It’s Black-Out Fergie!

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson maintains his black-out of the BBC, refusing to speak to the British State media outlet despite a Premier League regulation that soccer coaches have to provide information to the “Beeb”. The result? Manchester United will pay the 60,000 GBP in fines.

And why? Because of a BBC report in a documentary in 2004 on Jason Ferguson, Sir Alex’s son, in the context of his work as an agent. Meanwhile what is the soccer gossip?

Manchester City’s Brazilian striker Robinho does not seem set to head for Turkey, after a Fenerbahçe spokesperson described rumours linking him to the club as “speculation”, according to…the BBC. Outwards from Manchester City’s Eastlands Stadium is Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz, on loan to Roma (can anyone explain that?)

Meanwhile Liverpool FC is said to be the subject of a take-over bid from “an overseas buyer” for around half a billion GBP…possibly in October, according to British businessman Keith Harris.

In Madrid, José Mourinho has stated that his club, Real, is probably not going to sign Chelsea FC’s Didier Drogba or Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor.

In Russia, the news is that FC Rubin Kazan have signed Brazilian forward Carlos Eduardo (23), from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, for 20 million EURO. FC Rubin Kazan have signed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's Brazilian international midfielder Carlos Eduardo on a four-year contract.

In the Champions League play-offs, Hapoel Tel-Aviv sent FC Salzburg out after the second leg, 4-3 on aggregate; FC Basel go through after beating FC Sheriff 4-0 over two games; Portugal’s SC Braga beat Spain’s FC Sevilla 5-3 on aggregate; Werder Bremen beat Sampdoria 5-4 over the two legs and finally, Belgrade’s FK Partizan knocked out Anderlecht after two 2-2 draws, 3-2 on penalties.

Aleksei FEDEROV

PRAVDA.Ru