SOCCER SHORTS Serie AInter Milan have said that a group of Chinese investors is to become its second-largest shareholder. In a statement, the Italian football club said the group would acquire a stake but that the Moratti family would retain control.
Internazionale Holding also said it would build a new stadium in partnership with a unit of China Railway Construction by 2017.
The Serie A club is looking to increase its presence in Asia. It is thought that Chinese interests will take a 15 per cent stake in the famous Italian club, which won the Scudetto and Champion’s League in 2010.
The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but there are reports the agreement is worth nearly €57 million.
Inter Milan did not confirm the identity of the investors but it is widely reported by Chinese media that China Railway Construction Group is the key player in the deal. The deal is being seen in Italy as just one more sign of the economic times – an Italian institution with money worries turning for help to the limitless resources of a rising China.
Juventus coach Conte to face trial
Serie AJuventus coach Antonio Conte will face a sporting trial for match-fixing after an attempt to reach a plea bargain broke down yesterday when the soccer federation's prosecutor demanded he be banned for 15 months.
Conte, who led Juventus to the Serie A title last season, is accused of failing to report match-fixing in two games in the 2010-11 season when he was coach of Siena, then in Serie B.
On Wednesday, the Italian football federation (FIGC) tribunal said a proposed three-month ban agreed between Conte’s lawyers and the federation prosecutor Stefano Palazzi was insufficient.
It called for them to come up with a tougher penalty proposal or to go to a full sporting trial.
Frantic negotiations failed yesterday and Juventus President Andrea Agnelli blasted the federation, accusing it of incompetence and launching an unjustified “new attack” on the club.
The federation has said it aims to reach a verdict by August 10th.
Aston Villa confirm club captain Petrov in remission
Premier LeagueStiliyan Petrov (33) has been given good news in his battle with acute leukaemia after the Bulgarian international's club Aston Villa confirmed yesterday that the disease was now in remission.
"It is with great delight that the club can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan's acute leukaemia is in remission," a statement said on Villa's website ( www.avfc.co.uk).
“Stan would like to take this opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the medical staff who have looked after him so well since his condition was diagnosed just over four months ago.
“He also wishes to place on record again his profound sense of appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and support he has received from Villa fans, his team-mates and colleagues at the club, as well as football fans and many more people around the world during this period.”
Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March after he developed a fever following a Premier League match against Arsenal. He has played more than 100 times for his country.
King names squad to face Turkey in Sligo
Under-21sSean Scannell, Adam Barton and Conor Henderson are amongst the players recalled by Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Noel King for the European championship qualifier against Turkey in Sligo on Tuesday week.
Ireland currently lie third in their qualification group, six points behind leaders Italy but with a game in hand.
“The Turkey game is massive for us,” says King. “We have three very big games left in the group but we have to pick up where we left off against Italy in June.” The 10 group winners and four runners-up with the best record against the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the play-offs. The finals take place next summer in Israel.
– EMMET MALONE
Arsenal closing in on deals for Cazorla and Sahin
Transfer newsArsenal are working on deals to sign Santi Cazorla from Malaga permanently and midfielder Nuri Sahin on loan from Real Madrid. The transfer of Cazorla, a 27-year-old Spain international, is complicated by Malaga's financial problems but he will have a medical this week.
Turkey international Sahin (23) will join on a season-long basis if the player and clubs reach an agreement. Arsenal hope both deals can be sealed before the new campaign gets under way. A medical has not yet been scheduled for Sahin.
Doubts remain over the future of captain Robin van Persie, who has said he will not extend his current contract which expires in 2013. The pursuit of Cazorla and Sahin has been accelerated by news that Jack Wilshere will not play before October as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Cazorla, who joined Malaga from Villarreal last summer, featured for Spain at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. Real Madrid signed Sahin from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year contract in May 2011 but he has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu.
