Nick Dorrington on how footballers’ private lives are rich in gossip for sections of the Peruvian media, whether the stories are true are not
On the corner of every third street in every medium-sized Peruvian town people gather to stare intently at newsstands with an awe that suggests the advent of print press is still, to them, a new phenomenon. Very few of them ever buy the newspapers and magazines displayed; it is the headlines on the front and back pages that stick with them for the rest of the day.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - The Archive
Footballing tensions in Ireland have worsened recently over several cases of defection and perceived poaching, reports Aaron Rogan
Gerry Armstrong’s goal against Spain in the 1982 World Cup finals will live long in the memories of Northern Ireland supporters. His new role within the Irish Football Association (IFA) could be vital for the future success of the national team. Over the last few years, the south’s Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has begun selecting an increasing number of northern-born and capped players to represent the Republic. Armstrong has been appointed as “elite player mentor” to persuade younger players to stay within the north’s set up.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - The Archive
Following industrial action Spanish law has changed. Dermot Corrigan hopes the result is more responsible action from clubs
A most welcome wind of change may just be blowing through Spanish football, sparked by a players’ strike before the first round of fixtures. Twenty Primera División and La Segunda matches were postponed in August after the Spanish players’ union (AFE) head José Luis Rubiales led his players out in a dispute over €58 million (£50m) in unpaid wages. This is due to 200 first and second division footballers at seven different clubs.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - The Archive
Everyone resents forking out for a humilating defeat but Tom Lines ponders if refunds miss the point of being a supporter
Arsenal’s decision to cover the cost of a future game for fans who witnessed their 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford in August is the latest in an alarming and seemingly growing trend where supporters are reimbursed for poor performances by their team.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - Book reviews
Pm Doutreligne is proud to support a Brussels club with a singular history, and opposes a merger with local rivals
In August my team, Union Saint-Gilloise, played a pre-season friendly, five miles away at FC Brussels. Although both based in the Belgian capital, the two clubs could hardly be any more different.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - The Archive