Mexico's Liga MX Puts Five Year Hold on Promotion, Relegation; Gokulam Kerala president on Premature End of I-League and More (Football Round-up)
Liga MX confirmed that 12 second-division (Ascenso MX) clubs are going to get yearly payments of almost $1million from the top flight in the next five years (Pic: Liga MX).
Liga MX president Enrique Bonilla announced it is going to scrap promotion and relegation for the next five years. Mexico's top and the second-tier Ascenso MX were postponed to an uncertain date last month. A voting for the same took place via a video meeting between the 18 Liga MX owners on April 18, The promotion and relegation decision was taken after 12 teams in Ascenso MX supported it.
Bonilla also confirmed that 12 second-division clubs are going to get guaranteed yearly payments of almost $1million from the top flight during that period, with Ascenso MX looking to encourage inclusion of young Mexican players in squads.
The 2020 Ascenso MX season was cancelled with no crowned champions due to the coronavirus crisis.
Gokulam Kerala president on I-League
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is likely to announce that this season's I-League is officially over. Even though Mohun Bagan was crowned champions with four matches remaining, the second to 11th positions on the standings were yet to be decided.
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“We were hopeful of completing the league, but the central government's recommendation that no sporting event can be held till July has more or less left us with little options,” Gokulam Kerala president VC Praveen told an online publication.
Gokulam had scored 22 points from 15 matches, and was in a position to secure the runners-up spot. The Kerala club was just a point behind the second-placed East Bengal, who played an extra game.
While no team is likely to get promoted or relegated, Bagan's merger with ATK, could fetch one team a promotion in the next edition of the league.
Sarri reveals 'conflicted relationship' at Chelsea
Mauricio Sarri (Pic: Twitter)
Maurizio Sarri admitted he misses the Premier League, but the former Chelsea top boss also revealed that he had to overcome "conflicted relationships" with his squad at Stamford Bridge. Sarri spent the 2018-19 season with the Blues but then moved on to Juventus only after a single season, which saw their Europa League final victory over rivals Arsenal.
Sarri accepted he misses England's top flight, even if living in the country was not for him.
"You get the feeling young people get lots more opportunities in England, not just in football," Sarri said.
“Having said that, I would never live there. I don't understand how Italians who live there do it! As for football, it's a different story. I miss the Premier League. It has an extraordinary technical level and an incredible atmosphere.”
“I've never heard a chant going against someone inside a stadium and the fans all come together outside,” he added.
Serie A Cancellation Debate
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina called out those who were against the resumption of the 2019-20 Serie A season, and said those against it "don't like football or Italians". Serie A was suspended in March due to the rise in the number of coronavirus cases and now FIGC stated that the campaign will not resume until the health and safety of everyone is not guaranteed.
Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora is hopeful that the May 4 date for the return to training for Serie A players will happen. Restrictions on movement in Italy are on till May 3.
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"I share the minister Spadafora's hope of resuming on May 4, with all due caution and guarantees," Gravina told Rai Radio.
"It's a complex moment for our country, economy and football, which is one of the most important industries. With a sense of responsibility, availability and common sense, we'll find the right way.
De Bruyne Unsure If He had Covid-19
Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is currently recovering from an illness and the Manchester City star claims he is unsure if it was coronavirus. De Bruyne and his family were feeling unwell for almost two weeks, but the Belgian international was not able to find out if he and his family had the virus or not.
“I am doing well, to be honest,” De Bruyne told a sports channel on Friday.
“The first two weeks my family was sick so it was a little bit like up and down, but now they are all healthy.
With De Bruyne recovered, the midfielder is trying to keep as fit as he can while adhering to social distancing rules.
“Well, the first two weeks was a little bit weird because I don't know what's going on,” De Bruyne said.
“Then I managed to get a treadmill. I was swimming a little bit because I'm lucky to have a pool downstairs.
The Premier League is suspended indefinitely because of the pandemic, but there remains a chance play will resume this season.
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