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The Championship league leaders, Queens Park Rangers have been charged on seven accounts by the Football Association over player ownership regulations. The Club have since released a statement contesting the charges but it has created speculation over the possible punishment the West London side could face if they are found guilty. With Rangers currently 7 points clear at the top of the Football League, there is a chance that they could face a deduction of points which would seriously harm promotion to the Premier League. The news relates to the saga at West Ham United in 2008 when they were fined by the Premier League for the third-party ownership of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, but the club escaped any points deduction. Could QPR face a more severe punishment because they are a Football League club?

The charges were made regarding the signing of Argentinean midfielder, Alejandro Faurlin in 2009 which cost the club around £3.4 million, it involved a deal with a third party, reportedly an Italian agent, for the player’s economic rights, and the club failed to notify the FA of the arrangement. Other charges to the club and Chairman, Gianni Paladini involve payment to an unauthorised agent following Faulin’s contract extension last October.

A club statement last night said ‘QPR and Mr Paladini are confident that there has been no deliberate wrongdoing involved’ after requesting a formal FA hearing over the alleged charges. However, if the FA find that the charges are correct the club could face a deduction of points which would please the other high-flyers in the Championship who are also in contention for promotion this season.

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In 2008 Luton Town were deducted 10 points over irregular payments made to agents over three players which coincided with two other 10 point deductions and the club started the 2008-09 season on minus 30 points. The penalty was seen as extremely harsh on the club but the Football League looked to use the case as a precedent to warn other clubs of doing the same.

However, West Ham United were not deducted points over the Tevez and Mascherano saga in 2008 which would’ve resulted in relegation from the Premier League. Sheffield United, who were relegated that season contested to be reinstated but their claim was rejected and the club went for a financial settlement. If Rangers are not deducted points, other teams in the Championship could appeal and sue QPR just like the case of Sheffield United.

As a Rangers fan myself, I am gutted to hear that these charges have been made against the club especially in a season that could be one of the best in our recent history. Since supporting Rangers as a very young boy, I’ve seen us relegated twice before a promotion in 2004, and this season is looking to make those odds even again.

Although I am not surprised in the slightest over these allegations as we’re a club that likes to do things the hard way, always shooting ourselves in the foot when it looks like the future is bright. Especially since Gianni Paladini became involved with the club in 2003, there have been an abundance of incidents and rumours that were not positive for the club, however he did attract the big money investors like Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal to Loftus Road and it’s one of the reasons why we are currently top of the league.

The other factor has been the appointment of Neil Warnock a year ago and unlike previous managers, Warnock was given the freedom to do what he does best, manage and form a winning team ready for promotion. It’ll be a huge shame, not just for us R’s fans but also for Neil Warnock, his coaching staff and the players if the Football League do decide to deduct points this season and the chances of promotion are severely damaged.

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However, on the positive side, the initial charges over the Faurlin transfer occurred prior to the FA’s rules about third-party ownership of a player and a fine would seem more likely. Although the charges over Faurlin’s contract extension could receive more punishment as it occurred during the current season. All in all, as a QPR fan, I knew that a successful promotion campaign wouldn’t be smooth and plain sailing given our history but it’s quite comforting to be back biting nails on the fate of our club because in my 25 years of supporting Rangers, it’s all I’ve ever really known.

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Everton boss David Moyes was impressed by the performance of new signing Magaye Gueye during the first game of their pre-season tour to Australia.

The 20-year-old French striker joined the Toffees on a five-year contract from Strasbourg in June and made his first appearance for the Premier League club during Saturday's 1-0 victory over Sydney FC.

Fellow striker Victor Anichebe scored the only goal of the game, but Moyes was impressed by Gueye

"He did well," he told the club's official website."He was good on the ball and we trusted him with the ball.

"You can see he is going to have good ability. At the moment the language barrier is a little bit in the way and we are still finding where we think he will be of best use to us.

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Controversial Manchester City attacker Mario Balotelli has stated that he has put his wild antics behind him, and he is now focussed on playing well for his team.

The Italy international has shown indiscipline and petulance since his move to the Premier League, but has been in good form of late, without any controversy following him on or off the pitch.

The striker feels that he has matured, and has told City fans that his crazy days are over.

“This is down to me, because it’s me that has changed my life,” Balotelli told Mirror Football.

“Well, I didn’t change my life, but things like, I don’t live in town anymore. I’m outside now [in the country] so it’s more quiet. I try to stay at home more. Maybe I’ll stay in now with my family, my brother or my girlfriend.

“They weren’t here last year, they came sometimes but they were not based here. That’s definitely helped.

“It’s quieter now but also I am growing up. If, last year, I missed home so much, maybe now I miss it a little bit less. I’m OK now, I’m good. I’m happy – the only problem is the weather. Everything is getting better,” he concluded.

Balotelli has scored four goals in his last four games, and will look to continue this record in the Manchester derby on Sunday.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Manchester City were unable to penetrate a determined Aris Salonika defence and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in the Europa League.

City were looking for a valuable away goal in the first leg on Tuesday, but were denied by several clutch saves from Aris goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis during the round-of-32 clash.

Greek Super League side Aris are undefeated in 24 European matches at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, and it was only on rare occasions that Roberto Mancini’s side looked like breaking that streak.

The Premier League outfit dominated possession early but struggled to find any cohesion in the final third despite fielding big guns Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez in attack.

It was Spaniard David Silva who produced the first real chance, forcing a sharp save from Sifakis with a dipping effort from the edge of the area.

Dzeko’s first sight on goal came after Aleksandar Kolarov fired a dangerous ball into the penalty area, but the Bosnian scuffed his shot straight at Sifakis.

It was not all one-way traffic for city, with Aris’s Japanese winger Daisuke Sakata causing some problems down the left flank.

A mix-up between Joe Hart and Gareth Barry nearly ended in disaster for the visitors, with a collision between the two knocking Hart out of the penalty area as he tried to clear the ball.

Brazilian Neto went close with the subsequent free kick, but saw his curling effort drift just wide of the far post.

Aris came out searching for a goal after the break, with Ricardo Faty and Juan Carlos Toja both having decent chances to put the hosts ahead.

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Dzeko almost broke the deadlock just after the hour mark when his glancing header forced a diving save from Sifakis, and the former Wolfsburg man went close again minutes later with a swerving effort from the edge of the area that flew wide of the upright.

Neto nearly caught the City defence napping at the other end, stinging the palms of Hart with a long-range effort.

Mario Balotelli and Pablo Zabaleta came on in the final 15 minutes as Roberto Mancini looked for new options, but despite a late aerial attempt from Balotelli and a miscued header from defender Micah Richards, City failed to find a winner.

Dave Henson strikes again. This is one of the best football parodies by a country mile.

A song in ‘tribute’ to Leicester City striker Yann Kermorgant following his disastrous penalty kick in the Championship play-off semi final second leg shoot-out against Cardiff.

Enjoy!

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=Iad3gV-9C1U%26hl%3Den_US%26fs%3D1%26color1%3D0x234900%26color2%3D0x4e9e00%26border%3D1

Darren Bent is on the verge of returning to fitness after almost a month on the sidelines, and should feature for Aston Villa against Wigan on Saturday.

The England international striker limped off against Newcastle in early September, and has been on the treatment table due to a groin strain.

However, Villa boss Alex McLeish has confirmed that the attacker has been back in training and is likely to play against the Latics.

“Darren has been back in training this week which is good news. The injury wasn’t as bad as feared,” the manager told Mirror Football.

“It will be good to get him back into the action and unleash him,” he continued.

The Midlands club threw away a 1-0 lead against QPR in their last fixture to draw 1-1, and McLeish was not happy with only a point.

“We should be winning those games, no doubt about it, after dominating so much of the second half.

“Whatever was affecting them, we released the shackles. They started to do what we asked of them to make runs forward, get support to the strikers and it was the tactic that change the game for us,” he concluded.

Villa are one of only four unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season, but have drawn five out of their six games to date.

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A tense 1-0 win has helped Vitoria Guimaraes put valuable breathing space between them and Uniao de Leiria on the Liga Sagres table.Both sides have performed well this season, with Guimaraes sitting in fifth and just one point above Leiria before kick-off on Friday.The duo can both dream of earning a Europa League place if they can maintain their good form, though Guimaraes now have a handy four-point buffer on their rivals after Joao Alves’ lone strike handed his side the three points.On-loan Everton forward Joao Silva had gone close to giving Leiria the lead in the first half when his well-struck shot glanced the wrong side of the upright, but just minutes later the visitors took the lead when Alves’ effort from distance beat Brazilian goalkeeper Eduardo Gottardi.Guimaraes held on for the win to put them within just one point of third-placed Sporting Lisbon, though the capital club have a game in hand.Leiria’s spot on the table is under threat, with five clubs – including Sporting Braga – now within a win of knocking them from fifth spot.

Netherlands youngster Eljero Elia could attract a lot of interest this summer if he impresses for his country during the World Cup in South Africa. His chances of playing will be increased should Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben not be fit for the tournament, or at least the early part of it.

There are many clubs who have been linked with the 23-year-old Hamburg winger including Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City (linked with just about everyone) and Juventus following an impressive season in the German Bundesliga. Elia scored five goals last term and is becoming a fan favourite at Hamburg since nailing down a regular spot in the first XI.

Despite the interest shown in him he insists that he does not want to leave Hamburg yet and insist he want to concentrate on the Oranje’s World Cup campaign.

“I will be playing for Hamburg next season. I am not finished at HSV by a long way,” said Elia, who added: “Being involved in the World Cup makes me the happiest person in the world,” he added: “I hope that I get to play in South Africa and then I will show the world what I am capable of.”

Despite his reluctance the rumours about him leaving still persist and clubs will continue to track the Hamburg star. I doubt whether he would be able to resist the chance to play for a Spurs or Liverpool side, why would any footballer worth his salt not want to play in the Champions League, or for one of the most famous clubs in football history? But he may be perturbed from a possible move if he is not confident of being first choice with a new club.

Breaking into the Tottenham line-up at the moment might prove to be difficult as they currently have Gareth Bale occupying the left-back spot. Bale impressed at the back end of last season, most notably against Chelsea when Tottenham won 2-1 at White Hart Lane. However, should Harry Redknapp acquire a talent like Elia he could move the Welshman into the left-back position, which would give the north London club a formidable attacking options down that particular flank.

As for Liverpool’s interest in the player, with the expected departures of Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera the club could do with re-strengthening their squad and may be able to raise funds with the aforementioned sales…even more so if they cash in on someone like Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres.

Of course we can only speculate about transfer rumours and many fans do not like to regard any rumour until they see a player putting pen to paper, or being photographed holding their club’s shirt. But Elia could be a fantastic acquisition for many European clubs as he has been billed as one of the hottest young properties in Dutch football. In 2009 he won the Johan Cruyff Award for Young Player of the Year in the Netherlands and is tipped as one to watch for the World Cup this summer, if he makes his name there then more clubs may join his current list of admirers.

For Elia, even though he insists that a move away is unthinkable his club finished outside the top six last season and won’t be playing any form of European football next season. Maybe the desire to play in a major league or European competition will prove too strong an urge for the player to snub.

Video showcasing Eljero Elia’s talents:

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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has stated that he is confident that Brendan Rodgers will lead the club back to the Premier League top four.

The Anfield club have missed out on Champions League football for the last number of seasons, and Kenny Dalglish was sacked after poor domestic form last term.

However, the England international feels the Northern Irish boss has brought in a sense of excitement and that finishing in the top four is achievable.

“I do think we will get in the top four. I think we will get it. I am confident we will get it,” The Telegraph have Gerrard as saying.

“I am not being unrealistic. If we can play like we did in a lot of games last season, be clinical and take our chances, I think we will be high up in the table. I do.

“It has got to come. We are Liverpool. We can’t finish eighth. We have got to put that right. We have got to take the criticism for underperforming last year.

“We can’t be doing post-match interviews saying ‘we should have got the points or we were not clinical enough’. We have got to be clinical. We have got to get the points we should get,” he admitted.

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By Gareth McKnight

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This week the Football FanCast Video Show takes a look at Joey Barton going into politics, Scott Carson being lost in translation and the worst footy fads of all time in this sideways look at football.

After another beating being handed out by Manchester United over their title rivals, Arsenal and Liverpool seem to be taking a different approach and seeing how much embarrassment each can cause. Fernando Torres forgot he was rubbish for a minute, then quickly remembered.

We give you an update on the ‘Owen Hargreaves how many minutes have I spent on the pitch’ totaliser, as well as pitching Wayne Rooney against Sergio Aguero. Then of course there’s the question of how long will it take Emmanuel Adebayor to win the Spurs faithful over, if he hasn’t done it already.

That’s not to mention the weekly Twitter Report, Caption Competition, TriviaCast and our 188BET giveaway, where you have the opportunity to watch your Premier League team play in style as a VIP; all on the Football FanCast Video Show presented by Anthony Richardson. Enjoy…

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