International Football
WORLD CUP STAR, GARY LINEKER AND SPORTS JOURNALIST, MARIA KOMANDNAYA CONDUCT WORLD CUP FINAL DRAW
Persistent critic of FIFA and former England striker Gary Lineker also winner of the adidas Golden Boot at Mexico 1986 World Cup is the main star of the Final Draw of the 2018 World Cup on Friday December 1 at Moscow’s State Kremlin.
According to information from FIFA, the scorer of 10 goals that ranks him among the top eight scorers at the World Cup will be joined on the stage by Russian sports journalist, Maria Komannava.
Information from FIFA has it that seven more draw assistants and presenters will be announced soon.
Lineker who has responded to social media attack on his aligning with FIFA is quoted as saying: “As a player, I was fortunate enough to take part in the World Cup finals on two occasions. It is quite special to be involved in yet another tournament — now on the stage, unveiling the results of the draw.
“I have been on the other side, waiting to find out my opponents, and I know how exciting this occasion is.”.
Lineker enjoyed a stellar international career, helping England to the Italy 1990 semi-finals as well as finishing top scorer in 1986. Since retiring from a successful career that included spells at Barcelona, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Nagoya Grampus Eight and his hometown club Leicester City, Lineker has become one of the most recognisable sports broadcasters in the United Kingdom.
He presents the BBC’s Match of the Day Premier League highlights programme as well as BT Sport’s UEFA Champions League coverage, the BBC’s UEFA EURO and World Cup coverage and was formerly the anchor of NBC and ESPN’s Premier League programming.
FIFA is equally delighted that one of its persistent critics accepted to be part of its programme. “We at FIFA are really pleased that Gary has accepted our invitation and that he will be with us for such an important occasion for the world of football.
“Following a football career as a legendary goal scorer, which was marked with a burning passion for the game, Gary continued in the same light as a football expert. His honest and open views together with his in-depth knowledge of the game greatly enrich the world of football journalism. It is therefore an honour that Gary will conduct the Final Draw for the World Cup in Russia,” said FIFA Deputy Secretary General Zvonimir Boban.
The Russian journalist, Komandnaya is one of the most well-known in Russia, with over a decade of experience across a range of media outlets on radio and television, including FOX Sports, Match TV and Moscow FM.
“The draw is an extraordinary time,” Komandnaya said. “Millions of fans are holding their breath, hoping their dreams will come true. It’s the time when the World Cup officially begins.
“I believe that football is a universal language, capable of bringing people together from all around the world. And it’s the time when all of us can speak football. I’m so thrilled to have the chance to help conduct one of the greatest sports events. I want to show fans how beautiful my country is and how excited we are to host the World Cup. We are so passionate about what we do, and about football. Believe me, it will be a truly extraordinary event.”
International Football
Two Moroccan football players lost at sea, says club official
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abdellatif-Akhrif.png)
Two Moroccan players from top-flight soccer side Ittihad Tanger have been missing at sea since Saturday after strong currents drifted their small yacht, a club official said on Sunday.
They were in a group of five players from the club who went cruising off the northern city of Tangier when strong currents and heavy winds drifted their yacht away as they were swimming in deep waters, club deputy president Anass Mrabet told Reuters.
“Three players have already been rescued on Saturday, while research is still ongoing for the missing Salman Harraq and Abdellatif Akhrif,” he said.
The players did not have buoys on them when they jumped from the small yacht to swim, he said citing recounts by rescued players.
While Akhrif, 24, is already a full member of the squad, Harraq, 18, was about to move up to the senior team this year, Mrabet added.
Ittihad Tanger have been in the Moroccan top flight since 2015 and won the league title for the first and only time in their history in the 2017-18 season. However, they have struggled in the lower half of the standings in recent years.
-Reuters
International Football
FIFA launches ‘Football Manager’ World Cup with $100,000 in prize money
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/arsene-wenger.jpg)
FIFA will host its first ever FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager this year to crown the best virtual manager on the highly-popular video game, world soccer’s governing body said on Thursday.
FIFA is partnering with Sports Interactive, the developers of the game that has sold millions of copies and has also been used by several football clubs to scout players and opponents thanks to its extensive database.
Players will compete for $100,000 in prize money in the final event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
“This competition requires participants to demonstrate a profound understanding of football strategy and tactics,” said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is the ambassador for the esports event.
“Success demands not only mastery of game mechanics but also in-depth football knowledge, making this format a fascinating blend.”
FIFA said in the inaugural year of the event, selected member associations will be invited to be represented at the final event.
Member associations from all six confederations are expected to be invited while players can sign up on FIFA’s website.
-Reuters
International Football
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio robbed at gunpoint
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/baggio.jpg)
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint at his home in northern Italy while watching his country’s match against Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament on Thursday, local police said.
Burglars broke into Baggio’s house near Vicenza, hit him on the head with a gun butt and locked him and his family in a room while they stole jewellery, watches and cash, daily Il Corriere della Sera reported. It said he suffered a deep wound.
“Luckily, the violence I suffered only resulted in a few stitches, bruises and a lot of fear. Now it is to overcome the fear,” Baggio was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA.
Baggio, 57, played for clubs including Juventus (JUVE.MI), opens new tab, AC Milan and Inter Milan. He also played 56 times for Italy, scoring 27 goals, and is widely seen as one of his country’s all-time greats.
After the robbery, Baggio, widely known as the “divine ponytail”, was treated at a local hospital where he received stitches for the head wound, Italian media reported.
Italy lost to Spain 1-0 on Thursday and now must avoid defeat by Croatia to guarantee progression in the tournament.
-Reuters
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