. George Weah: From football star to Liberian president From Cameroon to France George Weah was Liberia's top scorer in 1987 and played for Invincible Eleven, the country's leading team at the time. When his club played against the Cameroonian side Tonnerre Yaounde, officials … [Read more...] about Liberian president works from home due to snakes

She is normally seen modelling her latest high fashion designs. But on Thursday morning, Victoria Beckham, 45, opted for sporty attire, flashing a glimpse of her lithe frame in gym-wear for sizzling Instagram snaps. The mother-of-four slipped into a white sports bra and skin-tight leggings during an early morning workout with personal trainer Tracey Anderson.  Looking good: On Thursday morning, Victoria Beckham, 45, flashed a glimpse of her lithe frame in gym-wear for sizzling Instagram snaps Victoria flaunted her toned abs and bronzed body in the sleek exercise gear, tucking her tresses under a black cap to complete her look. She captioned the snaps: 'Early morning workout. @tracyandersonmethod Sharing my top fitness and wellness tips for the holiday on #worldofVB this week xx VB.' RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next David Beckham becomes Britain's highest paid Instagram star... Check out their Ho-Ho-Homes! The Beckhams, Tamara... Little Mix EXCLUSIVE: 'If one of us … [Read more...] about Victoria Beckham displays her lithe frame in a white sports bra and skin-tight legging during early morning workout