On the twelfth edition of Football Circus, Football Circus will send to you: One sexist head of FIFA, one Romanian footballer who wants to adopt a baby found in a sewage pipe and one lottery winner who decided to buy a footballer. No golden rings nor partridges in pear trees though, what do you think it is, Christmas?
Mutu Aims to Adopt Baby found in Sewage Pipe
Last week the world was touched by a news story involving the discovery of a newborn baby who was stuck in a sewage pipe in Zhejiang, China. The baby had been abandoned by his mother who feared a backlash resulting from China's family planning laws. Millions across the world saw footage of medics relentlessly working to cut the baby from the pipe, after the baby's cries were heard.
One of those watching was former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. The Romanian who now plays for AC Ajaccio has told Romanian TV that he was so overwhelmed by the footage that he intends to adopt the baby. Mutu stated:
"I intend to adopt this baby. I couldn't figure out how to carry on living, how to eat my breakfast when I saw this story on TV. He's a special child. When I saw the baby I said 'I must adopt him, he has been sent to me by God.'
"Just look at this poor little fellow. He made such a strong impression on me. I told my wife we have to help him, we have to do everything we can".
"I never thought I would adopt a baby, I had no plan concerning that, but I just know: I have to help this one."
The striker and father of three may encounter difficulties on his quest to adopt however as China has a list of just seventeen countries whose citizens can adopt Chinese children. As things stand, Romania is not on the list.
Blatter Puts His Foot in it
Sepp Blatter has never been known as a man of particular decorum. For example, once asked about an alleged affair between John Terry and the girlfriend of then teammate Wayne Bridge, the FIFA head commented "Listen, this is a special approach in the Anglo-Saxon countries. If this had happened in let's say Latin countries, then I think he would have been applauded". Asked about how a player subjected to racism should react, Blatter answered "He should say that this is a game. We are in a game, and at the end of the game, we shake hands, and this can happen, because we have worked so hard against racism and discrimination". Perhaps more poignant to this particular news piece, when once asked how to raise the profile of the women's game, he replied, "Let the women play in more feminine clothes like they do in volleyball. They could, for example, have tighter shorts. Female players are pretty, if you excuse me for saying so, and they already have some different rules to men – such as playing with a lighter ball. That decision was taken to create a more female aesthetic, so why not do it in fashion?".
This week he's been at it again. A landmark decision to appoint a woman to FIFA's executive committee has been met with widespread applause throughout most parts of the media. The woman in question was Lydia Nsekera of Burundi. She will be joined by Moya Dodd and Sonia Bien-Aime, who will take up positions as co-opted members. Blatter could have used the opportunity to prove his mindset has changed in recent years, but instead foolishly remarked "Say something ladies, you are always speaking at home, now you can speak here". He further compounded matters by describing Dodd as "good and good-looking".
Norweigan Lottery Winner Buys Footballer
It's conversation topic that has been brought up in school yards, bars and at football grounds amongst fans for years - If you won the lottery, do you think it would be possible to buy a footballer? Well Norwegian Yngvar Borgersen has done just that. Well 25% of it at least!
Having last month won €13 million in the Euro Millions lottery, the Odd Grenland supporter has donated 2.5 million kroner to the club in order that they may hang on to talented young defender Fredrik Semb Berge. Grenland are struggling in the Norwegian league and are at pains to stave off potential suitors who have been sniffing around Berge. By no means financial giants either, Grenland's hand may have been forced should a large bid been made for Berge.
With generous Borgersen's donation, they need not worry about the financial implications of keeping their player at the club and can now focus on improving their league position. Should they eventually opt to cash in on Berge, the lottery winner will receive 25% of the transfer fee.
"I sat and thought about what I could do locally, and the answer was Odd. They have a good profile and mean a lot for the local community", Borgensen said of his decision.
Berge also seemed satisfied with the development - "It means that Odd can get more money for me and that they don’t have to sell me at any price".
The Magic 8 Ball Transfer Rumour Oracle
This rumour has been doing the rounds all week and would prove quite a shock were it to come to fruition.
WAYNE ROONEY TO ARSENAL
(As reported here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2336222/Wayne-Rooney-Arsenal-target-fed-midfield-role.html and here http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/06/06/exclusive-arsenal-close-in-on-sensational-deal-to-sign-wayne-rooney-as-man-united-striker-indicates-interest-in-gunners-move/)
Magic 8 Ball Says...
"I HAVE MY DOUBTS"
Italian Football Story of the Week
- Genoa President Attacks Journalist
Genoa president Enrico Preziosi is feeling the pressue. He saw his team finish just one spot above relegation this season in Serie A and now amid rumours that he is to sell the club, he has lashed out at a journalist who attempted to confront him regarding the matter.
The journalist from a local newspaper was kicked by Preziosi when he approached him. Preziosi proceeded to prise the journalist's camera from his hands and smash it on the ground. What Preziosi failed to realise was that the fracas was being filmed on a camera phone by an onlooker and can now be seen via the link below:
It's not the first time Preziosi has been under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. He has been fined and banned on numerous occasions during his tenure as Genoa president for actions ranging from entering the field of play and illegal transfer dealings.
A dodgy Italian football president? Who would have thought it?!
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I'm sure Mutu's clean and health lifestyle will be a massive plus in his adoption proposal.
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