The Footy Mumble: 41 players banned, Benitez faces the sack!

Vilanova still out

Tito Vilanova’s long battle with cancer continues, as the Barcelona manager travelled to the United States to seek a second opinion on his illness.

He was forced to miss Barcelona’s 4-0 victory against Cordoba in the Copa Del Rey, and has already announced that he is still far from a full recovery.

He was again replaced by Jordi Roura on the bench, but Tito’s absence failed to affect Barca’s form on the field.

Swansea shock Chelsea

In yet another blow to Rafa Benitez, Chelsea are on the verge of exiting their third competition this season, after losing 2-0 to Swansea in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

And considering other (and better) managers have been sacked for less, Chelsea fans are unsurprisingly demanding a new manager.

If only Abramovich had been as deaf to his Chelsea seniors during AVB’s reign as he is to the fans now.

41 banned for match fixing!

In a shocking incident, 41 Korean footballers have been banned for match-fixing by FIFA.

The Korean Federation has also agreed to the sanctions. The players will have to spend considerable time in community service – coaching youngsters and disabled players – before they are allowed to return to the game after 2 to 5 years.

The match fixing took place in 2011 when over 50 players and six coaches were charged for the same.

Daily Transfer Updates

In today’s transfer news, Inter Milan have accepted a €10 million bid from Galatasaray for their star midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

The Turkish side has offered Sneijder €6 million in annual wages, but with the Dutch international in the prime of his career right now, it is highly doubtful he will move to the club just yet.

Meanwhile, David Beckham has been offered £20 million for two years to join the Qatar Stars League reportedly.

The Sun claims the midfielder could also be asked to act as PR ambassador at the end of the contract for the 2022 World Cup. Considering England lost out to Qatar for the hosting rights, it seems unlikely he’ll do so.

Video of the Day

In today’s Video of the Day, check out an amazing show of skill by Cristiano Ronaldo and his cameraman too!