Full 90: International Champions Cup is Champion

After a widely popular Guinness International Champions Cup, Relevent Sports plans to expand the North American tournament to Asia next year. The North American tournament will maintain the same format of eight teams, while the Asian tournament will feature four or six teams. While he International Champions Cup is essentially a friendly campaign, hosting dual international tournaments will be a profound step if it permits MLS teams to face-off and gain global exposure alongside the mega-clubs of Europe and the rest of the world.

Full 90: Plans for new U.S. Soccer National Training Center revealed

U.S. Soccer has arrived. Here’s how I know:

Full 90: Amid sport, a global unifier, racism continues to divide

Actions speak louder than words.

During a week soiled with racism in sports, one commissioner, Adam Silver, appeased the public with his banishment of Los Angles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, while one player’s actions, Barcelona’s Dani Alves, ignited a social media campaign to fight racism in soccer. Adam Silver’s decision to ban Sterling will serve as the template for the league’s zero-tolerance policy for racist behavior. The commissioner’s action has been met with great support by team owners, players, and fans worldwide. Conversely, a battle to erase longstanding racism in soccer is only just beginning.

NBCUniversal Unveils Comprehensive "Championship Sunday" Programming

NBCUniversal unveiled its “Championship Sunday” programming for May 11^th, the final day of the Barclay’s Premier League. Less than a month away, NBCUniversal will execute its most inclusive broadcast of the Premier League in the United States. What is queuing up to be a day of high-stakes and rollercoasters-of-emotion, all 10 matches will be broadcasted simultaneously across NBC’s family of networks. The race for the title and escape from relegation will begin at 10 am ET. Below are the participating networks 

Full 90: Barca Slapped with 14-month Transfer Ban

Football’s golden-child was slapped with a 14-month ban for the illegal signing of international minors. What came as a shock to many Barcelona fans, the Catalonian-club should have seen this coming. After all, it was a year ago that FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, publicly warned Barcelona of amending its unethical recruitment tactics. Apparently Barca didn’t think FIFA would act on its words.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Pokemon Stadium

 

The teams have been selected and the World Cup is just around the corner. There has been a last minute team added to the cup this year, and it happens the be comprised of Pikachu and friends. Yes, there will be Pokémon in the stadium this year! If you don’t get that joke it probably just means you didn’t grow up glued to a Nintendo 64 like I did. It’s ok though, all you need to know is that Adidas, The Pokémon Company, and Japan’s National Team will be teaming up in a new exciting marketing plan. 

Full 90: MLS Pulls Plug on Chivas USA

Recently it was announced by Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber that the league had purchased Chivas USA from owners Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes. Vergara, an owner of the MLS franchise since it’s inaugural season in 2004, and Fuentes joining the ownership team in 2012, can now lay to rest the the running-joke of the MLS. Chivas USA, based in Cason, California, will now maintain ownership by MLS until the league can select an appropriate replacement. Effective immediately, the league will assume all club operations.

Full 90: Madrid rated top revenue-generator by Deloitte Football Money League; 9th year running

Real Madrid sits atop Deloitte’s Football Money League for the ninth year in a row with €518.9 million in revenue last season. The Football Money report lists the top 20 revenue generating clubs worldwide as it examines three forms of revenue: broadcasting, commercial, and matchday. This 17^th edition of Football Money features clubs from England (6), Italy (4), Germany (4), Spain (3), Turkey (2), and France (1). Yes I said, Turkey. The Money League is considered to be the “most contemporary and reliable analysis of the clubs’ relative financial performance” and is composed by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

Full 90: Winter Wonderland in Qatar?

On Wednesday FIFA’s general secretary, Jerome Valcke, reported to a French radio station that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will not be held during the usual months of June and July. Instead, due to extreme summer heat in Qatar, the 2022 tournament will take place in the winter. Valcke admits that he believes the tournament will take place between November 15th and January 15th at the latest. “If you play between November 15 and the end of December that’s the time when the weather conditions are best, when you can play in temperatures equivalent to a warm spring season in Europe.” Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, has since told the media that Valcke’s comments are not conclusive, rather they are the personal opinion of Valcke.

Under Further Review: A World Away In A Desert

"FIFA cannot sit by and see greed rule the football world. Nor shall we." - Sepp Blatter, FIFA President.

A world away somewhere in a desert in the Middle East in the oil-rich country of Qatar people are dying. That's the reality of it, no matter how sad or bleak it may sound. Qatar is making the riots across Brazil look humane and controlled. And to think we are still nine years away from the 2022 World Cup.

HIO: NBC Ready for English Premier League

On Saturday, the English Premier League kicks off a new season. Aside from the usual managerial changes and player moves in the offseason, soccer fans in the U.S. should be excited for another reason. NBC will be broadcasting every match of the season, either on air or online.

MLS Announces Plans for Expansion

Perhaps the biggest storyline from Wednesday’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game came at halftime when MLS Commissioner Don Garber revealed the league’s plan to expand to 24 teams by 2020. This news comes as a clear sign of Garber’s commitment to developing the MLS brand and the continuing identification of new markets within North America.

Drexel SMTSU - The Sports Biz Report - Soccer in America

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An Evening with Ethan Zohn

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Global Scope: FIFA Club World Cup

The world's most popular sporting event is the FIFA World Cup, an international football competition played by the top 32 national teams from all the continents. The World Cup is hosted by a different country every four years since 1930, and the last World Cup was in 2010 hosted by South Africa and won by Spain. The next FIFA World Cup will be held in Brazil for the second time (1930, 2014). 

The World Cup is the major tournament where different nations can test their quality against each other, and from all over the world. When dealing with club football there is only one tournament every year where teams from all over the world can play each other, the FIFA Club World Cup. The Club World Cup has been organized entirely by FIFA in its current format since 2000, with a brief interruption of four years and a few modifications here and there. In the past the title of "World Champion" came from a match played between the champion of South America versus the champion of Europe. As of 2012, most teams qualify to the FIFA Club World by winning their continental competitions, be it the Asian AFC Champions League, African CAF Champions League, North American CONCACAF Champions League, South American Copa Libertadores, Oceanian OFC Champions League or European UEFA Champions League. Along with the fore mentioned, the host nation's national league champions qualify to participate in the tournament as well. The competition is a single-elimination tournament in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary; it features seven clubs competing over a two week period.

In the 2012 version of the tournament, the Brazilian team Corinthians FC beat the English Chelsea FC by a score of 1-0. The goal was scored by Corinthians' Peruvian star striker José Paolo Guerrero. The competition was held in two different host cities in Japan, Toyota and Yokohama in two state-of-the-art stadiums. This year's clubs were: Corinthians FC (Brazil), Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea), Monterrey (Mexico), Chelsea FC (England), Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan), Auckland City (New Zealand), and Al-Ahly (Egypt). This tournament was a special one because of the involvement of Corinthians FC. Known for having the biggest and most passionate fan base in São Paulo, the fans traveled in bunches to Japan. For the first time in this tournament's history was the stadium actually full with fans from one of the team's playing, and not only sympathizers and locals. This tournament is also notorious for being more of a big deal for South Americans than for the Europeans. The truth is that the South American calendar makes it easier for clubs to travel to Asia with a longer time to prepare. This year Chelsea FC broke this tabu that European clubs aren't as into this title as the South Americans, with numerous interviews with players and coach Rafa Benitez emphasizing how important this victory would be. It was also very clear after the match was over, and many Chelsea players were either sobbing or just very disappointed. Also, with Corinthians FC winning the Club World Cup this year, Europe and South America are now tied with 26 wins each. 

José Paolo Guerrero, scored Corinthians' two goals in the Club World Cup

Young Man Game

Neymar da Silva Santos Junior is a 20 year old kid from Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil and is his country's number one hope to win the next FIFA World Cup at home. This young boy carries the weight of over 190 million people on his shoulder but does not seem to mind it. The young super star was described by Pelé (the greatest football player of all time) as a "technical marvel, a wizard with magical feet." The talent is definitely there no doubt about that, but is he headed in the right direction off the field, financially?

Neymar is reportedly making $18 million per year, and is by far the most well paid athlete in all of Brazil. He has already closed endorsement deals with 10 companies that are local and international (Red Bull, Panasonic, Lupo, Claro, Heliar, Tennys Pé, Guaraná Antartica, Santander Bank, Unilever, Volkswagen) and has a private deal signed with Nike until 2022. Neymar's earnings off the field are estimated at around $12 million. Neymar Jr's dad, Neymar Senior is the main person in charge of his son's career and earnings, and has recently acquired help from Santos FC, which is the team that the young Neymar plays for. Santos had to create a separate department that only takes care of Neymar's image, and they appointed a marketing specialist as the head of the newly created department. Also, former world football star Ronaldo's sports marketing firm 9ine is helping out with managing the young Neymar's career and image.

However in two years approximately, Neymar reportedly bought a $750,000 triplex and a $2 million mansion in a gated condominium, both located in the city of Santos; a $150,000 flat in the city of São Paulo, and a Porsche Panamera Turbo which costed around $550,000. Also, Neymar is the father of young Davi Lucca and he gave the 18-year-old mother of his son a penthouse that is worth $1 million in the city of Santos plus $15,000 per month in child support. The icing on the cake of the young star's spending frenzy was his purchase of an Italian yacht, for which he paid $8 million without the roughly estimated $120,000 he will have to pay for maintenance per year.

Neymar has reportedly stated that his dad is in charge of his expenses and that he is only allowed to buy something after his dad has approved it. An interesting story, that can be used as evidence for Neymar's claim, was when in the final match of the "Junior World Cup 2011" Neymar scored two goals in his team's win against Uruguay 6-0. After scoring the fifth goal of the match and his second, he celebrated by running around the field making the motion of steering a car's wheel with his hands. At the time television analysts and sports commentators thought it was because the tournament's top goal scorer (Neymar with 9) was awarded a car from the tournament's main sponsor. However, he later revealed it was because his dad made a list of achievements for him and the final one was to score two goals in the world cup final, so he could get a new car (a Porsche Panamera Turbo).

To the greatest football nation in the world Neymar is standing as their number one hope for glory at home in 2014. Brazil is going through a renovation with their national football team, and Neymar is the face of this transition. Fans are seeing a lot less of Ronaldinho and Kaka wearing the mystical canary kit, and a lot more of Neymar and Thiago Silva. Some people are angry at Neymar, arguing that such a young kid with such huge responsibilities should be more focused on football and less focused on off field luxuries, and that might be true, but he has never stopped producing and has won many titles with his team Santos. Recently Neymar was a part of the silver medal winning squad in London, which was a failure in the eyes of most Brazilians who were set on winning gold.

The Return of the Cosmos

New York based soccer franchise, the New York Cosmos, is back in action! Well, technically not until 2013 but the franchise is up and running again, affiliated with their old partner, the North American Soccer League (NASL).


The "new" New York Cosmos organization was formed on August of 2010 and claims lineage of the original New York Cosmos, who were active from 1971 to 1985 in the old NASL, which ceased operations in 1984. Trying to reestablish the status they once held in the original NASL as the strongest franchise financially and competitively, the Cosmos have named four former players to team management positions. Former Brazilian national team captain in the 1970 World Cup Carlos Alberto became their International Ambassador. Former French and Manchester United superstar Eric Cantona is now the Director of Soccer, with USA all-time leader in caps (164) Cobi Jones working directly under him as associate director. Reigning over them all as Honorary President is the king and greatest player of all time, Pelé. This star studded staff is looking very promising for the Cosmos, but they have yet to sign a single player to the professional roster. Even though the Cosmos haven't had a single game in almost 30 years, they have been able to maintain a loyal group of followers, with the main supporters group being the Borough Boys Supporters Club with over 1,000 members. 


The New York Cosmos were the most dominant franchise in the North American Soccer League, winning five league titles. The peak of their reign came when they signed German superstar Franz Beckenbauer, the Italian Chinaglia, and Pelé in the late 70s and early 80s. 

AZ Almkaar's Alvarado Sending Off Justified

Kevin Giordano, SMTSU President | @KevinGiordano 

During a recent Dutch Cup match between two of the top teams in the Netherlands, Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, a curious case of fan-player violence arose and has caused controversy.

In case you missed the incident, check out the full story and watch the video. It has the global soccer community baffled and up in arms.

Overview

In summary, a 19-year old fan ran onto the pitch during the game. The fan darted toward AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper, Esteban Alvarado. Turning around just in time to see the fan lunge at him, Alvarado and the fan both jumped up to kick each other. The drunk fan missed Alvarado and fell to the ground a few feet away from the initial contact.

Alvarado swiftly ran the few steps to where the fan fell to the ground and kicked him twice, once in the abdomen and once in the leg.

Much to the uproar of the Alkmaar players, referee Bas Nijhuis responded by issuing Alvarado a red card for the incident. The referee's decision to dismiss Alvarado has soccer fans and pundits scratching their heads, wondering why a player was sent off for defending himself.

Analysis

In examining whether Nijhuis made the correct decision, we have to put morals aside. What you or I would do in Alvarado's situation is irrelevant. We must view this incident through the lens of the rules of the sport, as stipulated by FIFA.

It is easiest to divide this conundrum into two pieces: before the fan is on the ground and after the fan is on the ground. As a player, Alvarado acted in self-defense when the fan lunged at him. He had the opportunity to defend himself and he did so successfully once the fan fell to the ground a few feet away from him. Just to reiterate, the fan is now face-down on the ground a couple of steps away from Alvarado. It is at this point that the goalkeeper has done his job.

However, instead of removing himself from the situation and allowing stadium security to take over the situation, Alvarado responds by running to the fan and kicking him twice. This decision, to essentially kick a subdued fan, is the reason he was sent off.

Watching the video, this was my impression. Kicking the fan was excessive and I agree with the decision to red card Alvarado. Following the game, Nijhuis reiterated this point, saying "I understand that Esteban was defending himself, but he walked to him (the supporter) and kicked him multiple times. He could also have walked away."

While many others believe the Alvarado was simply defending himself, I believe his actions were excessive. What do you think? Let us know by posting in the comments section below.

HIO: WWC 2011 Players to Watch

Yesterday morning, U.S. time, the 2011 Women's World Cup kicked off in Germany. The powerhouse host nation are looking to win their third WWC in a row, after winning the trophy in 2003 and 2007. However, the United States and others are looking to derail Germany's road to the final.

The 16-team tournament is comprised of 4 groups, containing 4 teams. Yesterday, Group A kicked off their first set of matches. In the first game, France topped a rather surprisingly sluggish Nigerian side, 1-0. The second and final match of the day proved to be more of an exciting one. The host and tournament favorite, Germany, fought to a 2-1 victory over Canada. Germany jumped out to an early lead in the 1st half as Christine Sinclair struck a beautiful free kick from about 20 yards out late in the second half for Canada. The Germans held on the for lead in front of a sold out 73,000 in Berlin.

Every match of the 3-week tournament is being carried by ESPN. The United States open up their group play on Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. ET against North Korea. For a complete schedule of tournament play, click here.

  Top 5 Players to Watch

While Germany are the favorites in this tournament and perhaps they comprise the best team, there are several players to watch throughout the Women's World Cup. In no particular order, here are my top 5: 

Marta, FW, Brazil
The FIFA Women's Player of the Year for the past five years in a row, Marta is the total package. Crafty with the ball, quick, and deadly inside the box, she is the heart of the Brazilian team. The Pele of the women's game, if she can find her form early and the traditionally Brazilian defense can stay strong, Brazil will make it far in this tournament. 

Hope Solo, GK, United States
While she has never been the most popular player to those familiar with women's soccer, Hope Solo is easily the top goalkeeper in the world. With quick hands and cat-like reflexes, Solo was kicked off the team at the World Cup in 2007 after being benched. If she can keep her outbursts in check, which all signs point to that she will, she should have an excellent tournament. 

Kerstin Garefrekes, MF, Germany 
Standing at close to 6 feet tall, Garefrekes is the embodiment of the physical German midfielder. She is surprisingly quick with the ball at her feet given her height and finds herself in excellent goal-scoring opportunities even as a midfielder. She is just one of the many quality players Germany has and will rely on in this tournament. 

Kelly Smith, MF, England
While not traditionally a power in the women's game, England are driven by the physical and well-passer that is Kelly Smith. A solid figure in the middle of the park with a keen eye for making the killer pass, Smith is most likely playing in her last World Cup at the age of 33. 

Lisa DeVanna, FW, Australia
I, for one, would love to see DeVanna and Marta in a foot-race. DeVanna is a pacy dribbler at-heart and are the Aussie's best attacking threat. If they can spring her in-behind the opposition's back-line, count on her burying the ball in the back of the net. 

For more information on the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany, visit FIFA.com.


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In addition to serving as President of the Sport Management Student Union (SMTSU), Kevin Giordano is a 2nd year Sport Management major at Drexel University with industry experience working in men's and women's professional soccer and collegiate athletics. To contact or connect with Kevin, you can follow him on Twitter (@KevinGiordano) or connect with him here on LinkedIn.