La Liga reportedly wants to introduce video referees next season. The decision "was taken before" an officiating controversy on Sunday in Barcelona's game against Real Betis. A goal "was not awarded to Barcelona in the second half, even after replays showed the ball going over the line." The plan is to "introduce video referees, on a trial basis, in the finals of the Copa del Rey and if it works it will be applied in other competitions" (SUPERDEPORTE, 1/30).
ManU Manager José Mourinho said that he turned down a "big offer" to go to China. The 54-year-old did not disclose which club made the proposal but said that he would not criticize anyone "who made a highly lucrative move to the developing Chinese Super League." He said, "I have already refused a big offer to go to China, but I don't criticize anyone who decides to do it. It's their choice, their life. Only they can decide what they need for their future. Other managers in the Premier League have been critical, but I am no critic" (AFP, 1/30).
Football Federation Australia has rejected Wellington’s claims that players "suffered heatstroke during Adelaide’s A-League scorcher and defended its call not to push back the mid-afternoon kick-off time." The "controversial issue of heat and player welfare again came under the spotlight on Sunday when the Phoenix and Reds struggled through a sweltering 2-2 draw at Coopers Stadium." Despite drink breaks at 15-minute intervals, "one player vomited at half-time and another was disorientated as the mercury climbed" to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. According to FFA, those conditions "do not even warrant a drinks break under the rules let alone a delayed kick-off" (AAP, 1/30).
League Championship side Aston Villa "sacked a scout accused of sexually abusing boys" in '88 but did not alert police, it has been claimed. Ted Langford later "admitted sex offences" dating from '76 until leaving the club in '89. Former Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion defender Tony Brien "waived his right to anonymity to speak about the abuse he suffered at the hands of Langford from the age of 12." Brien’s revelations "are the latest in a long line of personal testimonies uncovered" as the FA’s independent inquiry into historical child sex abuse "continues to gather pace" (PA, 1/30).
La Liga side Sevilla President Jose Castro "condemned a violent attack on a Sevilla supporters' club in Barcelona on Saturday." The club reported on its official website that "20 masked people carrying truncheons had damaged the club, with the attack taking place while more than 200 members celebrated its 10th anniversary." Marca reported police were called to the scene and several Sevilla fans were "taken to hospital" (ESPN.com, 1/30).
The Spanish Superior Sports Council's (CSD) board of directors is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to "approve of the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) new electoral regulations." CSD President José Ramón Lete "will take the final step so that a presidential election can be scheduled" (AS, 1/30).
