Most football fans will be thinking Chelsea’s ban on transfers for two windows for alleged inducement of an under-18 player from Lens will at least even things up a bit.
That would be more the case if Manchester City had not been bought out last year.
But within the ruling lies a confirmed policy that could affect Arsenal’s youth recruitment policy. UEFA is keen to introduce a rule preventing the international transfer of players under the age of 18 after member associations, clubs, leagues and players agreed to the principle.
Michel Platini said: “The question of minors is above all a moral and ethical issue. We have a duty to take concrete steps to protect young players and training clubs.”
Meanwhile Arsenal are to appeal against the two-match ban imposed by UEFA on striker Eduardo for alleged ‘diving’ in a Champions League match last week.
“We strongly believe that the decision taken is deeply flawed and not based on any forensic view of the video evidence available,” Arsenal said in a statement on Thursday. “There are obvious errors and inconsistencies in UEFA’s judgement and we intend to appeal.” Wenger called the charge disgraceful.
Arsenal fans will be gobsmacked that Tomas Rosicky could play in the World Cup qualifier againat Slovakia on Saturday after not playing in a competitive match for Arsenal since January 2008.
But rules is rules. Czech coach Ivan Hasek said Rosicky “is in full training with his team, therefore I consider him healthy.”
Rosicky said: “I still feel I can help and this is a booster, so even if I’m not at my best I can play all right.”
The Czech admitted Arsene Wenger ‘was not really happy’, “but I think there’s no reason why I shouldn’t play as long as I’m ready for the game. Of course it’s not ideal, but manager Wenger understands how important the game is for us,” he said.
Just the sort of high intensity game for an injury prone player who isn’t match-fit.