FIFA Chief Investigator Michael Garcia has been declared persona non grata and put on a "black list" by the Russian government. He is one of 18 U.S. citizens on the list who will be denied any entry to Russia (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 4/14). ... The Kazakhstan football federation "has poured cold water on the hopes of Georgian Football Federation President Zviad Sichinava," who is pushing to submit plans to UEFA for a united football league for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan, "which he claims would be able to attract significant investment." Sichinava: "The Baltic States likewise want to have a united league." Sichinava said that "Azerbaijan had agreed to the plan." The Football Federation Of Kazakhstan announced "that it has no plans to unite with the league of any country" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 4/15). ... AC Milan board member Barbara Berlusconi has maintained "that her family has no interest in selling the Serie A giant" (SOCCEREX, 4/15). ... Asian football champions Japan "will host Copa America winners Uruguay in an August friendly" after Japanese coach Alberto Zaccheroni pleaded to the Japan FA for tougher competition. The clash will take place at the Miyagi Stadium on Aug. 14 (REUTERS, 4/15). ... Asian club champions Urawa Reds will play EPL side Arsenal "in a home friendly this summer." Arsenal will take on the Gunners at Saitama Stadium 2002 on July 26 (THE JAPAN TIMES, 4/12).
