Indian Football Association is overwhelmed by inquiries from all across the world. Both IFA and CMG are expecting for a phenomenal response. Utpal Ganguli told that he is sure that IPL television right holders would be concerned about Premier League Soccer. He further stated that he is not challenging anyone, but looking at the extraordinary response, he is sure that Indian Premier League will be no match for this new football league.

The next stage of auction for the Indian footballers will take place on 12th February and their base price of Rs. 2 – 3 lakh. This IPL style tournament will have 35 matches with 5 knockout ties. PLS winners will get Rs. 50 lakh as prize money. The tournament will see the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Hernan Crespo and Robert Pires as icon players and there will also be several well known coaches for the teams. According to reports, the pre-season camp will begin from 3rd March.

FIFA has asked India to bid for the U-17 World Cup. The executive committee will be selecting the host nation in March. Kushal Das, the secretary of All India Football Federation stated that the federation is gearing up to put forward the bid by 15th March.

AIFF Secretary said that they are making a professionally worked out document and if the FIFA Executive members grant the world cup to India, then it will be the biggest tournament in the sub-continent. He also added that the government has to pass a declaration to FIFA that it would back the tournament.

Union sports minister Ajay Maken stated that the government has always been supportive in these kinds of efforts.

If India gets to secure the rights to host the cup, then it will be India’s first ever U-17 World Cup as they will automatically qualify as the host nation.

He was in charge of Real Madrid from 1974 to 1977. During his tenure, he won two league titles and one King’s Cup.

He also coached other famous football clubs like Red Star and Valencia. During 1982-83, he was dismissed from Valencia for poor results. He coached the Yugoslavian national team in two spells between 1973 to 1974 and 1979 to 1982.

Miljani? was born in Bitolj. He played for Red Star Belgrade in his career as a player. As a coach, he was known for new defensive tactics.

European football giant Real Madrid said on their website: “Real Madrid wishes to express its deepest condolences to his family,”

“Miljanic left a great impression at the club both professionally and personally.”

Gerrard has spent his entire football career at Anfield. He said that this is the club he loved and supported since he was a boy. He added that he is still living the dream as the captain of one of the world’s biggest clubs. After his career ends at Anfield, he will be working as an ambassador for the club.

In recent times, the midfielder had some fitness issues and he had appeared only ten times in last five months.

“I’m very happy. It’s a very proud day for myself and my family.” the England international quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

“I love coming to work every day and the experiences I have had since I was eight years of age and first signed for the club, I wouldn’t change them for the world. To extend that and to hopefully have some more good times in a red shirt is what I want.” added Gerrard.

India lost the match 4 – 0 to the Bavarians. All the four goals were scored in the first half as the Indians were completely outplayed. In the second half, India played maturely and did not allow the German club to score further. The youngsters, in the second half, showed that with the right facilities, they can improve both tactically and technically.

Mario Gomez scored the first goal. Thomas Mueller scored two and Bastian Schweinsteiger added one for the visitors.

30000 fans, present in the stadium, gave standing ovation when he left the pitch for the very last time wearing national team’s colors.

After the match, the former captain said that they got carried away, during the first half, by the huge names present in the opposition. Speaking about his future plans, Bhaichung said that he will be playing domestic football for the next 2 – 3 years and he wants to see his own club United Sikkim promoted in the I-League and turn into one of India’s best club.

City captain Vincent Kompany sent off in early minutes, making it quite difficult for the defending champions to come back in the match. United took full advantage of the controversial decision.

Roony scored twice in the match and Danny Welbeck added another one for the Red Devils. Aleksandar Kolarov scored the first goal for City and the second goal was scored by Sergio Aguero.

After the match, City coach, Roberto Mancini stated that they will appeal against Kompany’s red card as they think it was not a red card. “We will appeal,” said Roberto Mancini “I am sure we will win.” But he chooses not to criticize referee Chris Foy. He told, “I don’t want to talk about the referee because I want to stay on the bench for the next game.

Henry has always expressed his weakness for Gunners, and this time hes admitted that he could not say no to his for former club. He is an all time leading goal scorer with 226 goals and made 370 appearances from 1999 to 2007.

Arsenal stated on their official website, “Thierry Henry has today rejoined Arsenal on a short-term loan deal.”

“After negotiations between Arsenal, Henry, the New York Red Bulls and Major League Soccer, the striker will team up with the Gunners on a temporary basis during a period of fixtures in January and February that will see Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh depart for Africa Cup of Nations duty.”

Henry is currently under contract with the Major League Soccer team New York Red Bulls. Henry joined the north London club in 1999, from the Italian club Juventus. He and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger share a very good rapport and Henry was an integral part of the ‘invincible’ in 2003 – 04 season when the Gunners were unbeaten during the whole season. He won two FA Cups, two Premier League and won the Golden boot four times while playing for Arsenal. In 2007, he joined Barcelona before joining New York Red Bulls in 2010.

Last night, Berbatov got his first league start in last 3 months. One of his goals came from the penalty spot. Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia scored the other two goals for the Red Devils.

After the match, delighted Ferguson said, “It was the right game for Dimitar,”

“I needed his height in terms of set-piece play against us and he weighed in with a hat-trick.

“We are really pleased for him. It helps his confidence. He has not had the best start to the season in terms of selection because of the options I have, with Welbeck, Rooney and Hernandez.”

In another match, West Brom’s performance denied city a victory. Balotelli’s shot hit the bar once. West Brom, too, has some chances, but both the teams were unable to break the deadlock.

Monday EPL Results

• Chelsea 1 – 1 Fulham (Stamford Bridge, London)
• West Bromwich Albion 0 – 0 Manchester City (The Hawthorns, West Bromwich)
• Sunderland 1 – 1 Everton (Stadium of Light, Sunderland)
• Manchester United 5 – 0 Wigan Athletic (Old Trafford, Manchester)
• Liverpool 1 – 1 Blackburn Rovers (Anfield, Liverpool)
• Bolton Wanderers 0 – 2 Newcastle United (Reebok Stadium, Bolton)
• Stoke City 0 – 0 Aston Villa (Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent)

In this calendar year, the Delhi boy has played 17 matches for the national team and scored 13 goals, which is also the highest by any Indian player in this year. In his 20 club appearances, he scored 11 goals.

Chetri won the player of the tournament and has been declared as the man of the match in all of India’s matches in the recently concluded SAFF Championship.

Overwhelmed Chetri told AIFF’s website, “It’s the highest recognition for an Indian footballer and I am honored to receive the award for the second time. At a time when I confined to my home with my plastered leg, this is perhaps, the best Christmas and New Year present. The Year started off well for me and ends in the best possible fashion. I’m elated. The Award explains that I’m improving with every given day.”

For Barcelona, Messi scored the first goal in the 17th minute. Xavi made it 2 – 0 only after seven minutes. Former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas scored the third and finally Messi sealed the fourth goal for Barca at the 82nd minute.

Thrilled Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said, “My players were like artists……Whatever they envisaged in their minds, they were able to do on the pitch. It was an incredible performance.”

Guardiola insisted that they do not have any secret formula for success. They just want to control the midfield and exploit space.

“There is no special secret to our success. I am just blessed to work with such terrific players who want to keep on winning. They deserve all the credit.” added the Barca coach.

Messi has been announced Man of the Tournament. He stated that it is nice to be the world champions, but it is a team effort.

After the match, Muricy Ramalho, the coach of Santos told that Barca is invincible, they are the greatest team in the world; no team can live with them; they are unbeatable at the moment. Neymar, the Brazilian sensation looked shell-shocked. He stated that it is impossible to stop Barcelona.