The FA "is at risk of being punished as early as the historic friendly in the Republic of Ireland next month, following the unveiling of the world governing body’s anti-discrimination monitoring system at Wembley" on Tuesday. The system will involve World Cup qualifiers -- and high-risk friendlies -- being scrutinized for any discriminatory behavior, "which one of its architects, Piara Powar, of Football Against Racism in Europe, confirmed would include anti-IRA chants." Any association whose supporters are found guilty faces sanctions that range from a fine of £20,000 ($31,500) "all the way up to disqualification from a competition" (London TELEGRAPH, 5/13). ... Wednesday's Champions League semifinal between Real
Madrid and Juventus "could be the last tie with the potential to be
decided on the 'away goals rule' if Europe's top coaches have their way." UEFA is "contemplating scrapping the rule after some heavyweight
lobbying from managers around the continent and they are backed by
former Scotland manager, Andy Roxburgh" (HERALD SCOTLAND, 5/13). ... Turkish Football Federation Chair Yıldırım Demirören said that some Turkish clubs "may not compete in UEFA tournaments because of financial problems." Demirören said that due to the financial structures of the clubs, more challenging times "might be ahead for Turkish football." He said that Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor have made a deal with UEFA "and have been under scrutiny." Further Bursaspor, which was also banned by UEFA, and Galatasaray, which was under scrutiny, however, "are not in any danger" (DAILY SABAH, 5/12).
