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Home , Dele Alli, Madrid derby

Sports FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Singapore FA to end political appointments under FIFA pressure

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s football associ- essary regulatory approvals for any states that all council members, including its current office bearers while working ation has vowed to amend its constitu- changes to the constitution,” it said. the president and deputy president, shall on the constitutional amendments. It tion next year after FIFA demanded an Compliance with FIFA rules is crucial for be appointed by the Singapore minister stressed that its current selection process end to political interference in the Singapore’s participation in international in charge of sports and confirmed by vot- has been in place since 1982 and FIFA did appointment of the national body’s coun- competitions. ing at an annual general meeting. The not make any objections until recently cil members. “We expect to amend our constitution FAS chief is traditionally an elected mem- when it asked for a review. In a statement issued late Wednesday, by March next year, and will make a fur- ber of the ruling People’s Action Party, In May this year, FIFA suspended the Football Association of Singapore ther announcement in due course on the which has governed Singapore for the Indonesia after the Jakarta government (FAS) said it will work closely with FIFA on timing of the council elections,” FAS said. past 56 years. sought to oust the country’s football amendments that will “ensure alignment” The current FAS selection process is FIFA had earlier asked FAS to put on association. A suspension for Singapore of its election process with the statutes of inconsistent with FIFA rules, which frown hold internal elections due this month could end the city-state’s participation in the sport’s global governing body. on government interference in national while the discussions are under way to ongoing 2018 World Cup qualifiers and “We will also seek the consent of our football associations. amend the constitution. rule Singapore clubs out of international members and affiliates as well as the nec- The FAS constitution, available online, In the statement, FAS said it will keep competitions. — AFP

Teenager Alli and Ings get first England call-ups

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s teenage Dele Alli was called into England’s squad for the first time yesterday for this month’s final two Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania. The 19-year-old, who has represented England at every level from Under-17s upwards, joined Spurs from Milton Keynes Dons for five million pounds ($7.57 million) earlier this year and is one of two new faces in the squad. Liverpool striker Danny Ings, 23, who is also uncapped at senior level, was also included for the first time but club mate missed out after only just returning from long-term injury. Southampton defender is recalled in place of Luke Shaw who broke his leg in two places playing for Manchester United at PSV Eindhoven last month. “Danny (Ings) was someone we fol- lowed very closely at Burnley last year but we did not have the chance to bring him in because he was an important member of the Under- 21s,” said manager . “But now he is a senior and it was a good opportunity to bring him in. Dele Alli is the more off-beat one I suppose because he is so young and only just broken into the Tottenham team but we have been very impressed by what we have seen of him.” England have already qualified for the finals in France next year fol- lowing eight straight Group E wins and Hodgson said he was taking both games seriously because he wanted to finish with a perfect record of 10 victories. “I think the game in Lithuania will be the one where if any experimentation or changes take place it will be there, which might damage our chances of getting the perfect 10 but I am prepared to accept that,” he added. England play Estonia at Wembley on Oct. 9 and visit Lithuania three days later.

Squad: Goalkeepers: (Stoke City), (Manchester City), (Burnley) Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), (Chelsea), (liverpool), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil MALMO: Real ’s Portuguese forward (R) and Malmo’s Norwegian midfielder Jo Inge Berget vie Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), for the ball during the UEFA Champions League first-leg Group A football match between Malmo FF and Real Madrid CF (Manchester United), (Everton). at the Swedbank Stadion, in Malmo, Sweden. — AFP : Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), (Liverpool), (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Record-man Ronaldo turns (Swansea City). Forwards: (Manchester City), Danny Ings (liver- pool), (Tottenham Hotspur), (Manchester focus on Madrid derby United), (Leicester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal). — Reuters

MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo immedi- to the media in recent months and said of the game at the Calderon, where ately turned his thoughts to Sunday’s La quashed suggestions he might leave Real were thumped 4-0 in last Liga derby at Atletico Madrid after his Real in the short term, possibly to return term. “Atletico play very well and are Champions League double on to former club Manchester United. full of confidence,” he added. “We are Wednesday drew him level with Raul as “My future is at Madrid,” the 30-year- also in good shape and important play- Real Madrid’s all-time leading marks- old said. “I want to win things here and I ers are coming back (from injury).” man on 323 goals. feel good,” he added. “But as I have said Real coach Rafa Benitez is waiting on Ronaldo, who scored twice in the 2- a million times nobody knows the the fitness of several key men including 0 Group A success at Malmo, has need- future. We will see what happens.” Wales winger , Colombia ed a mere 308 matches across seven Real were knocked off top spot in La playmaker James Rodriguez and Spain seasons to equal Raul’s tally, amassed Liga after they were held to a 0-0 draw centre back . Benitez’s in 741 games over 16 years, and can at home to Malaga last weekend and Barca counterpart Luis Enrique also has break the record in the clash at the are third on 14 points, level with Celta injury worries, with Spain playmaker Calderon. Vigo and two ahead of Atletico. Andres Iniesta this week joining the The Portugal captain, who took his Villarreal, who play at Levante on likes of Argentina forward career total for club and country to 501, Sunday, are the surprise leaders on 16 and Brazil midfielder Rafinha on the told reporters Raul had sent him a con- points, one ahead of second-placed sidelines. ASUNCION: Carlos Rolon, top, of Paraguay’s Olimpia gratulatory message urging him to champions Barcelona, who play at After this weekend’s round of fights for the ball with Diego Vera of Argentina’s “score 300 more”. Europa League holders Sevilla tomor- games, there is a two-week break in Independiente during a Copa Sudamericana soccer game He then reacted tetchily to questions row. domestic action as players head off for in Asuncion, Paraguay, Wednesday. — AP about why he has largely refused to talk “It’s going to be tough,” Ronaldo international duty. — Reuters