Heineken brings UEFA Trophy to Nigeria

All is now set for Nigerian football fans, especially devotees of the UEFA Champions League, to feel and experience the elite league trophy which will berth in the country on March 13, 2014 courtesy of World’s leading international premium lager beer, Heineken. The trophy, which will be accompanied by Dutch football legend, coach and Heineken brand ambassador, Ruud Gullit, is expected to remain in the country till March 16, 2014. 


The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour has been presented for eight consecutive years by Heineken International, a UEFA Champions League partner. In 2014, Heineken will give football fans in Nigeria, Argentina and Vietnam the chance to see and get up close to the prestigious trophy. Like Heineken, the trophy is a true global icon. It represents the excellence of the UEFA Champions League worldwide and the ultimate achievement in European club football. 

Manuel Pellegrini appointed new Man City boss.

Manuel Pellegrini has become the latest product of the Spanish football boom to be picked off by the riches of the Premier League as Manchester City have handpicked the Malaga boss as the man to take them to the next level in the UEFA Champions League after a couple of disappointing European campaigns under Roberto Mancini.

Pellegrini, who stepped down from his position as Malaga coach at the end of last season, joins the Premier League club on a three-year contract and will take up the role on June 24.

Pellegrini said in a statement: "I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity. The club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution. 


"Everything is in place for Manchester City to continue to be successful and I am excited to be able to work with such a talented squad, the Executive team and the Board to deliver for fans who are renowned for their steadfast support."

Pellegrini has more than 25 years of managerial experience in a career that has seen him take charge of Chilean clubs Universidad Chile, Palestino, O'Higgins and Universidad Catoilica, San Lorenzo and River Plate of Argentina, as well as Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga in Spain.

UEFA introduces 10-match ban for racist behaviour and abuse

Racist abuse by players or officials will carry a minimum 10-match suspension, the UEFA executive committee has confirmed.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino announced the changes in April and they will be included in next season's disciplinary regulations. UEFA is only able to enforce measures in its own competitions but will ask its 53 members to follow its lead at the congress on Friday.

"An association should adopt the same or similar measures,'' Infantino said. ''UEFA has always acted in a way to try to convince people rather than impose. I don't think you measure the way of fighting against racism in one simple measure and sanction."

Racism in football has come to the fore this season following a number of unsavoury incidents.
Kevin-Prince Boateng led his Milan team-mates from the pitch after being abused by fans of Pro Patria during a friendly in January and, on May 12, the Serie A game between Roma and Milan became the first to be temporarily suspended after Roma fans did not heed loudspeaker warnings stop abusing Boateng and Mario Balotelli.

National associations had previously been fined by UEFA but new measures will target clubs directly, with escalated punishments beginning with a fine and partial stadium closure and rising to full stadium closure and a €50,000 fine.

Meanwhile, the minimum ban for abusing match officials has been raised from ten to 15 matches and the sanction for insulting an official has risen two to three games.