The reverse fixtures in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers are scheduled to this week.
 
Wednesday brings some interesting matches for those, who like to bet on live sports results.
Though Lech Poznan fans might be terrified looking at Sarajevo’s results from last year, it would be surprising if the Poles would be unable to force their way to the next round. Celtic are also favourites against Stjarnan from Iceland. The biggest issue of the Scots expected to be the artificial grass, which might prevent them from fluid play. A galore of goals is not expected from them, but their advance looks safe.The New Saints will have quite a task against the Hungarian champions. Videoton has a 1-0 lead from the first leg, they play at home and will feature all of their foreign players who had visa problems last week. Dundalk will have a chance to upset BATE, so if you fancy football surprises, the Irish might provide you one.

UEFA.com: Guide to the Champions League second legs

 
Michael Wilde leads New Saints’ all-time scoring chart in the Welsh Premier League. As some of those, who follow sports scores in the UK might know, he was also top scorer in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after the first three games. He bagged his three goals against B36 Tórshavn, however TNS might use another couple to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Videoton in Hungary in the second leg of the second qualifying round.

Dundalk is looking for an upset against BATE Borisov. The Irish champions registered a 2-1 away defeat in the first leg in Belarus. David McMillan scored Dundalk’s precious away goal then, and the forward sees a chance for overturning the fixture. He said, “They won’t fancy coming to Oriel Park. We are confident now.” He added, “It was important that we didn’t concede late in the game the other night. A lot of Irish teams would have done that in the past.”

Sarajevo is travelling to Poland with a two-goal deficit to take on Lech Poznan. As the Bosnians were able to register two 3-1 away wins twelve months ago, they might have a shot at advancing this year too. Midfielder Samir Radovac said, “Last season we played better as guests. Let’s hope that’s the case this season too,” gambling news report.

Kazakhstani champions Astana have to overcome only one goal against Maribor at home. The hosts’ line-up will expectedly feature goalkeeper Nenad Eric, who was out in Slovenia last week due to injury. Manager Stanimir Stoilov said, “We need to act wisely and we need the support of the crowd until the very last second.” He added, “Though the first-leg of The Champions League qualifiers result leaves us in a very difficult situation, we played a good game in Maribor and the lads did well.”

Goal.com: Stjarnan – Celtic Preview: Scots hope to avoid slip-up on plastic pitch

 
Celtic won the first leg in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers against Stjarnan. Ronny Deila’s team is obviously favourite to advance against the champions of Iceland. However, they have to perform well on an artificial playing surface at Stjornuvollur, which will be strange for the Bhoys.

Stjarnan got a lot of criticism for the quality of their turf last year from Motherwell manager Stuart McCall. The Icelanders were able to eliminate the Scottish side in the Europa League qualifiers last summer. Celtic players are in a cheerful mood though, after beating Spanish outfit Eibar 4-1 in a preseason friendly at the weekend, online mobile news report.

Leigh Griffiths, who missed a penalty against Stjarnan last week, scored three against Eibar. He said, “It [the Eibar game] was a good test for us going into Wednesday night. We got the win last Wednesday, but I don’t think we played as well as we could have and we showed against Eibar what we’re all about. I got 90 minutes so I’m feeling sharp, but it’s a different kettle of fish on Wednesday night with the Champions League Qualifiers.”

Meanwhile Stjarnan struggles in Urvalsdeild, the Icelandic top tier, being 10 points behind leaders KR. Manager Runar Pall Sigmundsson thinks that the bad conversion of chances is the main reason of his team underperforming. He said, “We have been dominating games, but we are not taking our chances and it ends up costing us. We have to improve in future games, starting against Celtic.”

The reverse fixtures in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers are scheduled to this week.
 
Wednesday brings some interesting matches for those, who like to bet on live sports results.
Though Lech Poznan fans might be terrified looking at Sarajevo’s results from last year, it would be surprising if the Poles would be unable to force their way to the next round. Celtic are also favourites against Stjarnan from Iceland. The biggest issue of the Scots expected to be the artificial grass, which might prevent them from fluid play. A galore of goals is not expected from them, but their advance looks safe.The New Saints will have quite a task against the Hungarian champions. Videoton has a 1-0 lead from the first leg, they play at home and will feature all of their foreign players who had visa problems last week. Dundalk will have a chance to upset BATE, so if you fancy football surprises, the Irish might provide you one.

UEFA.com: Guide to the Champions League second legs

 
Michael Wilde leads New Saints’ all-time scoring chart in the Welsh Premier League. As some of those, who follow sports scores in the UK might know, he was also top scorer in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after the first three games. He bagged his three goals against B36 Tórshavn, however TNS might use another couple to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Videoton in Hungary in the second leg of the second qualifying round.

Dundalk is looking for an upset against BATE Borisov. The Irish champions registered a 2-1 away defeat in the first leg in Belarus. David McMillan scored Dundalk’s precious away goal then, and the forward sees a chance for overturning the fixture. He said, “They won’t fancy coming to Oriel Park. We are confident now.” He added, “It was important that we didn’t concede late in the game the other night. A lot of Irish teams would have done that in the past.”

Sarajevo is travelling to Poland with a two-goal deficit to take on Lech Poznan. As the Bosnians were able to register two 3-1 away wins twelve months ago, they might have a shot at advancing this year too. Midfielder Samir Radovac said, “Last season we played better as guests. Let’s hope that’s the case this season too,” gambling news report.

Kazakhstani champions Astana have to overcome only one goal against Maribor at home. The hosts’ line-up will expectedly feature goalkeeper Nenad Eric, who was out in Slovenia last week due to injury. Manager Stanimir Stoilov said, “We need to act wisely and we need the support of the crowd until the very last second.” He added, “Though the first-leg of The Champions League qualifiers result leaves us in a very difficult situation, we played a good game in Maribor and the lads did well.”

Goal.com: Stjarnan – Celtic Preview: Scots hope to avoid slip-up on plastic pitch

 
Celtic won the first leg in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers against Stjarnan. Ronny Deila’s team is obviously favourite to advance against the champions of Iceland. However, they have to perform well on an artificial playing surface at Stjornuvollur, which will be strange for the Bhoys.

Stjarnan got a lot of criticism for the quality of their turf last year from Motherwell manager Stuart McCall. The Icelanders were able to eliminate the Scottish side in the Europa League qualifiers last summer. Celtic players are in a cheerful mood though, after beating Spanish outfit Eibar 4-1 in a preseason friendly at the weekend, online mobile news report.

Leigh Griffiths, who missed a penalty against Stjarnan last week, scored three against Eibar. He said, “It [the Eibar game] was a good test for us going into Wednesday night. We got the win last Wednesday, but I don’t think we played as well as we could have and we showed against Eibar what we’re all about. I got 90 minutes so I’m feeling sharp, but it’s a different kettle of fish on Wednesday night with the Champions League Qualifiers.”

Meanwhile Stjarnan struggles in Urvalsdeild, the Icelandic top tier, being 10 points behind leaders KR. Manager Runar Pall Sigmundsson thinks that the bad conversion of chances is the main reason of his team underperforming. He said, “We have been dominating games, but we are not taking our chances and it ends up costing us. We have to improve in future games, starting against Celtic.”

The shocking news about Man United Bid for Muller is the latest high-profile transfer story in the German media, though Bayern turned down the offer.

The news about Man United Bid for Muller might be shocking at first, but mainly because of the fee that the Red Devils reportedly offered for the German forward. It might be strange to burn that amount of money on such an unspectacular player. However, Thomas Muller is a special football talent. His intelligence, positioning and reading of the game provides many goal scoring opportunities for himself and for his teammates as well.

Louis van Gaal claimed that he planned to go with a 4-3-3 formation next season. Muller is the ultimate addition to that, as he perfectly fits to a lopsided three-man forward line. He also contributes greatly to his team through is work rate and fitness. He might be far from any Brazilian forward regarding ball skills, but he is far more effective than most of them by always taking up the proper position. The reported EUR 100 million might be still a crazy amount for him, but if he can help United to the title, he might worth it for Van Gaal.

The Guardian: Manchester United target Thomas Müller but Bayern Munich stand firm

Bayern Munich don’t want to transfer another player to Old Trafford. However, as gambling news report that Man United want Muller, it is understood that the German international fancies an opportunity in Louis van Gaal’s squad. Manchester United are allegedly ready to spend more than EUR 80 million on the intelligent forward.

Thomas Muller would reportedly get EUR 20 million per year in Manchester. That equals a GBP 265,000 weekly salary, which is twice as much as the player receives from Bayern. Van Gaal prepares his team in a 4-3-3 for next season. The 25-year-old, who has a good understanding of the game, would be a useful addition to that system.

Though the Bavarians rate the World Cup winning player highly, Pep Guardiola might be not that convinced about his qualities. Keen followers of sports scores might remember that the Catalan manager left out Muller last season, stunning the supporters. The two were also involved in a training ground rift recently. These facts might help Muller to get away from his beloved club.

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com: Premier League – Manchester United ‘make €100m bid for Thomas Muller’

Louis van Gaal mysteriously mentioned a shock move for an attacker recently. According to reports emerged from the German media, Man United want Muller to join them. The story also has that Bayern rejected an initial EUR 82 million offer. That was reportedly followed by an increased bid of EUR 100 million, only to be turned down by club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge personally.

Thomas Muller plays for Bayern since 2000, making his debut for the first team in 2008. The 25-year-old was built in the Bayern team by Louis van Gaal. Since then he collected four Bundesliga titles and won the Champions League too. With Germany, he won the World Cup last year, having scored five goals throughout the tournament, equaling his tally from 2010, as followers of gambling facts might know.

Though the second bid might be no more than media speculation, it is clear that Muller would be a wonderful signing for Manchester United. The forward is regularly praised for his intelligent positioning, creativity and his productivity. He is also able to do an outstanding job in different roles either in the forward line or in midfield.

Soccerlens.com: Manchester United submit €100M bid for Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller

Manchester United acquired the services of midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger recently. It seems that Louis van Gaal needs more German talent in his squad, as Man United want Muller as well, according to online mobile news.

The Red Devils reportedly offered EUR 82 million for the forward, but Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated that the club will not sell another one of his top assets for Manchester United. Rummenigge also warned the entire German football.

He said, “The Bundesliga has to finally act. The English are overtaking us left, right and centre. When taking into account transfer market activity, in marketing terms, in TV money – anywhere, really.”

He added, “The Bundesliga has to be careful not to fall further behind, I think. Anyone who follows the transfer market at the moment, within which English clubs work, knows their clubs are being fully upgraded. The Bundesliga has to be careful that we’re not emptied out.”

The shocking news about Man United Bid for Muller is the latest high-profile transfer story in the German media, though Bayern turned down the offer.

The news about Man United Bid for Muller might be shocking at first, but mainly because of the fee that the Red Devils reportedly offered for the German forward. It might be strange to burn that amount of money on such an unspectacular player. However, Thomas Muller is a special football talent. His intelligence, positioning and reading of the game provides many goal scoring opportunities for himself and for his teammates as well.

Louis van Gaal claimed that he planned to go with a 4-3-3 formation next season. Muller is the ultimate addition to that, as he perfectly fits to a lopsided three-man forward line. He also contributes greatly to his team through is work rate and fitness. He might be far from any Brazilian forward regarding ball skills, but he is far more effective than most of them by always taking up the proper position. The reported EUR 100 million might be still a crazy amount for him, but if he can help United to the title, he might worth it for Van Gaal.

The Guardian: Manchester United target Thomas Müller but Bayern Munich stand firm

Bayern Munich don’t want to transfer another player to Old Trafford. However, as gambling news report that Man United want Muller, it is understood that the German international fancies an opportunity in Louis van Gaal’s squad. Manchester United are allegedly ready to spend more than EUR 80 million on the intelligent forward.

Thomas Muller would reportedly get EUR 20 million per year in Manchester. That equals a GBP 265,000 weekly salary, which is twice as much as the player receives from Bayern. Van Gaal prepares his team in a 4-3-3 for next season. The 25-year-old, who has a good understanding of the game, would be a useful addition to that system.

Though the Bavarians rate the World Cup winning player highly, Pep Guardiola might be not that convinced about his qualities. Keen followers of sports scores might remember that the Catalan manager left out Muller last season, stunning the supporters. The two were also involved in a training ground rift recently. These facts might help Muller to get away from his beloved club.

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com: Premier League – Manchester United ‘make €100m bid for Thomas Muller’

Louis van Gaal mysteriously mentioned a shock move for an attacker recently. According to reports emerged from the German media, Man United want Muller to join them. The story also has that Bayern rejected an initial EUR 82 million offer. That was reportedly followed by an increased bid of EUR 100 million, only to be turned down by club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge personally.

Thomas Muller plays for Bayern since 2000, making his debut for the first team in 2008. The 25-year-old was built in the Bayern team by Louis van Gaal. Since then he collected four Bundesliga titles and won the Champions League too. With Germany, he won the World Cup last year, having scored five goals throughout the tournament, equaling his tally from 2010, as followers of gambling facts might know.

Though the second bid might be no more than media speculation, it is clear that Muller would be a wonderful signing for Manchester United. The forward is regularly praised for his intelligent positioning, creativity and his productivity. He is also able to do an outstanding job in different roles either in the forward line or in midfield.

Soccerlens.com: Manchester United submit €100M bid for Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller

Manchester United acquired the services of midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger recently. It seems that Louis van Gaal needs more German talent in his squad, as Man United want Muller as well, according to online mobile news.

The Red Devils reportedly offered EUR 82 million for the forward, but Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated that the club will not sell another one of his top assets for Manchester United. Rummenigge also warned the entire German football.

He said, “The Bundesliga has to finally act. The English are overtaking us left, right and centre. When taking into account transfer market activity, in marketing terms, in TV money – anywhere, really.”

He added, “The Bundesliga has to be careful not to fall further behind, I think. Anyone who follows the transfer market at the moment, within which English clubs work, knows their clubs are being fully upgraded. The Bundesliga has to be careful that we’re not emptied out.”

Jules Bianchi’s death might not come as a shock but it still hurt the world of motorsport.

Bianchi suffered severe head injuries in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. He went out of the track in the pouring rain under double yellow flags to hit a recovery truck that was there to pull out Adrian Sutil’s car. The German unfortunately crashed at the same place just minutes before. Despite the very bad conditions, safety car wasn’t deployed.

Tragically, as the inquiry found out, Bianchi was unable to slow down his Marussia, before he left the track. The 25-year-old Frenchman was in coma for nine months before he died in his hometown, Nice on Friday night. He is the first F1 driver to pass away due to injuries sustained in a Formula One car since the great Ayrton Senna died in 1994.

The Telegraph: Jules Bianchi death: Formula One to pay their respects with minute’s silence before Hungarian Grand Prix

Formula One drivers and teams will expectedly hold a minute’s silence before the start of the Hungarian GP on Sunday, gambling news report. They will remember Jules Bianchi, the first F1 driver who died of injuries he suffered in a Formula One Grand Prix in more than twenty years.

The 25-year-old Frenchman crashed in the Japanese Grand Prix last October. His accident was so tough that many of those, who follow sports scores feared the worst. However, Jules Bianchi’s death still shocked the people around motorsports. He passed away on Friday in his hometown, Nice after being in coma for nine months.

The Grand Prix Driver’s Association released a statement about the fight for safety, which never should be over. It said, “It is at times like this that we are brutally reminded of how dangerous racing still remains. Despite considerable improvements, we, the grand prix drivers, owe it to the racing community, to the lost ones and to Jules, his family and friends, to never relent in improving safety.”

SkySports.com: Formula 1 is safe despite Jules Bianchi’s death, says Bernie Ecclestone

Formula One Group Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone expressed that Formula One is safe after Jules Bianchi’s death. He revealed that his priority is to make the cars faster at the moment, according to online mobile news. He added that he thought that Bianchi, who passed away at 25 in Nice would have wanted the same.

Bianchi suffered an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix in October, 2014. He was in coma for nine months before he died in his hometown. “First he was a very, very, very nice person” Ecclestone commented the sad news. “Secondly, he was very talented, so it’s a great loss, a loss to the sport and obviously a big loss to his parents.”

Ecclestone then added that Jules Bianchi’s death was the consequence of an extremely unfortunate incident, as he hit a truck that was deployed inside the crash barriers to extract Adrian Sutil’s car. He still considers F1 safe. He said, “Formula 1 is safe now, the cars are super safe, the circuit is safe, everything is good, as I say, if that truck hadn’t have been there it wouldn’t have happened.”

Motorsport.com: F1 must never get complacent over safety – Prost

Four-times Formula One world champion Alain Prost revealed that he thinks F1 should never be satisfied with their safety efforts after his fellow Frenchman Jules Bianchi’s death. Bianchi hit a tractor that was on the side of the track to pull out a crashed car without the safety car being deployed. As a result of the accident, F1 adopted the virtual safety car system, as keen followers of live sports results might remember.

Prost said, “I just think there was a small misjudgment that cost very dearly. There was an accident, pouring rain and appalling visibility. There should have been a safety car to slow the race down before the recovery truck went on track – that’s the misjudgment.”

He added “They have done a lot for safety. We had not had a fatal crash in F1 for 21 years, it means that a lot of work was done. But like everywhere, there’s always a little bit more to be done. The only thing that still was to be done for safety was about this recovery truck that goes on the circuit.”

Jules Bianchi’s death might not come as a shock but it still hurt the world of motorsport.

Bianchi suffered severe head injuries in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. He went out of the track in the pouring rain under double yellow flags to hit a recovery truck that was there to pull out Adrian Sutil’s car. The German unfortunately crashed at the same place just minutes before. Despite the very bad conditions, safety car wasn’t deployed.

Tragically, as the inquiry found out, Bianchi was unable to slow down his Marussia, before he left the track. The 25-year-old Frenchman was in coma for nine months before he died in his hometown, Nice on Friday night. He is the first F1 driver to pass away due to injuries sustained in a Formula One car since the great Ayrton Senna died in 1994.

The Telegraph: Jules Bianchi death: Formula One to pay their respects with minute’s silence before Hungarian Grand Prix

Formula One drivers and teams will expectedly hold a minute’s silence before the start of the Hungarian GP on Sunday, gambling news report. They will remember Jules Bianchi, the first F1 driver who died of injuries he suffered in a Formula One Grand Prix in more than twenty years.

The 25-year-old Frenchman crashed in the Japanese Grand Prix last October. His accident was so tough that many of those, who follow sports scores feared the worst. However, Jules Bianchi’s death still shocked the people around motorsports. He passed away on Friday in his hometown, Nice after being in coma for nine months.

The Grand Prix Driver’s Association released a statement about the fight for safety, which never should be over. It said, “It is at times like this that we are brutally reminded of how dangerous racing still remains. Despite considerable improvements, we, the grand prix drivers, owe it to the racing community, to the lost ones and to Jules, his family and friends, to never relent in improving safety.”

SkySports.com: Formula 1 is safe despite Jules Bianchi’s death, says Bernie Ecclestone

Formula One Group Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone expressed that Formula One is safe after Jules Bianchi’s death. He revealed that his priority is to make the cars faster at the moment, according to online mobile news. He added that he thought that Bianchi, who passed away at 25 in Nice would have wanted the same.

Bianchi suffered an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix in October, 2014. He was in coma for nine months before he died in his hometown. “First he was a very, very, very nice person” Ecclestone commented the sad news. “Secondly, he was very talented, so it’s a great loss, a loss to the sport and obviously a big loss to his parents.”

Ecclestone then added that Jules Bianchi’s death was the consequence of an extremely unfortunate incident, as he hit a truck that was deployed inside the crash barriers to extract Adrian Sutil’s car. He still considers F1 safe. He said, “Formula 1 is safe now, the cars are super safe, the circuit is safe, everything is good, as I say, if that truck hadn’t have been there it wouldn’t have happened.”

Motorsport.com: F1 must never get complacent over safety – Prost

Four-times Formula One world champion Alain Prost revealed that he thinks F1 should never be satisfied with their safety efforts after his fellow Frenchman Jules Bianchi’s death. Bianchi hit a tractor that was on the side of the track to pull out a crashed car without the safety car being deployed. As a result of the accident, F1 adopted the virtual safety car system, as keen followers of live sports results might remember.

Prost said, “I just think there was a small misjudgment that cost very dearly. There was an accident, pouring rain and appalling visibility. There should have been a safety car to slow the race down before the recovery truck went on track – that’s the misjudgment.”

He added “They have done a lot for safety. We had not had a fatal crash in F1 for 21 years, it means that a lot of work was done. But like everywhere, there’s always a little bit more to be done. The only thing that still was to be done for safety was about this recovery truck that goes on the circuit.”

Premier League sponsors and broadcasters were asked to consider leaving the game. The reason is that many clubs refuse to develop their stadium’s disabled facilities.

Currently only three Premier League stadiums are able to fulfill the regulations. The rest of them are in constant violation of policies regarding wheelchair spaces and other services for disabled spectators.

Lord Holmes is a Conservative peer and former nine-times Paralympic gold medalist. Holmes called Premier League sponsors and clubs to reconsider their relationships with clubs failing to comply with disabled facility regulations. According to a new bill proposal, Premier League stadiums might be closed down if they fail to meet the minimum guidelines.

BBC.com: Premier League sponsors urged to pull out over disabled facilities

 

It was told to Premier League sponsors and broadcasters that they should avoid football stadiums until those don’t provide useful facilities for disabled fans, gambling news report. The most successful Paralympic swimmer of Great Britain, Lord Holmes of Richmond addressed the House of Lords with the problem.

He said, “What we see is nothing short of shambolic. Today, I’m going to write to the sponsors of the Premier League and the broadcast partners to suggest to them that if there isn’t considerable progress – so far I think we can describe it as glacial progress – in this area they should consider their relationship with football and how that fits with their ethical state in the market.”

Only three Premier League stadiums, the properties of Swansea, Bournemouth and Leicester have enough wheelchair spaces, according to online mobile news. A 2014 BBC survey pointed out that eight out of 20 top light football stadiums failed to offer half of the required wheelchair spaces.

The Guardian: Premier League sponsors targeted by peer over disabled access ‘inaction’

 
The disability commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) asks Premier League sponsors to think about withdrawing from financial support of clubs. Football clubs should offer enough facilities for disabled people to retain the benefits of sponsorships.

Nine-times Paralympic Games swimming gold medalist, Lord Holmes, is fed up with disputing with the clubs, latest gambling news report. For example, Chelsea representatives stated that their old ground is not suited to offer enough wheelchair spaces considering safety measurements. Chelsea made a promise of fulfilling the wheelchair space quota, when they will build a new stadium.

However, Holmes argues that clubs are ready to arrange their grounds immediately, when new TV facilities are to be installed. Holmes, said “Whether it’s the Fifa debacle, casual sexism or the national scandal of discrimination against disabled fans, the need for football to discover its moral compass has never been greater. Poor access and discrimination against disabled fans has tarnished the reputation of football for too long.”

The Telegraph: Premier League face the threat of losing sponsors over clubs’ inadequate provision for disabled fans

 

Before Lord Chris Holmes’ calls were made in the House of Lords, it was already in the newspapers that the nine-times Paralympic gold medallist considers the state of Premier League football stadiums a national scandal, regarding facilities for disabled people.

He thinks that “some clubs are still stuck in the dark ages”, when referring to some incidents, disabled people were involved in when attending football matches in the English top flight. According to a new bill proposal, Premier League stadiums would lose their safety licenses unless meeting the minimum quota of wheelchair spaces and other facilities. This would mean that those stadiums were unable to host football matches.

It was reported by sports scores news earlier this year that three supporters were dispossessed by their crutches and walking sticks when attending a Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal. A police liaison officer commented the incident, saying the stewards lacked common sense completely.

Premier League sponsors and broadcasters were asked to consider leaving the game. The reason is that many clubs refuse to develop their stadium’s disabled facilities.

Currently only three Premier League stadiums are able to fulfill the regulations. The rest of them are in constant violation of policies regarding wheelchair spaces and other services for disabled spectators.

Lord Holmes is a Conservative peer and former nine-times Paralympic gold medalist. Holmes called Premier League sponsors and clubs to reconsider their relationships with clubs failing to comply with disabled facility regulations. According to a new bill proposal, Premier League stadiums might be closed down if they fail to meet the minimum guidelines.

BBC.com: Premier League sponsors urged to pull out over disabled facilities

 

It was told to Premier League sponsors and broadcasters that they should avoid football stadiums until those don’t provide useful facilities for disabled fans, gambling news report. The most successful Paralympic swimmer of Great Britain, Lord Holmes of Richmond addressed the House of Lords with the problem.

He said, “What we see is nothing short of shambolic. Today, I’m going to write to the sponsors of the Premier League and the broadcast partners to suggest to them that if there isn’t considerable progress – so far I think we can describe it as glacial progress – in this area they should consider their relationship with football and how that fits with their ethical state in the market.”

Only three Premier League stadiums, the properties of Swansea, Bournemouth and Leicester have enough wheelchair spaces, according to online mobile news. A 2014 BBC survey pointed out that eight out of 20 top light football stadiums failed to offer half of the required wheelchair spaces.

The Guardian: Premier League sponsors targeted by peer over disabled access ‘inaction’

 
The disability commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) asks Premier League sponsors to think about withdrawing from financial support of clubs. Football clubs should offer enough facilities for disabled people to retain the benefits of sponsorships.

Nine-times Paralympic Games swimming gold medalist, Lord Holmes, is fed up with disputing with the clubs, latest gambling news report. For example, Chelsea representatives stated that their old ground is not suited to offer enough wheelchair spaces considering safety measurements. Chelsea made a promise of fulfilling the wheelchair space quota, when they will build a new stadium.

However, Holmes argues that clubs are ready to arrange their grounds immediately, when new TV facilities are to be installed. Holmes, said “Whether it’s the Fifa debacle, casual sexism or the national scandal of discrimination against disabled fans, the need for football to discover its moral compass has never been greater. Poor access and discrimination against disabled fans has tarnished the reputation of football for too long.”

The Telegraph: Premier League face the threat of losing sponsors over clubs’ inadequate provision for disabled fans

 

Before Lord Chris Holmes’ calls were made in the House of Lords, it was already in the newspapers that the nine-times Paralympic gold medallist considers the state of Premier League football stadiums a national scandal, regarding facilities for disabled people.

He thinks that “some clubs are still stuck in the dark ages”, when referring to some incidents, disabled people were involved in when attending football matches in the English top flight. According to a new bill proposal, Premier League stadiums would lose their safety licenses unless meeting the minimum quota of wheelchair spaces and other facilities. This would mean that those stadiums were unable to host football matches.

It was reported by sports scores news earlier this year that three supporters were dispossessed by their crutches and walking sticks when attending a Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal. A police liaison officer commented the incident, saying the stewards lacked common sense completely.

The hunt for Bwin.Party is finally over. 888 buys Bwin.party Digital Entertainment Plc for a fee of USD 1.4 Billion, as it was announced by the parties involving in the deal.

888 Holdings Plc will transfer the payment in a package containing cash and shares. It is somehow surprising after it was revealed last week, that a deal is about to strike with GVC Holdings Plc. It was also reported that GVC offered a slightly more lucrative compensation package. As 888 buys Bwin.Pary, the transformed company will expectedly be one of the biggest online gambling operators in the world. It will boost their incomes as well as providing a considerable cost cut.

Reuters.com: Online gambling firm 888 wins $1.4 billion battle for Bwin.party

 

Online gambling firm 888 buys Bwin.Party, gambling news report. 888 Holdings Plc will pay a cash and stock package for Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. The deal is estimated at around GBP 898 million (USD 1.4 billion), according to major gambling blogs.

There was an ongoing battle to take control of Bwin.Party for some time. Representatives of Bwin.Party revealed recently that GVC Holdings Plc made an approach in July. GVC submitted an offer with a cash and stock package bearing a similar value to the one that 888 Holdings got the nod for.
888 Executive Chairman Brian Mattingley expects that by the agreement they will form the one of the biggest web-based gaming operators in the world. He said, “We believe the deal creates one of the world’s leading online gaming operators. It’s all about scale… When you’ve got critical mass you can ride storms and take advantage of opportunities as they come along.”

BBC.com: Online gambling firm 888 buys Bwin.party for £898m

 

888 Holdings won the race for acquiring Bwin.Party eventually. 888 buys Bwin.Party for a reported GBP 898 million cash and stock suite. The parties were discussing a possible deal since May, as keen followers of gambling facts might know.

The takeover that was announced on Friday will be expectedly concluded by early 2016. Brian Mattingley, 888’ Executive Chairman has great expectations regarding the deal. He said, “This is a transformational opportunity for 888 in the consolidating online gaming industry, which is expected to grow significantly over the coming years.”

Two members from Bwin’s board will join the 888 board after the deal was concluded. Liz Catchpole, who is Bwin’s independent non-executive director and chair of the company’s audit and risk committee, will become an 888 independent non-executive director. Chief Financial Officer Martin Weingold will take up a non-executive director role. Norbert Teufelberger, the CEO of Bwin will not join 888 however he will provide consultancy services for the transformed company.

The Guardian: 888 Agrees $1.4 Billion Takeover of Bwin.party to Thwart GVC

 

After it was agreed, 888 buys Bwin.Party. The deal that involves a cash and share package will reportedly worth GBP 898.3 (USD 1.4 billion). According to online mobile news, GVC Holdings Plc was favorite to take over Bwin.party Digital Entertainment Plc, after submitting an even more lucrative offer recently. It was about GBP 906.5 million, as representatives of GVC revealed.

Peel Hunt analyst Nick Batram wrote, “The deal is strategically compelling for 888 and they look to have secured Bwin.party for a reasonable price and efficient structure. There would appear to be room for GVC to come back, but 888 now looks firm favorite.”
It is expected that the deal will increase the incomes of 888, and it also comes with some cost savings estimated around USD 70 million per year. Panmure Gordon analyst Karl Burns said, “The acquisition is likely to be significantly value accretive for shareholders. The combined group is likely to be highly cash generative, potentially allowing for future shareholder returns.”

The hunt for Bwin.Party is finally over. 888 buys Bwin.party Digital Entertainment Plc for a fee of USD 1.4 Billion, as it was announced by the parties involving in the deal.

888 Holdings Plc will transfer the payment in a package containing cash and shares. It is somehow surprising after it was revealed last week, that a deal is about to strike with GVC Holdings Plc. It was also reported that GVC offered a slightly more lucrative compensation package. As 888 buys Bwin.Pary, the transformed company will expectedly be one of the biggest online gambling operators in the world. It will boost their incomes as well as providing a considerable cost cut.

Reuters.com: Online gambling firm 888 wins $1.4 billion battle for Bwin.party

 

Online gambling firm 888 buys Bwin.Party, gambling news report. 888 Holdings Plc will pay a cash and stock package for Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. The deal is estimated at around GBP 898 million (USD 1.4 billion), according to major gambling blogs.

There was an ongoing battle to take control of Bwin.Party for some time. Representatives of Bwin.Party revealed recently that GVC Holdings Plc made an approach in July. GVC submitted an offer with a cash and stock package bearing a similar value to the one that 888 Holdings got the nod for.
888 Executive Chairman Brian Mattingley expects that by the agreement they will form the one of the biggest web-based gaming operators in the world. He said, “We believe the deal creates one of the world’s leading online gaming operators. It’s all about scale… When you’ve got critical mass you can ride storms and take advantage of opportunities as they come along.”

BBC.com: Online gambling firm 888 buys Bwin.party for £898m

 

888 Holdings won the race for acquiring Bwin.Party eventually. 888 buys Bwin.Party for a reported GBP 898 million cash and stock suite. The parties were discussing a possible deal since May, as keen followers of gambling facts might know.

The takeover that was announced on Friday will be expectedly concluded by early 2016. Brian Mattingley, 888’ Executive Chairman has great expectations regarding the deal. He said, “This is a transformational opportunity for 888 in the consolidating online gaming industry, which is expected to grow significantly over the coming years.”

Two members from Bwin’s board will join the 888 board after the deal was concluded. Liz Catchpole, who is Bwin’s independent non-executive director and chair of the company’s audit and risk committee, will become an 888 independent non-executive director. Chief Financial Officer Martin Weingold will take up a non-executive director role. Norbert Teufelberger, the CEO of Bwin will not join 888 however he will provide consultancy services for the transformed company.

The Guardian: 888 Agrees $1.4 Billion Takeover of Bwin.party to Thwart GVC

 

After it was agreed, 888 buys Bwin.Party. The deal that involves a cash and share package will reportedly worth GBP 898.3 (USD 1.4 billion). According to online mobile news, GVC Holdings Plc was favorite to take over Bwin.party Digital Entertainment Plc, after submitting an even more lucrative offer recently. It was about GBP 906.5 million, as representatives of GVC revealed.

Peel Hunt analyst Nick Batram wrote, “The deal is strategically compelling for 888 and they look to have secured Bwin.party for a reasonable price and efficient structure. There would appear to be room for GVC to come back, but 888 now looks firm favorite.”
It is expected that the deal will increase the incomes of 888, and it also comes with some cost savings estimated around USD 70 million per year. Panmure Gordon analyst Karl Burns said, “The acquisition is likely to be significantly value accretive for shareholders. The combined group is likely to be highly cash generative, potentially allowing for future shareholder returns.”

Two-time Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso announced on the first rest day of the Tour de France that he has to retire from the competition.

On stage five he was involved in a small crash. The saddle caught his left testicle. After the incident, he felt pain for days. The medical checks revealed that he has a small cancer in his left testicle. The 37-year-old will have an operation in Italy as soon as possible. He trained mostly together with his Tinkoff Saxo Bank teammate Alberto Contador this year. The Italian climber would have been an important lieutenant of the Spaniard in the mountains.

BBC.com: Tour de France 2015: Ivan Basso withdraws with cancer

Italian cyclist Ivan Basso was forced to retire from the Tour de France 2015 after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, gambling news report. He revealed his problem immediately after the decision was made. He said, “We discovered this two hours ago. I have to stop.”

Gambling blogs predicted before the Tour that the 37-year-old climber would have been one of the most important assistants of Alberto Contador in the mountains. Basso was involved in a crash on stage five. The cancer was found on the competition’s first day off. His teammate, Contador was listening Basso’s press conference in tears.

Basso will have a surgery in Italy soon. He was one of Lance Armstrong’s challengers. It was expected that he would be the American’s successor after his retirement. However a doping scandal compromised the popular Italian’s career. Armstrong was also diagnosed with testicular cancer during his career, though he was able to recover and came back stronger.

The Guardian: Ivan Basso withdraws from Tour de France due to testicular cancer

Ivan Basso, the former rival of Lance Armstrong had to quit the Tour de France. The Italian revealed that he had cancer in his left testicle. He was in pain after a day five crash, and the medical tests discovered the tumor. Basso announced his withdrawal in a press conference, shocking many of those, who follow live sports results.

He said, “Unfortunately I have a bad announcement. I have a small cancer in my left testicle, so you can understand that I have to go back to Italy. We discovered this just two hours ago.” Basso will have further checks in Italy. He will be operated as soon as possible.

Basso’s withdrawal will hurt the Tinkoff Saxo Bank team badly. Teammate Alberto Contador said it was hard for him. The two completed 60 percent of their training programme together this year. Contador said that his teammate’s illness will give him an extra motivation. He said, “You can be sure that we will fight for the yellow [jersey] to bring him the yellow in Paris.”

The Telegraph: Tour de France 2015: Ivan Basso reveals he has testicular cancer and quits race for surgery

Ivan Basso announced that he had to quit the Tour the France. He was involved in a crash on day five. His saddle hit his left testicle and he felt pain after that, online mobile news report. Tinkoff-Saxo’s Italian climber will have surgery in Italy very soon. The 37-year-old would have been one of Alberto Contador’s key assistants in the mountains.

Basso learned that he had this condition just hours before the press conference of the competition’s first day off. He said, “On stage five, I had a small crash but in the crash I touched my testicle on the saddle and for a few days, I felt a small pain. Yesterday we spoke with the doctor of the Tour de France and we decided to go to make a special analysis in the hospital and the ­examination gave me bad news. I have a small cancer in the left testicle.”

He added, “It’s easy to understand that I have to stop and go back to Italy. Our doctor is in contact with the specialist in Italy to fix the ­operation for as soon as possible. Of course I can’t say more details because we discovered this just two hours ago, but I have to leave.”

Two-time Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso announced on the first rest day of the Tour de France that he has to retire from the competition.

On stage five he was involved in a small crash. The saddle caught his left testicle. After the incident, he felt pain for days. The medical checks revealed that he has a small cancer in his left testicle. The 37-year-old will have an operation in Italy as soon as possible. He trained mostly together with his Tinkoff Saxo Bank teammate Alberto Contador this year. The Italian climber would have been an important lieutenant of the Spaniard in the mountains.

BBC.com: Tour de France 2015: Ivan Basso withdraws with cancer

Italian cyclist Ivan Basso was forced to retire from the Tour de France 2015 after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, gambling news report. He revealed his problem immediately after the decision was made. He said, “We discovered this two hours ago. I have to stop.”

Gambling blogs predicted before the Tour that the 37-year-old climber would have been one of the most important assistants of Alberto Contador in the mountains. Basso was involved in a crash on stage five. The cancer was found on the competition’s first day off. His teammate, Contador was listening Basso’s press conference in tears.

Basso will have a surgery in Italy soon. He was one of Lance Armstrong’s challengers. It was expected that he would be the American’s successor after his retirement. However a doping scandal compromised the popular Italian’s career. Armstrong was also diagnosed with testicular cancer during his career, though he was able to recover and came back stronger.

The Guardian: Ivan Basso withdraws from Tour de France due to testicular cancer

Ivan Basso, the former rival of Lance Armstrong had to quit the Tour de France. The Italian revealed that he had cancer in his left testicle. He was in pain after a day five crash, and the medical tests discovered the tumor. Basso announced his withdrawal in a press conference, shocking many of those, who follow live sports results.

He said, “Unfortunately I have a bad announcement. I have a small cancer in my left testicle, so you can understand that I have to go back to Italy. We discovered this just two hours ago.” Basso will have further checks in Italy. He will be operated as soon as possible.

Basso’s withdrawal will hurt the Tinkoff Saxo Bank team badly. Teammate Alberto Contador said it was hard for him. The two completed 60 percent of their training programme together this year. Contador said that his teammate’s illness will give him an extra motivation. He said, “You can be sure that we will fight for the yellow [jersey] to bring him the yellow in Paris.”

The Telegraph: Tour de France 2015: Ivan Basso reveals he has testicular cancer and quits race for surgery

Ivan Basso announced that he had to quit the Tour the France. He was involved in a crash on day five. His saddle hit his left testicle and he felt pain after that, online mobile news report. Tinkoff-Saxo’s Italian climber will have surgery in Italy very soon. The 37-year-old would have been one of Alberto Contador’s key assistants in the mountains.

Basso learned that he had this condition just hours before the press conference of the competition’s first day off. He said, “On stage five, I had a small crash but in the crash I touched my testicle on the saddle and for a few days, I felt a small pain. Yesterday we spoke with the doctor of the Tour de France and we decided to go to make a special analysis in the hospital and the ­examination gave me bad news. I have a small cancer in the left testicle.”

He added, “It’s easy to understand that I have to stop and go back to Italy. Our doctor is in contact with the specialist in Italy to fix the ­operation for as soon as possible. Of course I can’t say more details because we discovered this just two hours ago, but I have to leave.”

Iker Casillas has been rumoured to be leaving Real Madrid ever since José Mourinho started benching him, but Spain’s and Real Madrid’s captain kept fighting for his place. However, this summer’s transfer window could really be the end of an era.
 

FC Porto are close to naming Iker Casillas as their new player, according to the reports of several Portuguese and Spanish gambling news. Casillas would be the biggest star of the Portuguese side, the only question is if he is willing to actually sign for them.

Goal: Casillas edging closer to Porto

 

Iker Casillas is on the edge of reaching an agreement with FC Porto. He played more than 700 games and broke tons of records with the Royal Club, but right now he is very close to leave his current side. He would be the brightest star and the highest paid player if he joined the Portuguese team.

Online gambling news from Spain report that Real Madrid’s aim for this summer is to strengthen their squad with Manchester United’s David De Gea. The young Spaniard would be Keylor Navas’ competitor for the starting goalkeeper’s position, and there would be no more place left for the current number 1.

Los Blancos will do everything in their power in order to find the most suitable club for their legendary goalkeeper. Casillas and his agent hope for a EUR 15 million exit payment, but it is unlikely that the club would pay him that amount, so still a lot of negotiations are ahead of the two actors.

Meanwhile, Carlo Cutropia, Iker’s representative, has given an interview to Record magazine on Monday, in which he said that the 3-time Champions League winner would be happy to join FC Porto. “Casillas is pretty excited about the opportunity to join Porto. We hope Real Madrid will allow him to move on and give him an easy exit,” he said.

AS: Iker Casillas’ arrival may cause unrest at FC Porto

 

Spanish daily magazines highlight the fact that Iker Casillas signing for FC Porto might cause a huge shock for Portuguese football. That is because FC Porto are usually known for purchasing players for cheap transfer fees and letting them go to larger teams for larger amounts of money.

That is not the case with Iker Casillas, because, he might join the team for free, but he would be the highest paid player in the squad, which could lead to discontent among other players. Online mobile news report that Casillas would earn EUR 3,5 million at Porto, while he makes EUR 7,5 million at Real Madrid.

In addition, it is also unknown whether Casillas wants to play in a league which is far weaker than the Liga BBVA. The Spanish first division is the fourth strongest league economically, while the Portuguese is only the 11th. Only the transfer fee of Cristiano Ronaldo would be enough to cover the budget of several clubs in the Primeira Liga.

However, it is also known for sure that Casillas’ wife would have no problem finding a new job in the Portugal city. Sara Carbonero has become extremely popular in the entire country thanks to the interview which she made with Casillas after the 2010 World Cup, when he kissed her on television, during a live broadcast.

Marca: Iker Casillas called by Lopetegui

 

According to the reports of the latest gambling news, Julen Lopetegui has contacted Iker Casillas in order to try to convince him to join his side. His main goal with the call was to find out whether Iker Casillas is even interested in joining the Portuguese side, or not.

The Basque manager, who is now the head boss of the Dragoes, has heard about the rumours that his team wanted to sign Real Madrid’s captain. He did not care about the rumours, he wanted to know the real intentions of the main character of the latest transfer news, so he called the goalkeeper.

Iker Casillas has worked together with Julen Lopetegui in the past and they have quite a good relationship, supposedly. Lopetegui was a member of the Spanish national team’s coaching stuff during Inaki Saez’ reign at the FIFA World Cup 2002 in Japan and South-Korea.

The legendary goalkeeper is still on his vacation for the next few days and will start the pre-season with his current team on 10 July. However, if the Basque manager’s calls were not useless and he did manage to convince Real Madrid’s captain, then he might start packing as soon as possible.

Iker Casillas has been rumoured to be leaving Real Madrid ever since José Mourinho started benching him, but Spain’s and Real Madrid’s captain kept fighting for his place. However, this summer’s transfer window could really be the end of an era.
 

FC Porto are close to naming Iker Casillas as their new player, according to the reports of several Portuguese and Spanish gambling news. Casillas would be the biggest star of the Portuguese side, the only question is if he is willing to actually sign for them.

Goal: Casillas edging closer to Porto

 

Iker Casillas is on the edge of reaching an agreement with FC Porto. He played more than 700 games and broke tons of records with the Royal Club, but right now he is very close to leave his current side. He would be the brightest star and the highest paid player if he joined the Portuguese team.

Online gambling news from Spain report that Real Madrid’s aim for this summer is to strengthen their squad with Manchester United’s David De Gea. The young Spaniard would be Keylor Navas’ competitor for the starting goalkeeper’s position, and there would be no more place left for the current number 1.

Los Blancos will do everything in their power in order to find the most suitable club for their legendary goalkeeper. Casillas and his agent hope for a EUR 15 million exit payment, but it is unlikely that the club would pay him that amount, so still a lot of negotiations are ahead of the two actors.

Meanwhile, Carlo Cutropia, Iker’s representative, has given an interview to Record magazine on Monday, in which he said that the 3-time Champions League winner would be happy to join FC Porto. “Casillas is pretty excited about the opportunity to join Porto. We hope Real Madrid will allow him to move on and give him an easy exit,” he said.

AS: Iker Casillas’ arrival may cause unrest at FC Porto

 

Spanish daily magazines highlight the fact that Iker Casillas signing for FC Porto might cause a huge shock for Portuguese football. That is because FC Porto are usually known for purchasing players for cheap transfer fees and letting them go to larger teams for larger amounts of money.

That is not the case with Iker Casillas, because, he might join the team for free, but he would be the highest paid player in the squad, which could lead to discontent among other players. Online mobile news report that Casillas would earn EUR 3,5 million at Porto, while he makes EUR 7,5 million at Real Madrid.

In addition, it is also unknown whether Casillas wants to play in a league which is far weaker than the Liga BBVA. The Spanish first division is the fourth strongest league economically, while the Portuguese is only the 11th. Only the transfer fee of Cristiano Ronaldo would be enough to cover the budget of several clubs in the Primeira Liga.

However, it is also known for sure that Casillas’ wife would have no problem finding a new job in the Portugal city. Sara Carbonero has become extremely popular in the entire country thanks to the interview which she made with Casillas after the 2010 World Cup, when he kissed her on television, during a live broadcast.

Marca: Iker Casillas called by Lopetegui

 

According to the reports of the latest gambling news, Julen Lopetegui has contacted Iker Casillas in order to try to convince him to join his side. His main goal with the call was to find out whether Iker Casillas is even interested in joining the Portuguese side, or not.

The Basque manager, who is now the head boss of the Dragoes, has heard about the rumours that his team wanted to sign Real Madrid’s captain. He did not care about the rumours, he wanted to know the real intentions of the main character of the latest transfer news, so he called the goalkeeper.

Iker Casillas has worked together with Julen Lopetegui in the past and they have quite a good relationship, supposedly. Lopetegui was a member of the Spanish national team’s coaching stuff during Inaki Saez’ reign at the FIFA World Cup 2002 in Japan and South-Korea.

The legendary goalkeeper is still on his vacation for the next few days and will start the pre-season with his current team on 10 July. However, if the Basque manager’s calls were not useless and he did manage to convince Real Madrid’s captain, then he might start packing as soon as possible.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup became accepted as a decent major sporting event by the mainstream four years ago in Germany, when Japan eliminated the hosts in the quarter-final on their way to the final where they defeated the United States despite being underdogs. Though the tournament had huge audience numbers, the quality of women’s game was criticized by many of those who follow the sport. However, this year’s tournament showed that the elite teams are definitely capable of playing exciting football that is good to watch. And after the expansion, it also showed that newcomers have a lot to do to reach that level.

FIFA.com: Familiar foes primed for Vancouver rematch

In the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, title-holders Japan and Olympic gold medal winners United State face each other. It is even more interesting that these two actually met each other in the 2011 World Cup final and in the 2012 Olympic final, so it is no question that the two best female sides will fight for the title in Vancouver.

The USA reached the semifinals in every edition of the World Cup so far, never finishing lover than third, advancing to the final for the fourth time and winning the title on two occasions. However, they entered the last title decider as strong favourites, yet been upset by Japan, as many keen followers of sports scores might recall.

The United States seem to be favourites once again, having the better position in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking and reaching the final with a more convincing performance than Japan, who won their every game by a one-goal margin.

Worldsoccertalk.com: Women’s soccer in Europe continuing to grow in popularity and scope

The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup is considered as a breakthrough event in the history of the competition, as the tournament in Germany registered a record television audience, even though the hosts were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Japan. It was obvious from then, that the FIFA Women’s World Cup entered the mainstream, as it was finally accepted as a major sporting event.

Though back then the tournament was criticized by some of those who present live sports results in Germany, as the tactical elements the men’s use were far less interesting at the pace the female teams were performing. However, this year’s Women’s Champions League final, also held in Germany, was a massive success as FFC Frankfurt won their record fourth title.

The women’s game might be not as marketable as men’s football, however at the highest level they also sell a lot of tickets. For example online gambling news reported last autumn that the England v Germany friendly played at Wembley attracted more spectators than Wayne Rooney and co. taking on Norway two months before, 55,000 to 40,000.

FoxNews.com: Growing the game: World Cup field highlights challenges women’s soccer faces

The 2015 FIFA FIFA Women’s World Cup was the first tournament in the history of the competition that featured 24 teams. This meant that a few new outfits were able to show themselves to the world, like Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Cameroon.

However, the expansion also revealed that the gap between the elite and the rest of the field is huge at the moment, as Germany dismissed Ivory Coast 10-0 in the African’s first World Cup game. Despite results like that, Tatja Haenni, the head of women’s football at FIFA, thinks that increasing the number of teams would help the game to develop, online mobile news report.

She said, “That these teams realized what the level (of play) is at a FIFA World Cup, and that there is a gap between the top teams and where they are, they need to make sure they have better leagues, better player development, better national team plans with more games and programs in place to close that gap.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup became accepted as a decent major sporting event by the mainstream four years ago in Germany, when Japan eliminated the hosts in the quarter-final on their way to the final where they defeated the United States despite being underdogs. Though the tournament had huge audience numbers, the quality of women’s game was criticized by many of those who follow the sport. However, this year’s tournament showed that the elite teams are definitely capable of playing exciting football that is good to watch. And after the expansion, it also showed that newcomers have a lot to do to reach that level.

FIFA.com: Familiar foes primed for Vancouver rematch

In the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, title-holders Japan and Olympic gold medal winners United State face each other. It is even more interesting that these two actually met each other in the 2011 World Cup final and in the 2012 Olympic final, so it is no question that the two best female sides will fight for the title in Vancouver.

The USA reached the semifinals in every edition of the World Cup so far, never finishing lover than third, advancing to the final for the fourth time and winning the title on two occasions. However, they entered the last title decider as strong favourites, yet been upset by Japan, as many keen followers of sports scores might recall.

The United States seem to be favourites once again, having the better position in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking and reaching the final with a more convincing performance than Japan, who won their every game by a one-goal margin.

Worldsoccertalk.com: Women’s soccer in Europe continuing to grow in popularity and scope

The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup is considered as a breakthrough event in the history of the competition, as the tournament in Germany registered a record television audience, even though the hosts were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Japan. It was obvious from then, that the FIFA Women’s World Cup entered the mainstream, as it was finally accepted as a major sporting event.

Though back then the tournament was criticized by some of those who present live sports results in Germany, as the tactical elements the men’s use were far less interesting at the pace the female teams were performing. However, this year’s Women’s Champions League final, also held in Germany, was a massive success as FFC Frankfurt won their record fourth title.

The women’s game might be not as marketable as men’s football, however at the highest level they also sell a lot of tickets. For example online gambling news reported last autumn that the England v Germany friendly played at Wembley attracted more spectators than Wayne Rooney and co. taking on Norway two months before, 55,000 to 40,000.

FoxNews.com: Growing the game: World Cup field highlights challenges women’s soccer faces

The 2015 FIFA FIFA Women’s World Cup was the first tournament in the history of the competition that featured 24 teams. This meant that a few new outfits were able to show themselves to the world, like Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Cameroon.

However, the expansion also revealed that the gap between the elite and the rest of the field is huge at the moment, as Germany dismissed Ivory Coast 10-0 in the African’s first World Cup game. Despite results like that, Tatja Haenni, the head of women’s football at FIFA, thinks that increasing the number of teams would help the game to develop, online mobile news report.

She said, “That these teams realized what the level (of play) is at a FIFA World Cup, and that there is a gap between the top teams and where they are, they need to make sure they have better leagues, better player development, better national team plans with more games and programs in place to close that gap.”

Victor Hugo Morales, a Uruguayan writer, who is a close friend of Diego Maradona, revealed that the Argentinian footballing genius told him that he will run for the FIFA presidency in the next election. Sepp Blatter, who has been leading international football’s governing body since 1998, announced his resignation earlier this month after the FIFA corruption scandal escalated. The FBI and the Swiss authorities are also investigating the organization and several former leaders were arrested in connection of the bribe cases. Maradona, a regular critic of Blatter and his regime, stated recently that he was pretty much enjoying the ongoing FIFA scandal.

 

The Guardian: Diego Maradona to stand as candidate for Fifa presidency, say reports

 

After the FIFA scandal escalated to an extent where even Sepp Blatter had to resign, Diego Maradona, who is known for criticizing international football’s governing body for long, decided to run for the presidency in the next election, online gambling news report.

Maradona told Uruguayan journalist Victor Hugo Morales, who is famous for his commentary of Maradona’s goal against England from 1986, that he was a candidate for the presidency. Maradona also authorized Morales to let the press know about his intentions. Followers of sports scores might recall that Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela recommended the nomination of the 54-year-old former Argentina captain earlier in June.

This is not the first time that a previous world class player from South America applied for the presidency of the FIFA, as the late Zico from Brazil also pursued an interest to lead international football. However he failed to gain support from five national federations, which is a must if someone wants to run for the presidency.

 

Telegraph.co.uk: Diego Maradona ‘ready to stand for Fifa president’

 

Diego Maradona reportedly plans to replace Sepp Blatter as the president of the FIFA. Victor Hugo Morales, a journalist from Uruguay, stated that the previous world class player told him about his intentions on Sunday. Morales initially called the former Argentina captain to check on his sick father’s condition, online mobile news report.

“He told me he was going to run for president of Fifa and authorised me to inform,” Morales posted on his social media account. He also added, “I am a candidate’ were the two words Diego Maradona used to answer me when I consulted him about the nomination for the presidency of Fifa.”

Maradona and Morales hosted a TV show together presenting the 2014 World Cup for a Venezuelan channel last year. Maradona had been criticizing Sepp Blatter long before the FIFA corruption scandal erupted, and he expressed that he was enjoying the torture of the leaders of international football’s governing body.

 

sports.yahoo.com: Maradona’s road to FIFA presidency filled with obstacles

 

Diego Maradona reportedly revealed that he intended to run for the presidency of the FIFA, somehow stunning many followers of live sports results. To become an actual candidate, he needs to be nominated by at least five national associations and to pass an integrity check.

Victor Hugo Morales, a close friend of Maradona stated that the former Argentina captain informed him about his plan to run for the presidency. After Sepp Blatter spoke about his resignation, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro named Maradona as the ideal person to replace the Swiss sports leader.

It would be a surprise however if several members of the FIFA opted to back such a controversial person to represent international football just after a scandalous period ended. Maradona probably couldn’t even manage to get the support of his native country as his relationship with the Argentinian federation wasn’t very good recently.

However, Cuba and Venezuela seems to be countries where he is welcomed by leading politicians, though it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will automatically get the nod from their respective national associations.

Victor Hugo Morales, a Uruguayan writer, who is a close friend of Diego Maradona, revealed that the Argentinian footballing genius told him that he will run for the FIFA presidency in the next election. Sepp Blatter, who has been leading international football’s governing body since 1998, announced his resignation earlier this month after the FIFA corruption scandal escalated. The FBI and the Swiss authorities are also investigating the organization and several former leaders were arrested in connection of the bribe cases. Maradona, a regular critic of Blatter and his regime, stated recently that he was pretty much enjoying the ongoing FIFA scandal.

 

The Guardian: Diego Maradona to stand as candidate for Fifa presidency, say reports

 

After the FIFA scandal escalated to an extent where even Sepp Blatter had to resign, Diego Maradona, who is known for criticizing international football’s governing body for long, decided to run for the presidency in the next election, online gambling news report.

Maradona told Uruguayan journalist Victor Hugo Morales, who is famous for his commentary of Maradona’s goal against England from 1986, that he was a candidate for the presidency. Maradona also authorized Morales to let the press know about his intentions. Followers of sports scores might recall that Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela recommended the nomination of the 54-year-old former Argentina captain earlier in June.

This is not the first time that a previous world class player from South America applied for the presidency of the FIFA, as the late Zico from Brazil also pursued an interest to lead international football. However he failed to gain support from five national federations, which is a must if someone wants to run for the presidency.

 

Telegraph.co.uk: Diego Maradona ‘ready to stand for Fifa president’

 

Diego Maradona reportedly plans to replace Sepp Blatter as the president of the FIFA. Victor Hugo Morales, a journalist from Uruguay, stated that the previous world class player told him about his intentions on Sunday. Morales initially called the former Argentina captain to check on his sick father’s condition, online mobile news report.

“He told me he was going to run for president of Fifa and authorised me to inform,” Morales posted on his social media account. He also added, “I am a candidate’ were the two words Diego Maradona used to answer me when I consulted him about the nomination for the presidency of Fifa.”

Maradona and Morales hosted a TV show together presenting the 2014 World Cup for a Venezuelan channel last year. Maradona had been criticizing Sepp Blatter long before the FIFA corruption scandal erupted, and he expressed that he was enjoying the torture of the leaders of international football’s governing body.

 

sports.yahoo.com: Maradona’s road to FIFA presidency filled with obstacles

 

Diego Maradona reportedly revealed that he intended to run for the presidency of the FIFA, somehow stunning many followers of live sports results. To become an actual candidate, he needs to be nominated by at least five national associations and to pass an integrity check.

Victor Hugo Morales, a close friend of Maradona stated that the former Argentina captain informed him about his plan to run for the presidency. After Sepp Blatter spoke about his resignation, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro named Maradona as the ideal person to replace the Swiss sports leader.

It would be a surprise however if several members of the FIFA opted to back such a controversial person to represent international football just after a scandalous period ended. Maradona probably couldn’t even manage to get the support of his native country as his relationship with the Argentinian federation wasn’t very good recently.

However, Cuba and Venezuela seems to be countries where he is welcomed by leading politicians, though it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will automatically get the nod from their respective national associations.

Radamel Falcao has an awful campaign behind him at Manchester United. That gig was the first for the Colombian after his serious injury that caused him to sit out the World Cup last summer. Many argue that he is no longer a world class striker, but some say that at least he deserves a chance at a team where he leads the attack and the others are there to supply him with chances. He failed to come up with a good performance in the first game of the Cafeteros at the Copa America, though it seems that this doesn’t bothers Mourinho. However, the fact that Chelsea preferred a loan deal to a permanent one is telling.

 

ESPNFC.com: Man City close on Raheem Sterling; Radamel Falcao agrees Chelsea move

 

As Raheem Sterling is very likely to leave Liverpool this summer with his agent stating that the 20-year-old will not consider any contract offers from his current employer, another Premier League forward is about to start the new season at a rival team, according to online mobile news.

After a poor season at Old Trafford, Radamel Falcao is going to move to Stamford Bridge. AS Monaco loaned him to Manchester United for the last season with an option to buy him permanently, however after the Colombian striker totaled only four league goals in 26 outings for the Red Devils, Louis van Gaal opted not to retain his services.
A former Van Gaal protégé, Jose Mourinho however is ready to give him a chance at Chelsea, especially after Diego Costa is reportedly on the way out. Though Monaco wanted to sell the striker for good, Mourinho would prefer another loan deal.

 

The Telegraph: Radamel Falcao: five reasons why he can be the best striker in the Premier League at Chelsea

 

Some might argue that to bring Radamel Falcao to Stamford Bridge is no better than playing online lottery gambling by Jose Mourinho. The Colombian spent a terrible 10-month-long loan spell at Old Trafford. Before that, he was rated as a world class striker and now he would not make for a decent one according to many of those who follow sports scores.

However, it is expected that he will come back way stronger at Chelsea, as Louis van Gaal’s United was never really set up in order to supply Falcao. The Colombian was basically a squad player at United, however he can function at his standards when he can act as the number one forward of the team.

Not to mention the second part of the season, when Van Gaal opted for a far more pragmatic approach and deployed Marouane Fellaini to help the attackers with his strength and height. Falcao was virtually redundant then, but Jose Mourinho is certainly the manager, who is able to bring out the best of his players. And at Chelsea, Falcao would play in front of Cesc Fabregas, which means that world class service is guaranteed.

 

The Guardian: Falcao flops as Colombia undone by spirited Venezuela

 

With his future being in the balance, Radamel Falcao started the Copa America with a very modest performance. Colombia obviously had the quality to approach their opening game at the tournament as favorites, but Venezuela, stunning many followers of live sports results, managed to beat the Cafeteros through work and discipline.

Venezuela caused an upset in their last Copa opener as well, denying Brazil from scoring. That side reached the semis, and with most of the players still being in the squad, they have the potential to surprise fans around the world again. In the meantime, Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has a huge problem, as it seems that Falcao, his former superstar is ceased to be a world class striker.

Jose Mourinho stated that he will find the world class in Falcao next season, however, Pekerman should either find it sooner or get rid of him and use Jackson Martinez instead, who was Colombia’s only promising footballer against Venezuela in the first match, despite playing only a few minutes.

Radamel Falcao has an awful campaign behind him at Manchester United. That gig was the first for the Colombian after his serious injury that caused him to sit out the World Cup last summer. Many argue that he is no longer a world class striker, but some say that at least he deserves a chance at a team where he leads the attack and the others are there to supply him with chances. He failed to come up with a good performance in the first game of the Cafeteros at the Copa America, though it seems that this doesn’t bothers Mourinho. However, the fact that Chelsea preferred a loan deal to a permanent one is telling.

 

ESPNFC.com: Man City close on Raheem Sterling; Radamel Falcao agrees Chelsea move

 

As Raheem Sterling is very likely to leave Liverpool this summer with his agent stating that the 20-year-old will not consider any contract offers from his current employer, another Premier League forward is about to start the new season at a rival team, according to online mobile news.

After a poor season at Old Trafford, Radamel Falcao is going to move to Stamford Bridge. AS Monaco loaned him to Manchester United for the last season with an option to buy him permanently, however after the Colombian striker totaled only four league goals in 26 outings for the Red Devils, Louis van Gaal opted not to retain his services.
A former Van Gaal protégé, Jose Mourinho however is ready to give him a chance at Chelsea, especially after Diego Costa is reportedly on the way out. Though Monaco wanted to sell the striker for good, Mourinho would prefer another loan deal.

 

The Telegraph: Radamel Falcao: five reasons why he can be the best striker in the Premier League at Chelsea

 

Some might argue that to bring Radamel Falcao to Stamford Bridge is no better than playing online lottery gambling by Jose Mourinho. The Colombian spent a terrible 10-month-long loan spell at Old Trafford. Before that, he was rated as a world class striker and now he would not make for a decent one according to many of those who follow sports scores.

However, it is expected that he will come back way stronger at Chelsea, as Louis van Gaal’s United was never really set up in order to supply Falcao. The Colombian was basically a squad player at United, however he can function at his standards when he can act as the number one forward of the team.

Not to mention the second part of the season, when Van Gaal opted for a far more pragmatic approach and deployed Marouane Fellaini to help the attackers with his strength and height. Falcao was virtually redundant then, but Jose Mourinho is certainly the manager, who is able to bring out the best of his players. And at Chelsea, Falcao would play in front of Cesc Fabregas, which means that world class service is guaranteed.

 

The Guardian: Falcao flops as Colombia undone by spirited Venezuela

 

With his future being in the balance, Radamel Falcao started the Copa America with a very modest performance. Colombia obviously had the quality to approach their opening game at the tournament as favorites, but Venezuela, stunning many followers of live sports results, managed to beat the Cafeteros through work and discipline.

Venezuela caused an upset in their last Copa opener as well, denying Brazil from scoring. That side reached the semis, and with most of the players still being in the squad, they have the potential to surprise fans around the world again. In the meantime, Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has a huge problem, as it seems that Falcao, his former superstar is ceased to be a world class striker.

Jose Mourinho stated that he will find the world class in Falcao next season, however, Pekerman should either find it sooner or get rid of him and use Jackson Martinez instead, who was Colombia’s only promising footballer against Venezuela in the first match, despite playing only a few minutes.

New Jersey lawmakers are in a hurry to add a referendum to the November ballot that would permit operating more casinos in the state outside Atlantic City. On paper they have time until August 3, however, as a summer holiday is coming in legislation and the process is problematic, they have to achieve that in the following days. In the meantime the state Assembly approved a package of bills to help the declining Atlantic City and its casinos, while billionaire Carl Icahn was permitted to acquire Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. However he might shut down the facility eventually if he loses his battle against the casino workers’ union.

 

CBS New York: Clock Ticking On Putting NJ Casino Measure On November Ballot

 

In order to include it to the November ballot, New Jersey politicians have to push the bill that would legalize casinos in the state outside Atlantic City in the following days. According to blackjack news, the administration has time until August 3 to bring the topic in, however their time is cut short by the summer break and the process won’t be an easy one either.

There is an ongoing debate about how many casinos should be approved to operate by the gambling laws and where to put them in New Jersey. Assembly Speaker Vincent Pireto revealed he supports enabling up to three casinos, which doesn’t mean that all three will be built.

Mayor Ras Baraka and fellow local politicians want one in Newark. Baraka said, Casinos are coming to North Jersey and if Newark doesn’t get it, another city will and they will net the benefits.” Meadowlands and Jersey City reportedly might be other locations for possible gaming facilities.

 

The Sun Herald: Bills aim to help Atlantic City’s finances, casinos

 

The New Jersey state Assembly approved five laws to help the declining Atlantic City. Their eight casinos now can make payments instead of taxes for 15 years in order to let them know how much they owe precisely. An education aid had been also granted for the city, as well as improved insurance and retirement benefits for casino workers.

A couple of other bills will help Atlantic City to pay its debt and to develop further, gambling law news reported. “This bill and the entire package was introduced to stop the immediate bleeding in Atlantic City and the surrounding region,” explained Atlantic County Democrat member of the Assembly, Vincent Mazzeo.

He added, “Casino closings coupled with large refunds due to casinos by the city have created dire challenges for the city.” Four casinos in Atlantic City were closed last year and New Jersey locals might vote in November about approving casinos to be built outside America’s Favorite Playground.

 

Daily Record: NJ casino regulators approve Icahn to own Trump Taj Mahal

 

While lawmakers are working on how to save New Jersey’s gaming industry, billionaire businessman Carl Icahn was granted to purchase the Atlantic City Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort from bankruptcy court by the Casino Control Commission. Icahn also holds another gaming facility in the city already, the Tropicana Casino and Resort.

Taj Mahal’s debts toward him are exceeding USD 290 million and he only has to trade that in exchange for getting control of the company. He also plans to invest USD 100 million according to online mobile news, though he might decide to close the casino down if he loses the battle against the number one casino workers’ union in Atlantic City.

Icahn clashed with the union after he abolished health insurance and pension plans made in last October by the casino’s parent company with the permission of a bankruptcy judge. However if the final decision goes against him, forcing him to restore the benefits, he might just shut Taj Mahal down for good.

New Jersey lawmakers are in a hurry to add a referendum to the November ballot that would permit operating more casinos in the state outside Atlantic City. On paper they have time until August 3, however, as a summer holiday is coming in legislation and the process is problematic, they have to achieve that in the following days. In the meantime the state Assembly approved a package of bills to help the declining Atlantic City and its casinos, while billionaire Carl Icahn was permitted to acquire Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. However he might shut down the facility eventually if he loses his battle against the casino workers’ union.

 

CBS New York: Clock Ticking On Putting NJ Casino Measure On November Ballot

 

In order to include it to the November ballot, New Jersey politicians have to push the bill that would legalize casinos in the state outside Atlantic City in the following days. According to blackjack news, the administration has time until August 3 to bring the topic in, however their time is cut short by the summer break and the process won’t be an easy one either.

There is an ongoing debate about how many casinos should be approved to operate by the gambling laws and where to put them in New Jersey. Assembly Speaker Vincent Pireto revealed he supports enabling up to three casinos, which doesn’t mean that all three will be built.

Mayor Ras Baraka and fellow local politicians want one in Newark. Baraka said, Casinos are coming to North Jersey and if Newark doesn’t get it, another city will and they will net the benefits.” Meadowlands and Jersey City reportedly might be other locations for possible gaming facilities.

 

The Sun Herald: Bills aim to help Atlantic City’s finances, casinos

 

The New Jersey state Assembly approved five laws to help the declining Atlantic City. Their eight casinos now can make payments instead of taxes for 15 years in order to let them know how much they owe precisely. An education aid had been also granted for the city, as well as improved insurance and retirement benefits for casino workers.

A couple of other bills will help Atlantic City to pay its debt and to develop further, gambling law news reported. “This bill and the entire package was introduced to stop the immediate bleeding in Atlantic City and the surrounding region,” explained Atlantic County Democrat member of the Assembly, Vincent Mazzeo.

He added, “Casino closings coupled with large refunds due to casinos by the city have created dire challenges for the city.” Four casinos in Atlantic City were closed last year and New Jersey locals might vote in November about approving casinos to be built outside America’s Favorite Playground.

 

Daily Record: NJ casino regulators approve Icahn to own Trump Taj Mahal

 

While lawmakers are working on how to save New Jersey’s gaming industry, billionaire businessman Carl Icahn was granted to purchase the Atlantic City Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort from bankruptcy court by the Casino Control Commission. Icahn also holds another gaming facility in the city already, the Tropicana Casino and Resort.

Taj Mahal’s debts toward him are exceeding USD 290 million and he only has to trade that in exchange for getting control of the company. He also plans to invest USD 100 million according to online mobile news, though he might decide to close the casino down if he loses the battle against the number one casino workers’ union in Atlantic City.

Icahn clashed with the union after he abolished health insurance and pension plans made in last October by the casino’s parent company with the permission of a bankruptcy judge. However if the final decision goes against him, forcing him to restore the benefits, he might just shut Taj Mahal down for good.

Formula One returns to Europe after a trip to Canada, where Williams driver Valtteri Bottas was able to finish in front of the two Ferraris, though it was reported before the race that the Italian outfit brought an updated and more powerful engine to Montreal. Felipe Massa thinks that their Mercedes-powered car has the potential to fight for a podium finish again, while Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne revealed that he thought that four-time world championship winner Sebastian Vettel was the best choice for Ferrari. Now there is a Le Mans winner amongst the active drivers, as Nico Hulkenberg was able to pull out a victory in France last weekend in a Porsche.

 

Motorsport.com: Vettel the right man for Ferrari – Marchionne

 

Sergio Marchionne, the president of Ferrari believes that Sebastian Vettel will take back Ferrari to the top. The German driver took over Fernando Alonso’s seat as the Spaniard left Scuderia for McLaren. Vettel won the Malaysian Grand Prix this year and with his constant presence on the podium makes him the number one opponent for Mercedes.

Marchionne expressed that now they have the best man for the job, gambling news report. He said, “He is a complete driver. It is one of those things that is very difficult to find, he understands the car really well, and his execution style is beyond reproach.”

Marchionne also stated that he believes Vettel belongs to a delicate group of world champions. He added, “We are lucky to have him; my only objective is to give him the car that can make him win. That is it. The rest he needs to do and he can.”

 

Autosport.com: Williams F1 team aims to pressure Ferrari with Austrian GP upgrade

 

According to sports scores news, Williams driver Felipe Massa thinks that the Grove-based outfit can put some pressure on the Ferraris at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. His teammate, Valtteri Bottas was able to beat the Scuderia’s two cars in the last race in Montreal, however the Ferrari factory provided some key engine updates before the event in Canada.

Massa expressed that the Mercedes powered Williams cars have the potential to top the Ferraris once again. He said, “Looking at the upgrades on the [Ferrari] engine the difference [to Mercedes] is still similar and I think it shows that we can still fight at the front.”

The Brazilian driver revealed that he doesn’t know when the Mercedes factory will perform some updates regarding their engine. He said, “I don’t know when Mercedes will put some upgrades on the engine maybe when they do we can get stronger in that area.”

 

BBC.com: Le Mans: Nico Hulkenberg wins Le Mans from Mark Webber

 

Nico Hulkenberg, who succeeded with Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber in a Porsche, is the first active driver in Formula One who was able to win Le Mans in 24 years. That was the 17th title for Porsche, which is a record in the history of the competition, online mobile news report.

The last time an active F1 driver won Le Mans was in 1991, when Johnny Herbert was part of the team that came first. After the race, Hulkenberg said, “I’m speechless right now, to be honest.” The 30-year-old Tandy was more communicative. He revealed, “I could retire from racing tomorrow and look back on today and I am sure I would be happy for the rest of my life.”

Another Porsche, featuring former Formula One driver Marc Webber, came second and the best Audi was third, which meant that Porsche was able to end Audi’s five-year-long streak. The German car manufacturer won 13 of the last 15 editions of Le Mans.

Formula One returns to Europe after a trip to Canada, where Williams driver Valtteri Bottas was able to finish in front of the two Ferraris, though it was reported before the race that the Italian outfit brought an updated and more powerful engine to Montreal. Felipe Massa thinks that their Mercedes-powered car has the potential to fight for a podium finish again, while Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne revealed that he thought that four-time world championship winner Sebastian Vettel was the best choice for Ferrari. Now there is a Le Mans winner amongst the active drivers, as Nico Hulkenberg was able to pull out a victory in France last weekend in a Porsche.

 

Motorsport.com: Vettel the right man for Ferrari – Marchionne

 

Sergio Marchionne, the president of Ferrari believes that Sebastian Vettel will take back Ferrari to the top. The German driver took over Fernando Alonso’s seat as the Spaniard left Scuderia for McLaren. Vettel won the Malaysian Grand Prix this year and with his constant presence on the podium makes him the number one opponent for Mercedes.

Marchionne expressed that now they have the best man for the job, gambling news report. He said, “He is a complete driver. It is one of those things that is very difficult to find, he understands the car really well, and his execution style is beyond reproach.”

Marchionne also stated that he believes Vettel belongs to a delicate group of world champions. He added, “We are lucky to have him; my only objective is to give him the car that can make him win. That is it. The rest he needs to do and he can.”

 

Autosport.com: Williams F1 team aims to pressure Ferrari with Austrian GP upgrade

 

According to sports scores news, Williams driver Felipe Massa thinks that the Grove-based outfit can put some pressure on the Ferraris at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. His teammate, Valtteri Bottas was able to beat the Scuderia’s two cars in the last race in Montreal, however the Ferrari factory provided some key engine updates before the event in Canada.

Massa expressed that the Mercedes powered Williams cars have the potential to top the Ferraris once again. He said, “Looking at the upgrades on the [Ferrari] engine the difference [to Mercedes] is still similar and I think it shows that we can still fight at the front.”

The Brazilian driver revealed that he doesn’t know when the Mercedes factory will perform some updates regarding their engine. He said, “I don’t know when Mercedes will put some upgrades on the engine maybe when they do we can get stronger in that area.”

 

BBC.com: Le Mans: Nico Hulkenberg wins Le Mans from Mark Webber

 

Nico Hulkenberg, who succeeded with Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber in a Porsche, is the first active driver in Formula One who was able to win Le Mans in 24 years. That was the 17th title for Porsche, which is a record in the history of the competition, online mobile news report.

The last time an active F1 driver won Le Mans was in 1991, when Johnny Herbert was part of the team that came first. After the race, Hulkenberg said, “I’m speechless right now, to be honest.” The 30-year-old Tandy was more communicative. He revealed, “I could retire from racing tomorrow and look back on today and I am sure I would be happy for the rest of my life.”

Another Porsche, featuring former Formula One driver Marc Webber, came second and the best Audi was third, which meant that Porsche was able to end Audi’s five-year-long streak. The German car manufacturer won 13 of the last 15 editions of Le Mans.

Since this is the only major tournament in the summer, everybody who loves the game or enjoys betting on football should watch this remarkable tournament. Maybe in not every match but spectacular football is guaranteed and you can make some money on it. Watch the greatest strikers in the world you get to know future prospects during the tournament!

Possibly the scouting team of your favourite club is also watching the games, and though this is not a youth tournament, you might be still proud to yourself if you found a talented but obscure footballer who will end up at some major European club in the summer. So, if you did not watch the games so far, have a look at our points, and make sure you will be in front of the telly when the next game kicks off!

 

WorldSoccerTalk.com: 5 Reasons to Watch the Copa América

 

The Copa America is always a terrific event, but this year the competition between Argentina and Brazil will be as fierce as ever, after both of them failed to win the World Cup in South America last year. But here are even more reasons to join the action in front of your TV set.

Though Luis Suarez is suspended you will still find a lot of superstars in Chile including Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero. Moreover the scheduling is also awesome for those followers of sports scores who watching the tournament from the Americas. The Europeans though still have to solve a problem similar to the one they faced twelve months ago.

The squads participating in the tournament also feature around a score of Premier League stars amongst others, so if you don’t like to observe teams fielding wholly unknown players, you will find a bunch of familiar names in almost every game.

 

WhoScored.com: Messi 2.0 ready to lead Argentina from the wilderness

 

Lionel Messi made his debut for Argentina 10 years ago, but he is yet to win his first trophy with the team. There is a perfect occasion for that, as he was reborn after the World Cup final that was lost in extra time last summer, to lead Barcelona to an historic treble. Now he has a task to go all the way in the Copa America to get his country level on the number of titles with Uruguay.

Of course, Messi wasn’t the only player in that Barcelona squad that won everything this season. The arrivals of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and Luis Suarez from Liverpool were main contributors to the success, however, the biggest effort obviously came from the Argentina captain, who changed for this season, together with Barcelona, and everything came off for them.

“We won every competition we entered and it’s incredible to do the treble again,” expressed Messi, according to gambling news. He added, “Thankfully, we were able to fulfil our objectives with our club and hopefully we can now gain more success with the national team which is what we all want.”

 

The Guardian: Guemez, Salcedo and Corona ones to watch at Copa America

 

Mexico’s main target for this summer is to win the Gold Cup, and in order to give a rest for his key players, Mexico manager Miguel “Piojo” Herrera virtually named a reserve squad to the 44th edition of Copa America. He left out high-profile players like Javier Hernandez, Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos and several others.

Still he stated that Mexico is able to win the Copa America with this squad, though El Tri never managed to win the competition in eight previous attempts. With the need of deploying two different squads, he called up virtually unknown players in international football, as well as names who weren’t featured by the national side recently, online mobile news report.

There are a few young players who could take on the opportunity to secure themselves a starting spot for the near future. Javier Guemez is a calm but aggressive defensive midfielder, while the 21-year-old centre-back, Carlos Salcedo, is the youngest in the squad, still playing like an experienced defender. Jesus “Tecatito” Corona is a brave forward, but in order to become the top asset of the team, he must stop trying to do everything by himself.

Since this is the only major tournament in the summer, everybody who loves the game or enjoys betting on football should watch this remarkable tournament. Maybe in not every match but spectacular football is guaranteed and you can make some money on it. Watch the greatest strikers in the world you get to know future prospects during the tournament!

Possibly the scouting team of your favourite club is also watching the games, and though this is not a youth tournament, you might be still proud to yourself if you found a talented but obscure footballer who will end up at some major European club in the summer. So, if you did not watch the games so far, have a look at our points, and make sure you will be in front of the telly when the next game kicks off!

 

WorldSoccerTalk.com: 5 Reasons to Watch the Copa América

 

The Copa America is always a terrific event, but this year the competition between Argentina and Brazil will be as fierce as ever, after both of them failed to win the World Cup in South America last year. But here are even more reasons to join the action in front of your TV set.

Though Luis Suarez is suspended you will still find a lot of superstars in Chile including Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero. Moreover the scheduling is also awesome for those followers of sports scores who watching the tournament from the Americas. The Europeans though still have to solve a problem similar to the one they faced twelve months ago.

The squads participating in the tournament also feature around a score of Premier League stars amongst others, so if you don’t like to observe teams fielding wholly unknown players, you will find a bunch of familiar names in almost every game.

 

WhoScored.com: Messi 2.0 ready to lead Argentina from the wilderness

 

Lionel Messi made his debut for Argentina 10 years ago, but he is yet to win his first trophy with the team. There is a perfect occasion for that, as he was reborn after the World Cup final that was lost in extra time last summer, to lead Barcelona to an historic treble. Now he has a task to go all the way in the Copa America to get his country level on the number of titles with Uruguay.

Of course, Messi wasn’t the only player in that Barcelona squad that won everything this season. The arrivals of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and Luis Suarez from Liverpool were main contributors to the success, however, the biggest effort obviously came from the Argentina captain, who changed for this season, together with Barcelona, and everything came off for them.

“We won every competition we entered and it’s incredible to do the treble again,” expressed Messi, according to gambling news. He added, “Thankfully, we were able to fulfil our objectives with our club and hopefully we can now gain more success with the national team which is what we all want.”

 

The Guardian: Guemez, Salcedo and Corona ones to watch at Copa America

 

Mexico’s main target for this summer is to win the Gold Cup, and in order to give a rest for his key players, Mexico manager Miguel “Piojo” Herrera virtually named a reserve squad to the 44th edition of Copa America. He left out high-profile players like Javier Hernandez, Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos and several others.

Still he stated that Mexico is able to win the Copa America with this squad, though El Tri never managed to win the competition in eight previous attempts. With the need of deploying two different squads, he called up virtually unknown players in international football, as well as names who weren’t featured by the national side recently, online mobile news report.

There are a few young players who could take on the opportunity to secure themselves a starting spot for the near future. Javier Guemez is a calm but aggressive defensive midfielder, while the 21-year-old centre-back, Carlos Salcedo, is the youngest in the squad, still playing like an experienced defender. Jesus “Tecatito” Corona is a brave forward, but in order to become the top asset of the team, he must stop trying to do everything by himself.

U.S. and Swiss authorities run investigations about corruption cases regarding FIFA, international football’s governing body. The announcement of the investigations came after the United States and Switzerland set extradition agreements and nine present and former FIFA leaders were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday. Many pundits and fans envision that these are the last days of FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is looking for his fifth term on the top of international football. There are also calls for radical changes within the FIFA to continue to work as a trustworthy organization.

The Guardian:Fifa in crisis: Blatter faces calls to resign, as sponsors express ‘disappointment’

After the arrests of FIFA leaders in Zurich, Switzerland, Visa, the organization’s sponsor intends to review its deals with the International Football Federation. Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English FA and Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona are amongst, who once again call for the resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

On Wednesday, US prosecutors accused FIFA officials and sports media executives of bribes engaging more than USD 150 million in 24 years. Blatter is looking for his fifth term as the president of FIFA before the elections this week, however many who follow sports scores doubt that the organization can continue to operate in this form.

Dyke expressed that this is definitely the time for the 79-year-old sports leader to say goodbye. He revealed, “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA – there is no way of re-building trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.”

The New York Times:After Indicting 14, U.S. Vows to End Graft in FIFA

United States federal prosecutors stated that at least one vote was clearly bought in 2004 when soccer’s governing body decided about the hosts of the 2010 World Cup. Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago, who was amongst the voters back then, allegedly sold his ballot to the country with the best offer, gambling news report.

His vote went eventually to South Africa, in exchange for a payment of USD 10 million to an organization administered by Warner, according to American officials, who also claim that he used most of the money personally. The prosecutors stated that this was a routine move at FIFA since decades, using terms for the leaders of international soccer usually kept for Mafia families and drug cartels.

The Justice Department and prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York expressed that their investigation basically just started, and their aim is to clean international soccer from the systematic corruption that characterized it for decades.

ESPNFC.com:FIFA crisis, Sepp Blatter’s future — what you need to know

US prosecutors claim to have identified at least twelve different corruption patterns while investigating the International Football Federation. They have also indicted 14 FIFA present and past officials and sport marketing executives. Swiss officials announced that they are investigating now the decision procedures about hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

The U.S. Department of Justice set extradition agreements with the Swiss authorities, who arrested the FIFA leaders gathered to the Congress held in Zurich. The Swiss Attorney General, probably synchronizing his steps with the DOJ, revealed their ongoing but entirely separate investigation on Wednesday afternoon, once the arrests were carried out.

The U.S. got involved after possible wrongdoings were found regarding CONCACAF, the North and Central American Football Federation based in Miami. Online mobile news also report that people and companies involved in the corruption transferred the bribe money through the United States or through companies incorporated in the United States.

U.S. and Swiss authorities run investigations about corruption cases regarding FIFA, international football’s governing body. The announcement of the investigations came after the United States and Switzerland set extradition agreements and nine present and former FIFA leaders were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday. Many pundits and fans envision that these are the last days of FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is looking for his fifth term on the top of international football. There are also calls for radical changes within the FIFA to continue to work as a trustworthy organization.

The Guardian:Fifa in crisis: Blatter faces calls to resign, as sponsors express ‘disappointment’

After the arrests of FIFA leaders in Zurich, Switzerland, Visa, the organization’s sponsor intends to review its deals with the International Football Federation. Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English FA and Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona are amongst, who once again call for the resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

On Wednesday, US prosecutors accused FIFA officials and sports media executives of bribes engaging more than USD 150 million in 24 years. Blatter is looking for his fifth term as the president of FIFA before the elections this week, however many who follow sports scores doubt that the organization can continue to operate in this form.

Dyke expressed that this is definitely the time for the 79-year-old sports leader to say goodbye. He revealed, “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA – there is no way of re-building trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.”

The New York Times:After Indicting 14, U.S. Vows to End Graft in FIFA

United States federal prosecutors stated that at least one vote was clearly bought in 2004 when soccer’s governing body decided about the hosts of the 2010 World Cup. Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago, who was amongst the voters back then, allegedly sold his ballot to the country with the best offer, gambling news report.

His vote went eventually to South Africa, in exchange for a payment of USD 10 million to an organization administered by Warner, according to American officials, who also claim that he used most of the money personally. The prosecutors stated that this was a routine move at FIFA since decades, using terms for the leaders of international soccer usually kept for Mafia families and drug cartels.

The Justice Department and prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York expressed that their investigation basically just started, and their aim is to clean international soccer from the systematic corruption that characterized it for decades.

ESPNFC.com:FIFA crisis, Sepp Blatter’s future — what you need to know

US prosecutors claim to have identified at least twelve different corruption patterns while investigating the International Football Federation. They have also indicted 14 FIFA present and past officials and sport marketing executives. Swiss officials announced that they are investigating now the decision procedures about hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

The U.S. Department of Justice set extradition agreements with the Swiss authorities, who arrested the FIFA leaders gathered to the Congress held in Zurich. The Swiss Attorney General, probably synchronizing his steps with the DOJ, revealed their ongoing but entirely separate investigation on Wednesday afternoon, once the arrests were carried out.

The U.S. got involved after possible wrongdoings were found regarding CONCACAF, the North and Central American Football Federation based in Miami. Online mobile news also report that people and companies involved in the corruption transferred the bribe money through the United States or through companies incorporated in the United States.

Games two and three of the NBA Western Conference finals left everyone a bit taken back. It was known who had the best team, even though Houston had to win three straight games over the Los Angeles Clippers to advance. It was also known that Golden State has the number one player in the country. The Houston Rockets have the number two player in the country. Yes the Rockets proved they can win three straight games, but Harden and his beard will have to join forces again to make online mobile news.

sbnation.comAndrew Bogut keeps making a big impact without putting up big numbers

It cannot be said that the Houston Rockets didn’t give Golden State a challenge in game two. In fact, the game was a “sit on your edge experience” particularly at the end. James Harden scored 38 points and still was irritated at the loss. With 10 rebounds and 9 assists to add, Harden was on fire. . Dwight Howard was impressive with 19 points and 17 rebounds and rightfully held his own as a one-legged wonder (fighting a knee injury) and contributor.

Shooting 18 out of 52, including 4 out of 17 3-pointers, without Harden and Howard, the rest of the Rockets created some pretty upsetting sports score news. Houston missed an opportunity to put take advantage of Golden States unimpressive defense. Apart from Andrew Bogut, the defense definitely had holes in it. Curry had six turnovers and Draymond Green had four turnovers from too much unsafe passing.

Andrew Bogut had a stellar performance for the Golden State offense. His efforts to the Warrior’s offense were as one-sided as Harden’s and Howard’s were to the Rocket’s offense. When Bogut was in the paint, Houston was shooting about 58%, but while he was on the bench Houston’s average shot up to 73%. He took advantage of Howard’s lack of range and Rockets inability to shoot far from the paint.

sbnation.comJames Harden went ice cold against Warriors’ stingy defense

If you ever doubted Curry couldn’t “handle his business”, then shame on you and every punter who had the nerve to wager against him. This year’s Most Valuable Player in the NBA has sunk 59 three-pointers in the playoffs. Just for clarity, Curry has also scored at least five or more 3-point shots in each of the last five games. He is now the only player besides Michael Jordan to score five 3-pointers, 40 points and shoot 55% from the field.

Golden State committed a serious beating on the Houston team. The 115-80 loss has put the Rockets in a treacherous situation where they will be one more loss from elimination. The Warriors outscored the Rockets 58-42 on the inside beating them in rebounds 60-39. Five of the warriors had double scoring figures as they had a 25-point lead at halftime. Anyone betting for the warriors would’ve been irked with these live sports results.

The largest question involves Harden who was virtually absent during game 3. Scoring a measly 15 points, three rebounds and four assists, only the body of Harden came out, while his spirit stayed home. It will become tough for Harden for the rest of the series, because Harrison Barnes was able to contain Harden, unlike Klay Thompson who had the job the last two games.

bleacherreport.comSteph Curry’s Heroics Fueling Warriors Dominance in Western Conference Finals

Harden explained the frustrations of the Rocket’s team and the 99-98 loss. “It’s tough, you know how hard we fought both these games, still we’re giving up small things too many easy layups too many easy threes that we’re having to climb back this is a really good team we’re playing so when you’re giving those buckets you put yourself in a situation where you look at those plays way back in the game and you want them back.”

When the Warriors sensed Harden’s shut down, they acted like there was blood in the water and rotated their defense on Harden one by one. This magnificent defense was accomplished without any double teams on Harden. Golden State took advantage of a cold Rockets team. Howard’s 14 points and 14 rebounds deserve honorable mention. No team has ever won a conference final when down by three.

Games two and three of the NBA Western Conference finals left everyone a bit taken back. It was known who had the best team, even though Houston had to win three straight games over the Los Angeles Clippers to advance. It was also known that Golden State has the number one player in the country. The Houston Rockets have the number two player in the country. Yes the Rockets proved they can win three straight games, but Harden and his beard will have to join forces again to make online mobile news.

sbnation.comAndrew Bogut keeps making a big impact without putting up big numbers

It cannot be said that the Houston Rockets didn’t give Golden State a challenge in game two. In fact, the game was a “sit on your edge experience” particularly at the end. James Harden scored 38 points and still was irritated at the loss. With 10 rebounds and 9 assists to add, Harden was on fire. . Dwight Howard was impressive with 19 points and 17 rebounds and rightfully held his own as a one-legged wonder (fighting a knee injury) and contributor.

Shooting 18 out of 52, including 4 out of 17 3-pointers, without Harden and Howard, the rest of the Rockets created some pretty upsetting sports score news. Houston missed an opportunity to put take advantage of Golden States unimpressive defense. Apart from Andrew Bogut, the defense definitely had holes in it. Curry had six turnovers and Draymond Green had four turnovers from too much unsafe passing.

Andrew Bogut had a stellar performance for the Golden State offense. His efforts to the Warrior’s offense were as one-sided as Harden’s and Howard’s were to the Rocket’s offense. When Bogut was in the paint, Houston was shooting about 58%, but while he was on the bench Houston’s average shot up to 73%. He took advantage of Howard’s lack of range and Rockets inability to shoot far from the paint.

sbnation.comJames Harden went ice cold against Warriors’ stingy defense

If you ever doubted Curry couldn’t “handle his business”, then shame on you and every punter who had the nerve to wager against him. This year’s Most Valuable Player in the NBA has sunk 59 three-pointers in the playoffs. Just for clarity, Curry has also scored at least five or more 3-point shots in each of the last five games. He is now the only player besides Michael Jordan to score five 3-pointers, 40 points and shoot 55% from the field.

Golden State committed a serious beating on the Houston team. The 115-80 loss has put the Rockets in a treacherous situation where they will be one more loss from elimination. The Warriors outscored the Rockets 58-42 on the inside beating them in rebounds 60-39. Five of the warriors had double scoring figures as they had a 25-point lead at halftime. Anyone betting for the warriors would’ve been irked with these live sports results.

The largest question involves Harden who was virtually absent during game 3. Scoring a measly 15 points, three rebounds and four assists, only the body of Harden came out, while his spirit stayed home. It will become tough for Harden for the rest of the series, because Harrison Barnes was able to contain Harden, unlike Klay Thompson who had the job the last two games.

bleacherreport.comSteph Curry’s Heroics Fueling Warriors Dominance in Western Conference Finals

Harden explained the frustrations of the Rocket’s team and the 99-98 loss. “It’s tough, you know how hard we fought both these games, still we’re giving up small things too many easy layups too many easy threes that we’re having to climb back this is a really good team we’re playing so when you’re giving those buckets you put yourself in a situation where you look at those plays way back in the game and you want them back.”

When the Warriors sensed Harden’s shut down, they acted like there was blood in the water and rotated their defense on Harden one by one. This magnificent defense was accomplished without any double teams on Harden. Golden State took advantage of a cold Rockets team. Howard’s 14 points and 14 rebounds deserve honorable mention. No team has ever won a conference final when down by three.

Looking at only sports scores, this game would be hard for any punter to a wage on. You could say the team with the best player will win. Or you could say the team playing at home will win. The wisest thing would have been to simply look at J.R Smith’s Instagram message earlier in the week that said “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

J.R Smith was more a victim of collateral damage when he was traded mid-season by the New York Knicks to Cleveland. After Smith’s performance last night some may now consider Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin a genius. The people of the East Coast now have a new guest star on the LeBron James Show and his name is J.R

usatoday.com: Cavaliers beat Hawks in Eastern Conference finals Game 1

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 97-89 in Atlanta leading the series 1-0. Lebron James did what he does best, persevering through intense moments regardless of foul trouble. James has score 30 plus points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 52 playoff games as of last night which is an NBA record making sports scores news.

J.R Smith made the difference in this game with a playoff career high of 28 points. This man had the hot hand shooting 10 out of 16 shots from the field and 8 out of 12 three-point shots. Smith’s number of 8 rebounds may be even more impressive than the 8 three pointers. Like many teams, the Cavaliers were products of timing.

Waging on the second half would have been smart because after the first few minutes of the third quarter, the Cavaliers went on a 22-4 run that lasted into the heart of the fourth quarter. Smith managed to get 17 of those 22 points during that time. Smith was an unexpected surprise to a Cavalier team that was ready to take advantage of it.

gmanetwork.com: Cavaliers draw first blood against Hawks in Eastern Conference Finals

Mozgov led the defense by dominating the boards on the inside. Unfortunately, Irving re-ignited his knee injury allowing him to play only 27 minutes. With a stable defense, a warmer Smith and a ever ready James, the Cleveland Cavaliers may have a better than average chance of getting one more win on the Hawk’s home court.

Apart from injury or fatigue, The Atlanta Hawks were the better team. They are at least nine deep. They have a chemistry that affords them good defense and unselfish ball handling. Atlanta is equipped with four All-Stars. But what Atlanta doesn’t have any more is a home court advantage that was stripped from them last night.

It was known that Jeff Teague of the Hawks would have to “come correct” in this game. Able to cut into the Cleveland defense, Teague scored 17 points in the half. Cleveland was able to muster up a respectable 26-20 lead after the first quarter. Losing their grip a bit, Cleveland was able to tie the game up 51 a piece by half time.

si.com: LeBron James’s sidekicks, led by J.R. Smith, fuel Game 1 win over Hawks

Then Cleveland’s Smith took over and kept the team in the lead until the end. Equally important was that the Hawks struggled offensively as well making shooting only 30.8% in the second half. Kyle Korver, the three-point man for the Cavaliers has gone fishing and has been replaced by his stunt double. Korver was contained to 9 points by Shumpert of the Cavaliers.

Perhaps the largest obstacle for Atlanta will be the absence of DeMarre Carrol who injured his knee in the fourth quarter. With a knee sprain or worse, the Hawks lose their only player with a remote chance of covering James on both ends of the court. Atlanta will hopefully start the second game more aggressively before James effectively reads the defense while checking it for weaknesses and making online mobile news.

Looking at only sports scores, this game would be hard for any punter to a wage on. You could say the team with the best player will win. Or you could say the team playing at home will win. The wisest thing would have been to simply look at J.R Smith’s Instagram message earlier in the week that said “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

J.R Smith was more a victim of collateral damage when he was traded mid-season by the New York Knicks to Cleveland. After Smith’s performance last night some may now consider Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin a genius. The people of the East Coast now have a new guest star on the LeBron James Show and his name is J.R

usatoday.com: Cavaliers beat Hawks in Eastern Conference finals Game 1

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 97-89 in Atlanta leading the series 1-0. Lebron James did what he does best, persevering through intense moments regardless of foul trouble. James has score 30 plus points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 52 playoff games as of last night which is an NBA record making sports scores news.

J.R Smith made the difference in this game with a playoff career high of 28 points. This man had the hot hand shooting 10 out of 16 shots from the field and 8 out of 12 three-point shots. Smith’s number of 8 rebounds may be even more impressive than the 8 three pointers. Like many teams, the Cavaliers were products of timing.

Waging on the second half would have been smart because after the first few minutes of the third quarter, the Cavaliers went on a 22-4 run that lasted into the heart of the fourth quarter. Smith managed to get 17 of those 22 points during that time. Smith was an unexpected surprise to a Cavalier team that was ready to take advantage of it.

gmanetwork.com: Cavaliers draw first blood against Hawks in Eastern Conference Finals

Mozgov led the defense by dominating the boards on the inside. Unfortunately, Irving re-ignited his knee injury allowing him to play only 27 minutes. With a stable defense, a warmer Smith and a ever ready James, the Cleveland Cavaliers may have a better than average chance of getting one more win on the Hawk’s home court.

Apart from injury or fatigue, The Atlanta Hawks were the better team. They are at least nine deep. They have a chemistry that affords them good defense and unselfish ball handling. Atlanta is equipped with four All-Stars. But what Atlanta doesn’t have any more is a home court advantage that was stripped from them last night.

It was known that Jeff Teague of the Hawks would have to “come correct” in this game. Able to cut into the Cleveland defense, Teague scored 17 points in the half. Cleveland was able to muster up a respectable 26-20 lead after the first quarter. Losing their grip a bit, Cleveland was able to tie the game up 51 a piece by half time.

si.com: LeBron James’s sidekicks, led by J.R. Smith, fuel Game 1 win over Hawks

Then Cleveland’s Smith took over and kept the team in the lead until the end. Equally important was that the Hawks struggled offensively as well making shooting only 30.8% in the second half. Kyle Korver, the three-point man for the Cavaliers has gone fishing and has been replaced by his stunt double. Korver was contained to 9 points by Shumpert of the Cavaliers.

Perhaps the largest obstacle for Atlanta will be the absence of DeMarre Carrol who injured his knee in the fourth quarter. With a knee sprain or worse, the Hawks lose their only player with a remote chance of covering James on both ends of the court. Atlanta will hopefully start the second game more aggressively before James effectively reads the defense while checking it for weaknesses and making online mobile news.

As the end of the footballing season in Europe is edging closer, more and more rumours are emerging from the press about clubs looking for players, players looking for clubs, possible deals and refused contract offers. Some footballers use the media in a way that upsets basically indifferent people, some of them are just disappointed with their situations and quietly counting their days until finally getting off from their current employers. Raheem Sterling’s future is the hottest topic around, but it is also interesting where the likes of Alex Song, Sami Khedira, Pedro and Radamel Falcao will end up before the start of the next season.

The Telegraph: Thierry Henry: Raheem Sterling risks destroying his life and career

Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry advised Raheem Sterling to stop his agent giving him bad advice that will lead to ruining his life and footballing career eventually. The football pundit is totally unhappy with the way Sterling’s camp handling the situation.
Sterling refused to sign the contract renewal he was offered by Liverpool previously, which was a 100,000 GBP per week bid, gambling news reported. A TV interview was set up for him, where he claimed it wasn’t about the money that he opted not to sign the paper.
Henry disagrees totally with that attitude. He said, “You can’t go out there and talk about your contract in the press. You have to respect your fans, respect the club that you play for. If you want to leave Liverpool or not, when you make the decision about leaving or staying, then do it. Don’t discuss yourself in the paper.”
Henry also added that when he was a young player, he had a similar problem with many of those surrounding him giving advices, influencing his footballing display in a bad way. He expressed, that, “you need to be able to say, ‘Enough, you’re destroying my life, you’re destroying my career.”

The Guardian: Football transfer rumours: Alex Song to Manchester City?

Alex Song, the Barcelona defensive midfielder loaned to West Ham is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester City. As he played for Arsenal for three seasons before his 21st birthday, he counts as a homegrown player in England, not to mention that he is a very good footballer indeed.
Barcelona stated before that they want to keep their unsettled forward, Pedro, however online mobile news reported that they will let him go in exchange for 7 million GBP. He only has one year left from his contract, and Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all could use him, and Liverpool was interested in signing him too.
Atletico Madrid could get back their former superstar striker Radamel Falcao. The Colombian player returns from loan to Monaco soon, after he did virtually nothing at Old Trafford this year. The Principality’s club allegedly plans to offer him plus cash worth of 25 million GBP in exchange for Mario Mandzikuc.

Worldsoccertalk.com: Juventus nearing agreement for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, says report

Juventus is about to recruit unhappy midfielder Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, latest gambling news report. The world champion German hardly got any playing time this season, and he has been looking for a place to go in a while. It was understood in November that the club chose not to renew his contract as the midfielder did not accept an offer earlier.
Khedira is allegedly lost his role in the dressing room recently, though he was a firm starter under Jose Mourinho. However, the German had several injuries, while Real Madrid strengthened their midfield unit significantly by acquiring the likes of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.
Khedira expressed in March, that he would leave Madrid at the end of the season, and he allegedly decided to join Juventus. The Italians have to look for an industrious midfielder with Andrea Pirlo leaving this summer and the future of Paul Pogba hanging in the balance.

As the end of the footballing season in Europe is edging closer, more and more rumours are emerging from the press about clubs looking for players, players looking for clubs, possible deals and refused contract offers. Some footballers use the media in a way that upsets basically indifferent people, some of them are just disappointed with their situations and quietly counting their days until finally getting off from their current employers. Raheem Sterling’s future is the hottest topic around, but it is also interesting where the likes of Alex Song, Sami Khedira, Pedro and Radamel Falcao will end up before the start of the next season.

The Telegraph: Thierry Henry: Raheem Sterling risks destroying his life and career

Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry advised Raheem Sterling to stop his agent giving him bad advice that will lead to ruining his life and footballing career eventually. The football pundit is totally unhappy with the way Sterling’s camp handling the situation.
Sterling refused to sign the contract renewal he was offered by Liverpool previously, which was a 100,000 GBP per week bid, gambling news reported. A TV interview was set up for him, where he claimed it wasn’t about the money that he opted not to sign the paper.
Henry disagrees totally with that attitude. He said, “You can’t go out there and talk about your contract in the press. You have to respect your fans, respect the club that you play for. If you want to leave Liverpool or not, when you make the decision about leaving or staying, then do it. Don’t discuss yourself in the paper.”
Henry also added that when he was a young player, he had a similar problem with many of those surrounding him giving advices, influencing his footballing display in a bad way. He expressed, that, “you need to be able to say, ‘Enough, you’re destroying my life, you’re destroying my career.”

The Guardian: Football transfer rumours: Alex Song to Manchester City?

Alex Song, the Barcelona defensive midfielder loaned to West Ham is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester City. As he played for Arsenal for three seasons before his 21st birthday, he counts as a homegrown player in England, not to mention that he is a very good footballer indeed.
Barcelona stated before that they want to keep their unsettled forward, Pedro, however online mobile news reported that they will let him go in exchange for 7 million GBP. He only has one year left from his contract, and Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all could use him, and Liverpool was interested in signing him too.
Atletico Madrid could get back their former superstar striker Radamel Falcao. The Colombian player returns from loan to Monaco soon, after he did virtually nothing at Old Trafford this year. The Principality’s club allegedly plans to offer him plus cash worth of 25 million GBP in exchange for Mario Mandzikuc.

Worldsoccertalk.com: Juventus nearing agreement for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, says report

Juventus is about to recruit unhappy midfielder Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, latest gambling news report. The world champion German hardly got any playing time this season, and he has been looking for a place to go in a while. It was understood in November that the club chose not to renew his contract as the midfielder did not accept an offer earlier.
Khedira is allegedly lost his role in the dressing room recently, though he was a firm starter under Jose Mourinho. However, the German had several injuries, while Real Madrid strengthened their midfield unit significantly by acquiring the likes of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.
Khedira expressed in March, that he would leave Madrid at the end of the season, and he allegedly decided to join Juventus. The Italians have to look for an industrious midfielder with Andrea Pirlo leaving this summer and the future of Paul Pogba hanging in the balance.

The operating unit of the bankrupt Caesars Entertainment needs more time to prepare a plan for restructuring the company. Therefore they submitted a plea to extend the period while they possess exclusive bankruptcy control until November, however the company’s creditors intend to prevent that. The noteholders, including the operating unit’s only allies, don’t want to let Caesars’ parent company to acquire protection from any lawsuit over their suspicious property transfers.

Bloomberg BNA:Caesars Creditors Try to Disqualify Kirkland

Kirkland & Ellis had to prepare for a fight in bankruptcy court against a committee that speaks for the junior secured noteholders in restructuring client Caesars Entertainment Operating Co, gambling law news reported recently. The committee tried to eliminate Kirkland, asking a judge to cast the firm off since they represented the Caesars Entertainment’s majority owners, Apollo Global Management LLC and TPG Capital, on unrelated matters.

According to the committee, Kirkland also collected nearly $10 million in fees improperly just before the company’s bankruptcy on the 15th of January. The junior noteholders wanted the bankruptcy to happen in Wilmington, Delaware, while Bankruptcy Judge A. Benjamin Goldgar is in Chicago, where the law firm originates from.

Bankruptcy is not a cheap process at all, and the quarrel over Kirkland’s participation increases the expenses heavily. According to the firm, the first six weeks after Caesars Entertainment filed for Bankruptcy cost them roughly $10 million. With this dispute over Kirkland’s participation, the bill will continue to run up without bringing the matter closer to solution.

Caesars Entertainment was in a restructuring process since years. After the debts and yearly interest fees were reduced significantly, it seemed that a complete reorganization is in reach. However, protesting creditors invented in January, filing for bankruptcy in Delaware.

Casinoscamreport.com: Caesars Wants More Time for Bankruptcy Plan

Caesars Entertainment trying to secure more time for planning, asked the Chicago bankruptcy court for a six month extension to reshape their structure strategy. On the actual conditions, Caesar’s operating division has to submit their recovery plan to the operational department until the 15th of May.

Lawyers representing the gambling giant stated that it is simply impossible to meet that deadline, according to online mobile news. They have 173 separate entities and many legal problems, they are currently fighting with their creditors too, and there is an ongoing investigation for their earlier deals.

The Caesars’s casino department has a debt of $18 million itself, but with the extension granted, the company could abolish the most of it. The possible new deadline would be the 15th of November if the bankruptcy court approves the company’s plea, and the creditors would have time to reply and articulate any disagreements until January.

If the extension is not granted by Judge A. Benjamin Goldgar, Caesar will present their suggestion to the court on the 29th of April and a verdict expected to be made quickly after. Caesars Entertainment’s shares have dropped by 17% after the extension plea was announced. The legal procedure is far from over, but it seems that Caesar prepared for a long war.

Reuters.com: Creditors, Caesars spar over control of casino bankruptcy

Creditors of Caesars Entertainment stated that they intend to block the attempt of the bankrupt company’s operating unit to extend the period during it has total control of the Chapter 11 restructure. They filed oppositions on Wednesday against the operating unit’s plea to push the deadline back with six months to November 15 instead of May 15.

During that time the operating unit has exclusive rights to suggest a strategy to diminish its $18 million debt. The creditors’ goal is to reach a point where other plans can also be submitted. Caesar’s operating unit filed for bankruptcy in January and that it is a rarity that creditors oppose the extension of exclusive control in such an early phase of a case.

Online gambling news reported that the company’s only supporters within the group of noteholders also objected the extension plea. The largest casino operator in the U.S. is in a desperate fight against its creditors, who accused the parent company of separating the operating unit of major properties like Linq Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The parent company, which is not bankrupt, is controlled by private equity firms Apollo Global Management LLC and TPG Capital Management. The operating unit plans to divide into a casino operator and a real estate investment trust by restructuring. This move would increase the value of the latter, and creditors would benefit from that. However, online betting news learned that by such a move Apollo and TPG would be protected from lawsuits over the property transfers, and the creditors want to prevent that.

The operating unit of the bankrupt Caesars Entertainment needs more time to prepare a plan for restructuring the company. Therefore they submitted a plea to extend the period while they possess exclusive bankruptcy control until November, however the company’s creditors intend to prevent that. The noteholders, including the operating unit’s only allies, don’t want to let Caesars’ parent company to acquire protection from any lawsuit over their suspicious property transfers.

Bloomberg BNA:Caesars Creditors Try to Disqualify Kirkland

Kirkland & Ellis had to prepare for a fight in bankruptcy court against a committee that speaks for the junior secured noteholders in restructuring client Caesars Entertainment Operating Co, gambling law news reported recently. The committee tried to eliminate Kirkland, asking a judge to cast the firm off since they represented the Caesars Entertainment’s majority owners, Apollo Global Management LLC and TPG Capital, on unrelated matters.

According to the committee, Kirkland also collected nearly $10 million in fees improperly just before the company’s bankruptcy on the 15th of January. The junior noteholders wanted the bankruptcy to happen in Wilmington, Delaware, while Bankruptcy Judge A. Benjamin Goldgar is in Chicago, where the law firm originates from.

Bankruptcy is not a cheap process at all, and the quarrel over Kirkland’s participation increases the expenses heavily. According to the firm, the first six weeks after Caesars Entertainment filed for Bankruptcy cost them roughly $10 million. With this dispute over Kirkland’s participation, the bill will continue to run up without bringing the matter closer to solution.

Caesars Entertainment was in a restructuring process since years. After the debts and yearly interest fees were reduced significantly, it seemed that a complete reorganization is in reach. However, protesting creditors invented in January, filing for bankruptcy in Delaware.

Casinoscamreport.com: Caesars Wants More Time for Bankruptcy Plan

Caesars Entertainment trying to secure more time for planning, asked the Chicago bankruptcy court for a six month extension to reshape their structure strategy. On the actual conditions, Caesar’s operating division has to submit their recovery plan to the operational department until the 15th of May.

Lawyers representing the gambling giant stated that it is simply impossible to meet that deadline, according to online mobile news. They have 173 separate entities and many legal problems, they are currently fighting with their creditors too, and there is an ongoing investigation for their earlier deals.

The Caesars’s casino department has a debt of $18 million itself, but with the extension granted, the company could abolish the most of it. The possible new deadline would be the 15th of November if the bankruptcy court approves the company’s plea, and the creditors would have time to reply and articulate any disagreements until January.

If the extension is not granted by Judge A. Benjamin Goldgar, Caesar will present their suggestion to the court on the 29th of April and a verdict expected to be made quickly after. Caesars Entertainment’s shares have dropped by 17% after the extension plea was announced. The legal procedure is far from over, but it seems that Caesar prepared for a long war.

Reuters.com: Creditors, Caesars spar over control of casino bankruptcy

Creditors of Caesars Entertainment stated that they intend to block the attempt of the bankrupt company’s operating unit to extend the period during it has total control of the Chapter 11 restructure. They filed oppositions on Wednesday against the operating unit’s plea to push the deadline back with six months to November 15 instead of May 15.

During that time the operating unit has exclusive rights to suggest a strategy to diminish its $18 million debt. The creditors’ goal is to reach a point where other plans can also be submitted. Caesar’s operating unit filed for bankruptcy in January and that it is a rarity that creditors oppose the extension of exclusive control in such an early phase of a case.

Online gambling news reported that the company’s only supporters within the group of noteholders also objected the extension plea. The largest casino operator in the U.S. is in a desperate fight against its creditors, who accused the parent company of separating the operating unit of major properties like Linq Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The parent company, which is not bankrupt, is controlled by private equity firms Apollo Global Management LLC and TPG Capital Management. The operating unit plans to divide into a casino operator and a real estate investment trust by restructuring. This move would increase the value of the latter, and creditors would benefit from that. However, online betting news learned that by such a move Apollo and TPG would be protected from lawsuits over the property transfers, and the creditors want to prevent that.

In 2014, Macanese gaming revenue decreased 2.6% to $54.4 billion. This is the first nose-dive of profits ever to be recorded, in 11 years, since 2002, when gambling laws liberated the casino market to competition. Revenues plunged 30.4% cent to $9 billion in the last month of 2014, making it the seventh straight month that profits have been waning.Macau, the largest gambling hub in the world, has seen its revenues steadily decline at an alarming rate last year. Analysts and gambling operators alike are speculating if the global recession is the main cause or is Jingping’s clampdown on illegal money laundering the main cause for concern.The Sidney Morning Herald: James Packer among billionaires hit by $100 billion Macau casino losses

The Chinese government crackdown on corruption in the gambling stronghold of Macau has left a whopping $100 billion hole in the market value of the six Macau casino stocks in 2014. The campaign, including the fight against debit card scams, impacted negatively on gambling activities. This has caused the gambling hub to experience its very first slump in gambling returns since 2002.

Australian billionaire James Packer, and other gambling operators, such as his joint venture partner’s father Stanley, or yet still anti-online gambling campaigner Sheldon Adelson, have all their casinos in a rut. Meanwhile analysts converge and discuss what all this could mean for the world’s largest gambling resort and its fortunes.

The Hong Kong exchange recently revealed in online mobile news, that all six Macau casino stocks listed a combined loss in market value amounting to $92 billion, in the 12 months up to December 31. The parent company Crown Resorts has 33.6 per cent of the joint venture and Ho another 33.6%.

Melco Crown alone lost a whopping $8 billion in market capitalization during last year. The fall represents a 35% decline in stock value just a year after the company’s value doubled, when gambling revenue increased 19% per cent.

However, the current decline in market capitalization has left the company opting to withdraw from the Hong Kong exchange, citing difficulties in raising funds and the need to limit share trades. Crown Resorts, said it was determined though to stick it out in the NASDAQ listings.

Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands’ subsidiary, Sands China, fared even worse. It hit a record low market capitalization of all the six stocks, with a mere $26 billion in profits. 40% loss in stock value was reported in 2014. Stanley Ho’s SJM Holdings, came out a little less scathed, with a 52 % loss in value, representing a market capitalization decline of $7 billion.

Channel News Asia: Melco Crown to delist in HK after Macau revenue slump

Hong Kong businessman Lawrence Ho and, James Packer, son of the defunct Australian media and gambling magnate, Kerry Packer, have communicated, in the latest gambling news that Melco Crown Entertainment has had its first plunge in profits ever, in Macau.

Melco Crown’s City of Dreams resort complex stock would be removed from the Hong Kong stock exchange in order to save costs and for practical reasons. For, to carry the listing would demand ‘additional ongoing regulatory compliance obligations and such requirements involve significant additional costs’.

The company went on to say that for now a solution hasn’t been found to increase profits even with a market capitalization of close to US$14 billion. However it also stated that it would keep its security on the official register of the NASDAQ in the US. Friday, 2 January, 2015 shares closed at a low 4.88% at US$24.16.

The ex-Portuguese colony reported on January 2 that gambling yields went down 2.6% year-on-year to US$44 billion last year. This has been the only decline since yearly numbers were made available to the public as of 2002.

Macau, China’s only legal casino gambling hub, relies heavily on high rollers from mainland China. However, big spenders are being scared off by the anti-corruption campaign launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his government to clamp down on Chinese officials accepting bribes. This has resulted in a slowdown in the mainland economy which directly affects casino earnings.

The Sidney Morning Herald: Packer’s Melco Crown set to quit Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Melco Crown Entertainment whose Macau casino is jointly owned by James Packer’s Crown Resorts and Macau gaming mogul Lawrence Ho has revealed that it will pull out of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange because of the immense pressure to raise money and limit share trades. However, it will remain on the NASDAQ, where its ‘shareholders are far more active’.

The company says it hopes that this move will not adversely affect the asset value or earnings for each share. It explains its actions by citing that “Appropriate opportunities to raise additional equity in Hong Kong have not arisen and maintaining the listing requires additional ongoing regulatory compliance obligations and such requirements involve significant additional costs and administrative burden”.

Crown Resorts who owns 33.6 % of the company and Ho, the same, now have to contend with decreased numbers of gamers from the mainland. Macau, which was once swarmed with eager punters who had just a little more than the China welfare lottery from mainland China, have had better days since public records started to reveal gambling revenues in 2002.

Chinese government’s campaign against illegal cash flow between the gaming hub and its officialdom has been blamed for the crisis at hand. Just last year October Crown Resorts hoped for a turnaround but come year end the chief executive, Rowen Craigie, admitted that “market conditions in Macau did weaken during the fourth quarter of financial year 2014”.

Some analysts speculate that gambling revenues may pick up by 10% in 2015, others think a decline of 9% is more likely to happen. Given the current worldwide financial crisis, the actual outcome will be like that of the toss of a coin – no one really knows.

In 2014, Macanese gaming revenue decreased 2.6% to $54.4 billion. This is the first nose-dive of profits ever to be recorded, in 11 years, since 2002, when gambling laws liberated the casino market to competition. Revenues plunged 30.4% cent to $9 billion in the last month of 2014, making it the seventh straight month that profits have been waning.Macau, the largest gambling hub in the world, has seen its revenues steadily decline at an alarming rate last year. Analysts and gambling operators alike are speculating if the global recession is the main cause or is Jingping’s clampdown on illegal money laundering the main cause for concern.The Sidney Morning Herald: James Packer among billionaires hit by $100 billion Macau casino losses

The Chinese government crackdown on corruption in the gambling stronghold of Macau has left a whopping $100 billion hole in the market value of the six Macau casino stocks in 2014. The campaign, including the fight against debit card scams, impacted negatively on gambling activities. This has caused the gambling hub to experience its very first slump in gambling returns since 2002.

Australian billionaire James Packer, and other gambling operators, such as his joint venture partner’s father Stanley, or yet still anti-online gambling campaigner Sheldon Adelson, have all their casinos in a rut. Meanwhile analysts converge and discuss what all this could mean for the world’s largest gambling resort and its fortunes.

The Hong Kong exchange recently revealed in online mobile news, that all six Macau casino stocks listed a combined loss in market value amounting to $92 billion, in the 12 months up to December 31. The parent company Crown Resorts has 33.6 per cent of the joint venture and Ho another 33.6%.

Melco Crown alone lost a whopping $8 billion in market capitalization during last year. The fall represents a 35% decline in stock value just a year after the company’s value doubled, when gambling revenue increased 19% per cent.

However, the current decline in market capitalization has left the company opting to withdraw from the Hong Kong exchange, citing difficulties in raising funds and the need to limit share trades. Crown Resorts, said it was determined though to stick it out in the NASDAQ listings.

Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands’ subsidiary, Sands China, fared even worse. It hit a record low market capitalization of all the six stocks, with a mere $26 billion in profits. 40% loss in stock value was reported in 2014. Stanley Ho’s SJM Holdings, came out a little less scathed, with a 52 % loss in value, representing a market capitalization decline of $7 billion.

Channel News Asia: Melco Crown to delist in HK after Macau revenue slump

Hong Kong businessman Lawrence Ho and, James Packer, son of the defunct Australian media and gambling magnate, Kerry Packer, have communicated, in the latest gambling news that Melco Crown Entertainment has had its first plunge in profits ever, in Macau.

Melco Crown’s City of Dreams resort complex stock would be removed from the Hong Kong stock exchange in order to save costs and for practical reasons. For, to carry the listing would demand ‘additional ongoing regulatory compliance obligations and such requirements involve significant additional costs’.

The company went on to say that for now a solution hasn’t been found to increase profits even with a market capitalization of close to US$14 billion. However it also stated that it would keep its security on the official register of the NASDAQ in the US. Friday, 2 January, 2015 shares closed at a low 4.88% at US$24.16.

The ex-Portuguese colony reported on January 2 that gambling yields went down 2.6% year-on-year to US$44 billion last year. This has been the only decline since yearly numbers were made available to the public as of 2002.

Macau, China’s only legal casino gambling hub, relies heavily on high rollers from mainland China. However, big spenders are being scared off by the anti-corruption campaign launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his government to clamp down on Chinese officials accepting bribes. This has resulted in a slowdown in the mainland economy which directly affects casino earnings.

The Sidney Morning Herald: Packer’s Melco Crown set to quit Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Melco Crown Entertainment whose Macau casino is jointly owned by James Packer’s Crown Resorts and Macau gaming mogul Lawrence Ho has revealed that it will pull out of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange because of the immense pressure to raise money and limit share trades. However, it will remain on the NASDAQ, where its ‘shareholders are far more active’.

The company says it hopes that this move will not adversely affect the asset value or earnings for each share. It explains its actions by citing that “Appropriate opportunities to raise additional equity in Hong Kong have not arisen and maintaining the listing requires additional ongoing regulatory compliance obligations and such requirements involve significant additional costs and administrative burden”.

Crown Resorts who owns 33.6 % of the company and Ho, the same, now have to contend with decreased numbers of gamers from the mainland. Macau, which was once swarmed with eager punters who had just a little more than the China welfare lottery from mainland China, have had better days since public records started to reveal gambling revenues in 2002.

Chinese government’s campaign against illegal cash flow between the gaming hub and its officialdom has been blamed for the crisis at hand. Just last year October Crown Resorts hoped for a turnaround but come year end the chief executive, Rowen Craigie, admitted that “market conditions in Macau did weaken during the fourth quarter of financial year 2014”.

Some analysts speculate that gambling revenues may pick up by 10% in 2015, others think a decline of 9% is more likely to happen. Given the current worldwide financial crisis, the actual outcome will be like that of the toss of a coin – no one really knows.

Since introducing online gambling to its residents, the state of New Jersey has not been able to achieve the financial results that they hoped for. Internet gambling was legalized in efforts to help the ailing economy, but has so far shown no signs of improvement.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has previously asserted that the industry will generate substantially more than what the current reality shows. In efforts to boost the online gambling industry, he was been trying to add an online sports betting service to the current offer, but nothing has come to fruition so far.

New York Business Journal: New Jersey’s online gambling flop threatens the rest of the state’s spending

A month ago in May, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie predicted that the state would see an inflow of $180 million during this year from taxes associated with online gambling operations. Considering that the state is estimating much smaller figures closer to $12 million, the Governor’s predictions were highly overvalued.

According to gambling news, the whole New Jersey gambling scene doesn’t have very good prospects for the future. The state’s overall casino industry is currently experiencing an economic slump, as many gaming facilities are not achieving expected results.

The online gambling sector is not performing as anticipated due to certain challenges. Some banks do not allow their clients to use their credit cards for internet gambling purposes, making it difficult for players to gamble with their money.

The biggest problem stems from the fact that some reports indicate that New Jersey has an illegal online gambling market which is valued at over $400 million a year. This may prove to be a great obstacle for legislator trying to implement changes to their online gaming market, by adding sports betting to their ranks.

Bloomberg Businessweek: Online Gambling Slump Adds to Christie’s N.J. Budget Woes

New Jersey initially saw a decline in revenues in April, just months after starting their online gambling industry. The decrease in online traffic is not the only gaming sector suffering a gradual revenue decrease. Casinos in Atlantic City have seen their revenues drop a massive 44% since peaking in 2006.

The state has high investments in Atlantic City, as it depends on the coastal town to provide jobs, attract tourists and most importantly taxes. The current economic climate will see the state government receive considerably less than initially expected.

Online mobile news reports that New Jersey is hoping to get $12 million from taxes, an amount that is substantially less than what the first projections claimed. Governor Christie believed that they could fetch somewhere around the $180 million mark form imposing the 15% internet gambling tax, however that figure now seems like a distant dream.

The chief operating officer of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Tom Balance, commented on the unlikely turn of events for the industry. “I don’t think anyone had the crystal ball to predict what the market would be.”

The Republic: New Jersey’s Internet gambling revenue falls again in May; industry struggling after 6 months

Following the first disappointing results in April, New Jersey has not managed to see an increase occur over time. Instead, online gambling revenue has been declining for two consecutive months.

Atlantic City’s casinos first showed signs of a bad economy when some of them started closing down. The Atlantic Club shut down operations in January, which served as a precursor of the state of the market. Additionally, casinos in Atlantic City recorded a 3.1% revenue decrease as compared to a year before.

Online gambling was introduced as a way for the state to create additional tax revenue sources, as other sectors of the market were not performing well. Governor Christie assumed that the overall value for the first year of online gambling operations would amount to over $1 billion.

However, many Wall Street analysts disagree with his estimates, as they anticipate to find gambling results far lower than $1 billion. They forecast the industry to generate somewhere between $200 million and $300 million for the year. Up until now gaming companies have managed to only make $61.9 million, a figure that is far below the projected results.

Nj.com: Online gambling hits wall in NJ 6 months after launch.

Since introducing online gambling to its residents, the state of New Jersey has not been able to achieve the financial results that they hoped for. Internet gambling was legalized in efforts to help the ailing economy, but has so far shown no signs of improvement.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has previously asserted that the industry will generate substantially more than what the current reality shows. In efforts to boost the online gambling industry, he was been trying to add an online sports betting service to the current offer, but nothing has come to fruition so far.

New York Business Journal: New Jersey’s online gambling flop threatens the rest of the state’s spending

A month ago in May, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie predicted that the state would see an inflow of $180 million during this year from taxes associated with online gambling operations. Considering that the state is estimating much smaller figures closer to $12 million, the Governor’s predictions were highly overvalued.

According to gambling news, the whole New Jersey gambling scene doesn’t have very good prospects for the future. The state’s overall casino industry is currently experiencing an economic slump, as many gaming facilities are not achieving expected results.

The online gambling sector is not performing as anticipated due to certain challenges. Some banks do not allow their clients to use their credit cards for internet gambling purposes, making it difficult for players to gamble with their money.

The biggest problem stems from the fact that some reports indicate that New Jersey has an illegal online gambling market which is valued at over $400 million a year. This may prove to be a great obstacle for legislator trying to implement changes to their online gaming market, by adding sports betting to their ranks.

Bloomberg Businessweek: Online Gambling Slump Adds to Christie’s N.J. Budget Woes

New Jersey initially saw a decline in revenues in April, just months after starting their online gambling industry. The decrease in online traffic is not the only gaming sector suffering a gradual revenue decrease. Casinos in Atlantic City have seen their revenues drop a massive 44% since peaking in 2006.

The state has high investments in Atlantic City, as it depends on the coastal town to provide jobs, attract tourists and most importantly taxes. The current economic climate will see the state government receive considerably less than initially expected.

Online mobile news reports that New Jersey is hoping to get $12 million from taxes, an amount that is substantially less than what the first projections claimed. Governor Christie believed that they could fetch somewhere around the $180 million mark form imposing the 15% internet gambling tax, however that figure now seems like a distant dream.

The chief operating officer of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Tom Balance, commented on the unlikely turn of events for the industry. “I don’t think anyone had the crystal ball to predict what the market would be.”

The Republic: New Jersey’s Internet gambling revenue falls again in May; industry struggling after 6 months

Following the first disappointing results in April, New Jersey has not managed to see an increase occur over time. Instead, online gambling revenue has been declining for two consecutive months.

Atlantic City’s casinos first showed signs of a bad economy when some of them started closing down. The Atlantic Club shut down operations in January, which served as a precursor of the state of the market. Additionally, casinos in Atlantic City recorded a 3.1% revenue decrease as compared to a year before.

Online gambling was introduced as a way for the state to create additional tax revenue sources, as other sectors of the market were not performing well. Governor Christie assumed that the overall value for the first year of online gambling operations would amount to over $1 billion.

However, many Wall Street analysts disagree with his estimates, as they anticipate to find gambling results far lower than $1 billion. They forecast the industry to generate somewhere between $200 million and $300 million for the year. Up until now gaming companies have managed to only make $61.9 million, a figure that is far below the projected results.

Nj.com: Online gambling hits wall in NJ 6 months after launch.