NEW YORK (Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014) – Major League Soccer today announced LA Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza as the 2014 MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year.

 

DeLaGarza has been a stronghold in the Galaxy defense and a key to the team’s success in his six seasons with the club. Off the field, the Guamanian international is the first to volunteer his time to support the Los Angeles community. DeLaGarza has graciously given his time to Camps for Kids, visiting patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and unveiling a new soccer field in South Los Angeles.

 

Earlier this year, the MLS and sports world rallied around DeLaGarza and his family when his son Luca was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect before being born. A true stalwart, DeLaGarza immediately thought of the other families affected by this condition and directed all monetary support to the Heart Center at CHLA, raising over $25,000.

Monaco – The IAAF Diamond League is delighted to announce the distribution of event disciplines for the 2015 season.

Commencing on 15 May 2015 in Doha (QAT), the sixth season of the IAAF Diamond League comprises 14 of the best invitational track and field meetings in the world. The meetings are spread across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the USA, and compose the top tier of the IAAF’s global one-day meeting competition structure.

This series of 14 meetings, which began in 2010, showcases 32 event disciplines which are carefully distributed among the meetings.

NEW YORK (Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014) – Major League Soccer announced today that Seattle Sounders FC defender and MLS veteran Chad Marshall has been named 2014 Defender of the Year. This is Marshall’s third Defender of the Year award – the most any one defender has won in MLS history. In addition, Mark Geiger has been named Referee of the Year, summing up a season in which he was also selected as one of the 25 referees to officiate the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Colleague Paul Scott picked up the Assistant Referee of the Year award.

 

2014 Defender of the Year: Chad Marshall – Seattle Sounders FC

In his first year with Seattle Sounders FC, Chad Marshall proved to be an invaluable part of Seattle’s back line, anchoring the Sounders’ defense as the club went on to capture its first-ever Supporters’ Shield and its fourth U.S. Open Cup title. Marshall’s imposing 6’4’’ frame caused problems for opposing squads on both ends of the field, with the California native notching one goal and three assists in his 31 appearances for the Cascadia club, all of which were starts. His blend of aerial dominance, vision and composure proved instrumental for the Sounders in 2014, who are now vying for a spot in the MLS Cup final.

25 November 2014 – Bafana Bafana will face Cote d’Ivoire in the 20th edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge.

The two nations clash on Sunday, 30 November 2014 at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.

The Mandela Challenge is the beautiful game’s answer in honour of former late President Nelson Mandela’s nation-building efforts as well as the football fraternity’s annual pledge to the cause of children that Madiba delegated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to champion.

Other countries who have take part in the event include Brazil, Holland, Nigeria, France, Cameroon, the USA, Argentina and Sweden.

“The annual tournament not only represents an enduring partnership between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Nelson Mandela Children’ Fund (NMFC), but is also a platform to bring a message for children’s well being to both the public and the football-loving community. Through the Nelson Mandela Challenge, the work of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund has truly been amplified,”said Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela.

The opening kick-off of the FIFA Club World Cup 2014 is just around the corner, and the anticipation for the competition is growing by the minute. The trailer above takes inspiration from the animal kingdom to encapsulate the excitement from tournaments past and anticipates what lies ahead at Morocco 2014. The artwork of the trailer depicts the beauty and passion of football through the analogy of the wild animal. The trailer's Executive Producer So Ono from Japanese advertising agency Dentsu spoke with FIFA.com about the key concepts his team aimed to convey.

“We are only 20 days away from the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014," Ono said. "Only seven out of over 301,000 football clubs are left standing in the race to win the 11th edition of this prestigious competition. All players will listen to their instinct and demonstrate their abilities to the fullest to win, and football fans all over the world are getting excited to witness such great football. Football calls on your passion, your emotion, and your instincts. This is what we can see in the video."

MIES - FIBA has concluded an investigation into Australia's game against Angola at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and found that Basketball Australia (BA) has not violated its Internal Regulations.

The investigation consisted of footage of the game played on 6 September in Gran Canaria as well as reports by the supervising commissioner and experts, along with a letter from BA's Chair Scott Derwin and was discussed at FIBA’s Executive Committee meeting held on Monday-Tuesday 24-25 November.

There has been a lot for football fans to enjoy this year, with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ providing the high point. And 2015 will be no different, a year in which the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will take centre stage.

The countdown to the premier competition in women’s football will begin on 6 December, when the city of Ottawa hosts the Final Draw.

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg has been given one of the highest honours by a top Scottish University for his leadership role in the hugely-successful Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

At a ceremony in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall yesterday (Tuesday, November 25), Professor Pamela Gillies, CBE, Principal  and Vice Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University conferred on him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University.

The South Africa Rugby Union has announced a strong SA Sevens Academy squad featuring several players with HSBC Sevens World Series experience, to participate in the forthcoming international invitational tournaments in Harare and Dubai.

The Harare tournament takes place this coming weekend and will serve as the CAR qualifying tournament to determine an additional African country for the Hong Kong Sevens in March 2015.

It will be a hat-trick of appearances for goal-line technology at the FIFA Club World Cup with GoalControl GmbH set to be the official GLT provider for Morocco 2014.

FIFA’s club showpiece was where it all began for GLT back in 2012 when Hawk-Eye and GoalRef made history in Japan. The GoalControl-4D system was then chosen for the 2013 edition and also featured at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where football fans got a true taste of how crucial the technology is in supporting the match officials.

MIES, Switzerland - FIBA on Wednesday announced the suspension of the Japanese Basketball Association (JBA) following the conclusion of its two-day Executive Committee meeting held on Monday-Tuesday.

The FIBA Executive Committee found that the JBA has been and currently remains unable to deliver on FIBA's requests to:

adidas and the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on Wednesday, 26 November 2014 presented Marhaba, the Official Match Ball for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea 2015.

Marhaba, will be officially revealed on Wednesday, 3 December 2014 during the draw of the final tournament at the Sipopo Convention Centre in Malabo.

NEW YORK (Nov. 25, 2014) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Sebastián Fernández has been suspended for a total of four games and fined an undisclosed amount as a result of the player’s post-match actions following his team’s game against FC Dallas on October 29 (VIDEO).

Obafemi Martins rolled the ball with the teeth of his boot, ready to spring at the edge of the penalty area. Clint Dempsey flew around him on the right. But the Nigerian’s flick went one way and Dempsey, the other. For once, Seattle Sounders’ strikers were not on the same page. The attack broke down.

The Nigerian’s arms flew into the air and slapped down at his hips. He says he “gets along with everyone off the pitch,” but Martins’ face twisted in disappointment and blame. Dempsey, an American icon who once put his fist through a window when left off a starting XI, chased his team-mate and put a finger in his face. Heated words were exchanged. You did not need to be a lip-reader to know tempers were flaring toward red.

Setif recently became the first Algerian side to win the CAF Champions League since the tournament adopted its current format in 1997. Thanks to a 1-1 second-leg draw against Congolese outfit Vita Club in Blida, Setif wrapped up their second African title overall, having previously lifted the trophy in 1988. A breakthrough triumph, their win also ended Algeria's long 24-year wait for continental success in the club realm.

One of the principal heroes for Setif on their journey to glory was Sofiane Younes, scorer of his side's only goal in the decisive leg. Speaking to FIFA.com, the forward delighted in reliving his showpiece joy.

 The first legs of the Conference Championships lived up to the billing, leaving the second legs open for the taking in both the Eastern and Western Conference.


In the Eastern Conference the Northeast rivalry met expectations in a cagey and fast-paced affair. The Revolution took a slim, but crucial, 2-1 lead over the New York Red Bulls with goals from Teal Bunbury and U.S. international Jermaine Jones. The two goals are even more important with away goals now serving as the first tiebreaker in the MLS Cup Playoffs this year. There is still much to play for, with the high-flying Red Bulls’ offensive duo of Frenchmen, Thierry Henry and Peguy Luyindula, able to erase any deficit in a matter of minutes – Golden Boot winner Bradley-Wright Phillips will be unavailable due to yellow card accumulation. Volkswagen MLS MVP candidate Lee Nguyen and the Revolution will look to reverse their last regular season meeting with NY at home, a 2-0 loss in June. The teams will head to Gillette Stadium to face-off in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Championship on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 3:00 p.m. ET (NBCSN, UDN, TSN2, RDS2). 

The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League title seems to be a one team affair after Harare giants Dynamos once again clinched the title for the fourth consecutive time.

Dynamos clinched their title in similar style as last season, which saw the log leaders losing their last match. Dynamos beat How Mine 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium, while ZPC Kariba were handed a 2-3 defeat at the hands of bitter Dynamos rivals Caps United.

The league champions opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Russell Madamombe and the goal was greeted with massive cheer as just before that news had already filtered into the stadium that ZPC Kariba were losing to Caps United.

Dynamos, sensing the title was up for grabs, dominated play but were guilty of squandering a number of chances. Ageing captain Murape Murape sealed things for the Harare giants when he scored just before the final whistle.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an exciting new partnership with Hublot, as the Official Timekeeper for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

 

The partnership was announced at simultaneous events in New Delhi – an event attended by Hublot Champion Ambassador Harbhajan Singh as well as ICC Chief Executive David Richardson - and Sydney, where Australia captain Michael Clarke was also announced as a Hublot Ambassador.

 

Based in Switzerland, Hublot is a well-known and celebrated luxury watch brand, and this partnership is its first foray into cricket, having enjoyed fruitful and long-standing partnerships in a number of other sports.

 

As part of the partnership with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, a specially-themed, limited edition, Classic Fusion Chrono Cricket watch will be available for fans to purchase.

Jeju, Korea, 24 November 2014 – The President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Dr Ching-Kuo Wu paid tribute to the ‘magnificent new champions’ on the final day of the 8th Women’s World Championships in Jeju, Korea.

Dr Wu said: “The standard of competition here in Jeju has been magnificent, so our new World Champions can leave for home knowing that they are truly the best boxers in the world today.”

The new 2014 Women’s World Champions are:

• Light Fly (45-48kg): KYZAIBAY Nazym, Kazakhstan
• Fly (51kg): ESPARZA Marlen, USA 
• Bantam (54kg): PETROVA Stanimira , Bulgaria
• Feather (57kg): DOBRYNINA Zinaida, Russia
• Light (60kg): TAYLOR Katie, Ireland
• Light Welter (64kg): BELIAKOVA Anastasiia, Russia
• Welter (69kg): BYLON Atheyna, Panama
• Middle (75kg): SHIELDS Claresa, USA
• Light Heavy (81kg): YANG Xiaoli, China
• Heavy (+81kg): MAGOMEDALIEVA Zenfira, Russia

Speaking after the finals, Dr Wu said: “Since its historic launch at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Women Boxing has become hugely popular all around the world – and this is conclusively demonstrated by the enormous wealth of talent that has competed here in Jeju.”

Setif, Algeria, November 19, 2014 – The Algerian Volleyball Federation organized a successful two-day coaches' seminar last week to discuss the most recent coaching and teaching trends under the new volleyball regulations, which will be applied soon after being approved by the FIVB Congress earlier this month.

A total of 64 coaches representing clubs from higher divisions (National A and B leagues) and some coaches from Setif region, took part in the seminar. François Salvagni and CAVB Refereeing Commission member Lazreug Mohamed Badr were the instructors for the course, which was held at the "El Baz 'National School and the Setif club.

FAVB Vice President, Mahdi Aberkane, opened the event at the headquarters of Setif club on Monday, along with board member Malik Sebia and coordinator of the seminar, Cheraga M'barek Setif President, Ladjadj Lahcen from Setif and Tlemsani Mouloud.

NEW YORK (Monday, Nov. 24, 2014) – A talented forward and stalwart center back took home the honors as Major League Soccer today announced the 2014 AT&T Rookie of the Year and the Xbox Individual Fair Play awards.  FC Dallas front man and Canadian-born, Tesho Akindele, earned the Rookie nod, while Michael Parkhurst of Columbus Crew SC won the Individual Fair Play title. The Philadelphia Union were also recognized with the Xbox Team Fair Play Award.

 

2014 AT&T Rookie of the Year: Tesho Akindele – FC Dallas

A goal hungry and lightning-fast player drafted out of the Colorado School of Mines, where he holds the school’s all-time goal scoring record, Tesho Akindele made his presence known in FC Dallas’ 2014 campaign. The rookie forward made 26 appearances in the regular season, 18 of which were starts, logging 1,748 minutes and playing every minute of the Hoops’ playoff run. The 22-year-old recorded seven goals and three assists during the regular season, adding a goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Akindele was named MLS Player of the Week for week 23 after he recorded his first MLS hat trick in a 5-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Aug. 16.

 

Tunis, Tunisia, November 24, 2014 - A Technical Seminar for Teachers was held in Tunis from November 4-8, led by French FIVB Instructor Mr Eric Ngapeth.

86 men and 15 women were signed up for the seminar, which was organised by the Development Centre in Tunisia. The course focused on issues related to teaching volleyball to children between the ages of seven and eleven.

The participants recognised that there is a huge potential for the development of volleyball in the country. Fosterering collaboration between schools, clubs and training centres will help to create the structures necessary to practise the sport and will encourage young Tunisians to get involved.

The Unlimited Titans finally got off to winning ways after they beat the much fancied bizhub Highveld Lions after persistent rains disrupted the match. The match was reduced to 16 over’s per side.

Henry Davids was the star of the show as he struck 75 runs that aided in the Titans 21 run victory over the table toppers.  His runs ensured that the Titans set a formidable score of 161 for six.

Faced with such a stiff task the Lions needed the returning Chris Gayle to come good for them, but once the Jamaican was dismissed for just 11 by Ethy Mbhalathi, they lacked the firepower to get anywhere close.

The visitors eventually finished on 140 for five, with Jean Symes unbeaten half century and Dwayne Pretorius 27 the only bright spots, giving the Titans their first points in the competition in their sixth game.

24 November 2014 - Sixteen university teams will battle for top honours after the launch and draw of the 20th Edition of the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Football National Clubs Championships at SAFA House in Johannesburg.

 

The tournament will run from 1 – 5 December in Durban hosted by DUT Durban Campus

 

The opening ceremony will be held at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi Township on 1 December 2014 starting at 17h00.

 

There will be matches played at the University of KwaZulu Natal (Howard College), Durban University of Technology (Steve Biko Campus) and Curries Fountain Stadium.

 

The finals will take place on Friday, 5 December 2014 at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium with the Ladies scheduled to start at 14h00 and the Men’s Match will follow at 16h00.

 

The opening ceremony will be followed by a Gala Dinner, which will take place on Friday, 5 December 2014 at the DUT Steve Biko Campus Sports Center.

 

It starts at 20h00.

Four-time world champion Australia has returned to the top of the Reliance ICC ODI Team Rankings after defeating South Africa 4-1 in the five-match ODI series, which concluded in Sydney on Sunday.

 

George Bailey’s side had started the series in third position on 114 ratings points and has finished on equal points with India on 117 ratings points. However, when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point, Australia is just 0.2 clear of India and five ratings points clear of South Africa, which has dropped one place to third.

 

South Africa had moved ahead of Australia last month, following its 2-0 victory over New Zealand.