By FRANCO PANIZO
It looks like Real Madrid could enter the second leg of the Champions League semifinals against Barcelona in worse shape than it is already in.
UEFA rejected Real Madrid's new complaints on Barcelona on Monday, and has instead opted to examine six combined charges on the two teams later this week, five of which are against Real Madrid. The pleas Madrid had denied consisted of sanctioning Dani Alves, Pedro and Sergio Busquets for faking injuries as well as looking again at the red card given to Pepe.
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who will already serve a touchline ban during the second leg, has two of the six pending charges for his behaviour during and after the 2-0 loss. Barcelona's additional complaint towards Mourinho for hist post-game rant was rejected, however.
Here are more stories from Monday:
Bin Hammam to miss CONCACAF Congress
FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam was denied a traveling visa to the United States, forcing him to miss Tuesday's CONCACAF Congress in Miami. Bin Hammam, the only competition to Sepp Blatter's throne, is still hoping to meet with CONCACAF representatives at some point before the June 1 vote.
Blackburn bid for Djemba Cisse
Blackburn is hoping to bolster its attacking options for next season by signing SC Freiburg forward Papiss Demba Cisse. Blackburn have made a bid for the Senegalese international, who has scored second-best 22 goals in the Bundesliga this season. Freiburg is reportedly asking for $22.2 million.
Abidal returns to training
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal returned to training, just a couple of months after having surgery to remove a liver tumor. Abidal has been deemed fit and was included in Barcelona's squad for the second leg of the Champions League semifinals versus Real Madrid.
Hyypia to retire
Bayer Leverkusen defender Sami Hyypia will call it a career at season's end. The 37-year-old was thinking about his career during the season, and has opted to retire and pursue a career in coaching. Hyypia will take a coaching position with Leverkusen next season.
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What do you think of UEFA rejecting Madrid's claims and looking at six other charges? Think Blatter paid someone off to have Bin Hammam's visa denied? Do you see Blackburn acquiring Cisse? Surprised Abidal is fit again so soon? How do you see Hyppia faring as a coach?
Share your thoughts below.
