By FRANCO PANIZO
FIFA is under some serious heat right now due to the latest accusations of corruption in its recent World Cup bidding, and to little surprise the world's governing body is trying to alleviate that.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has questioned England 2018 bid chairman Lord Triesman for not make allegations of unethical behavior sooner. Valcke did not accuse Triesman of lying, but he did say that FIFA would have immediately asked for evidence had this been brought to its attention sooner.
Triesman claimed there was unethical behavior by four of the FIFA executive committee members, who asked for money, among other things, while lobbying for England.
Two more FIFA executive committee member's have been alleged to receiving $1.5 million to vote for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup, according to claims highlighted by England's House of Commons. That brings the total amount of members who have been alleged or found guilty of misconduct during FIFA's most recent World Cup bidding process to eight, one third of the total 24.
Here are some more stories from Tuesday:
Report: Costa Rica to replace Japan in Copa America
Costa Rica is going to have one busy summer.
Los Ticos are set to replace Japan in this summer's Copa America in Argentina, according to a report. Japan was expected to enter the tournament after initially looking to pull out following the devastating earthquake that hit the country in March, but it now appears that the Samurai Blue is a no go. Should Costa Rica replace Japan, the CONCACAF nation would join Argentina, Colombia and Bolivia in Group A.
An official announcement is expected Friday.
Mancini wants Ibrahimovic for Champions League
Fresh off securing a place in next season's Champions League, Manchester City is already planning how it will try and win the tournament. Club manager Roberto Mancini has set his sights on acquiring Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently on loan at AC Milan from Barcelona. Reports claim that $28.7 million would be enough for Barcelona to sell.
Keane ready for managerial return
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane says he is ready to return to coaching, and could make his return to the sidelines as soon as next season. Having been fired from Ipswich Town in January, Keane believes he has learned from his mistakes and is ready to end his longest break from the game. Keane previously coached Sunderland.
Foster takes international break
Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster has made himself unavailable for England's national team in order to prolong his club career. The 28-year-old has dealt with several injuries since the end of last year's World Cup, and he is taking a break from international play in order to get proper rest. Foster says he has not closed the door on England forever.
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Think FIFA has a point in questioning the timing of these allegations? Upset the U.S. national team wasn't chosen over Costa Rica for the Copa America? Would Ibrahimovic be a good signing for Manchester CIty's Champions League hopes?
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