TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015 SPORTS Chung slams Blatter, Platini to launch FIFA campaign PARIS: South Korean billionaire Chung Mong-Joon organisation is because the same person (Blatter) vice president from Jordan, is considering a run. “If Europe had provided healthy and discerning yesterday launched his campaign for the FIFA presi- has been running it for 40 years. Absolute power Platini is considered the frontrunner and has leadership, would FIFA be in this kind of mess today? dency with a blistering attack on outgoing leader corrupts absolutely.” FIFA has been embroiled in cor- already secured public support from key national This is not a criticism but an appeal to you to think. Sepp Blatter and his rival to head football’s world ruption turmoil since 14 FIFA and sports business federations and regional confederations. “The core issue of this election is whether the 40- governing body, Michel Platini. executives were charged by US authorities in May But Chung said the Frenchman should not be a year-old system of corruption should continue or not.” Chung, who said that Platini is too close to over more than $150 million in bribes allegedly paid candidate because he was so close to the FIFA sys- The FIFA election campaign is already turning into a Blatter’s legacy and the ills that have hit FIFA, vowed for television and marketing deals. Seven FIFA offi- tem and a former close ally of Blatter, who has said bitter affair with allegations of behind-the-scenes dirty to clean up the scandal-tainted body in one four- cials have been detained but Blatter has not been he will stand down when the election is held on tricks. Blatter alleged in a Dutch newspaper interview year term and then stand down. The election cam- linked to any corruption case. February 26. “This is not a good situation for Michel that Platini warned him he faced prison if he did not paign, however, is becoming increasingly bitter. Chung, a member of the family that owns the and I think it is good for Michel Platini not to be a withdraw from the election for the head of the world “Today FIFA is undergoing a profound crisis. Hyundai conglomerate, vowed that if successful in candidate this time. He is still very young. body in May. Blatter won the vote but announced four Under these circumstances, the FIFA president must the election on February 26, 2016, he would serve “His problem is that he does not seem to appreci- days later that he would stand down. be a crisis manager and a reformer,” the 63-year-old just one term. “I can change FIFA in four years. That is ate the seriousness of the corruption crisis at FIFA.” Blatter told De Volkskrant that the warning was Chung, a former FIFA vice president, told a Paris my pledge to football fans in the world.” Chung said that Blatter and Platini once had a made to his brother. But German newspaper Die press conference. “The problem at FIFA is that those UEFA president Michel Platini, Brazil football leg- “father and son” relationship even though the Welt said on Sunday that Blatter was behind the dis- mired in corruption, the only thing they are interest- end Zico and Liberian Football Association chief Frenchman has turned against the FIFA leader. tribution of an article by a Swiss journalist which ed in is hiding the corruption,,” he added. Musa Bility have also announced they are candi- The South Korean football official said it was time lambasted Platini. UEFA has written to FIFA calling “The real reason FIFA has become such a corrupt dates. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, another former FIFA for the FIFA presidency to move away from Europe. for an investigation into the article. — AFP Van Gaal braced for playoff pressure game MANCHESTER: Manchester United (Rooney) in the striker’s position,” manager Louis van Gaal admits Van Gaal said. “So it is very amazing today’s Champions League play-off that after two matches you are against Club Brugge will be the doubting your own opinion so I can- most pressurised games of his not understand that. But I have tenure so far. always confidence in my players. The Red Devils host the Belgian “We don’t just have only Wayne Pro League side in the first leg at Old Rooney in the striker’s position. We Trafford today seeking a return to have Adnan Januzaj who played in European football’s elite competi- the USA pre-season in the striker’s tion after a one-season hiatus. position. Given the extra revenue that par- “I have given him that chance ticipation will generate United’s and he has shown he can do that. hierarchy made a place in the group We have Javier Hernandez and stage a key target for van Gaal, while James Wilson, so I don’t think we expectation among the club’s sup- have a lack of strikers.” porters remains high. Van Gaal restored Januzaj to the And when asked if the tie will starting line-up against Villa last represent the most significant Friday, but responded to claims that matches he has faced since he he underused the Belgium interna- replaced David Moyes as manager tional last season following the 20- the Dutchman agreed. year-old’s impressive breakthrough Van Gaal said: “Of course. under Moyes. Because the players want to partici- “Adnan has eight starts last sea- pate, and the board wants to partici- son and 13 substitutions so he pate, but especially the fans want to didn’t have any chances? This is not participate so the pressure is high. true, in my opinion,” explained the “There is a lot of pressure because 64-year-old. “He has to compete our aim and goal is to reach the with 23 or 24 other players. The Champions League. “This kind of characteristics of a young player is matches are difficult and because of he is not consistent. He has to show the draw I think it is much more dif- that. “Maybe he can show it this sea- ficult because we have drawn son. It is possible. In a club like Brugge and Brugge can defend very Manchester United never you have a well, and they can attack also. guarantee of a position in the top “It will be a difficult match and 11.” Januzaj has been linked with that is why the pressure is high. season-long loan moves to Everyone wants to participate in the Sunderland and Everton, but insists Champions League but first you he is happy at Old Trafford and has a have to beat Club Brugge.” good relationship with Van Gaal. Speaking at a pre-match press “I am happy at Manchester United conference ahead of the first leg, and I am happy the way the manager Van Gaal also addressed questions worked with me so I don’t have any regarding the subdued start to the Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal issues with that,” added the winger. SPAIN: Real Madrid’s defender and captain Sergio Ramos speaks during a press con- season made by United captain “The manager spoke to me a few ference announcing his contract renewal in Madrid. — AFP Hotspur and Aston Villa, but strug- three shots on target in both fix- Wayne Rooney. The England inter- gled to make an impact. tures, but Van Gaal’s faith in the 29- times and I can feel I am developing national has been deployed in a Rooney touched the ball once in year-old has not wavered. “I think all myself. I have not had a lot of games Man United riches not lone striker role in United’s Premier the penalty area, in injury time, the media has written for one year but this season maybe I get a few enough to sway Ramos League matches against Tottenham against Villa and has managed just and advised me I have to put him more opportunities to play.” — AFP MADRID: Real Madrid captain Sergio And Perez insisted Los Blancos needed Ramos insisted he wasn’t motivated by Ramos more than ever in the post-Casillas Palace win can be title money after ending speculation surround- era. “Sergio Ramos has won everything, but ing his future by signing a new five-year just like Real Madrid he wants more, there- deal with the club yesterday. fore we need him to maintain that desire,” turning point for Wenger Ramos had been courted by Manchester he said. United during a standoff in negotiations Despite holding an unwanted record as between his representatives and Madrid the Madrid player to have seen most red LONDON: Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal’s campaign, after an extended break following president Florentino Perez over the Spanish cards in the history of the club with a stag- gritty 2-1 win against Crystal Palace will Copa America duty, brought an extra menace international’s salary with his previous deal gering 19 dismissals, Ramos is a hero prove a significant moment in the Premier to the Gunners’ attacks. set to expire in 2017. According to Spanish amongst the Real support and is most League title race. Wenger admitted Sanchez was still short media reports, Ramos will earn up to 10 fondly remembered for scoring the goal Wenger’s side could ill-afford another set- of full fitness, but he was delighted with the million euros ($11.1 million, £7.1 million) a that saved Los Blancos from losing the season. “The circumstances of the renewal 2014 Champions League final to local rivals back after their embarrassing opening day Chilean’s commitment, epitomised by his have made it drawn out but my head and Atletico Madrid.