By CALEB SONNELAND
It can only go from bad to worse for FIFA and its continued war against corruption.
Currently suspended FIFA vice president Jack Warner claims he has no intention of meeting with investigators looking into the bribery allegations surrounding the troubled organization.
Warner, along with Mohammad Bin Hammam, have been accused of paying bribes up to $1 million to Caribbean Football Unions (CFU) associations. Up to 18 of the 25 CFU associations alleged to have been paid or offered bribes of $40,000 have refused FIFA's request to travel to Miami to provide evidence. The associations interestingly also called for FIFA to replace the former FBI director Louis Freeh as lead investigator.
Warner and Bin Hammamm have both been suspended as the bribery investigation takes place, however the pair are denying any wrongdoing in the case.
Here are some other stories to keep your Thursday rolling along:
CREW'S WILLIAMS SUSPENDED FOR DRUG ABUSE POLICY
Columbus Crew midfielder Josh Williams has been suspended by the MLS commissioner Don Garber after testing positive for a prohibited performance enhancing substance.
The punishment allocated for Williams is a 10-game suspension along with a 10% annual pay cut this season. Williams, 23, is not allowed to take part in any competition for the Crew during his suspension.
The former Cleveland State captain signed for Columbus in September of 2010 but has yet to play a competitive match for the Crew, a team he has supported since its inaugural game in 1996.
LAZIO SNAG KLOSE ON FREE TRANSFER
Miroslav Klose has completed his switch to Serie A outfit Lazio today after the club confirmed that the German international came on a free transfer for Bayern Munich.
Klose struggled through the previous season with the Bundesliga giants, scoring just one goal in 20 appearances and will be looking forward to the fresh challenge of Serie A.
Galatasary and Valencia were said to be interested in the veteran striker's services but Lazio, a club with Europa League soccer for next season, prevailed in bringing Klose home to the Stadio Olimpico.
VILLA ALLOWED TO SPEAK WITH MARTINEZ
The managerial merry-go-round continues to spin, and its latest participant in Wigan's Roberto Martinez.
The Spanish head coach enjoyed an exciting season at the bottom of the table, Martinez and Wigan eventually survived the drop and the club would fight on for another year in the Premier League. It may be forced to do so, however, without its manager.
His success at the club has turned the heads of those at Aston Villa who are seeking a candidate for the currently vacant manager job.
Gerard Houllier, former Villa boss, stepped down from the hot seat last month after struggling through the previous season with the club and his own personal health issues.
Lately, other managers such as Everton's David Moyes, Fulham's Mark Hughes and even former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was thought to be high up on the list.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan remains confident that Martinez will decide to stay at the DW Stadium next season, but was quick to laud Aston Villa's professional approach for his employee and granted it permission to speak with him.
The new managerial decision will play a key role in deciding the future of the American players at the club such as GK Brad Guzan and defender Eric Lichaj. Michael Bradley spent the latter half of the season at the Villains and may be keen on a return, depending on the coaching situation.
YOUNG IN TALKS WITH UNITED
In related news, current Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has reportedly opened talks with Manchester United after it has become apparent that the English international wants out of Villa Park this summer.
United are said to be the front-runners for Youngs signature with fierce rivals Liverpool trailing not far behind, but Young said himself that he is looking to play at the highest level and that rules out Liverpool who finished the season in 6th place and without European soccer for next season.
Young has netted 61 goals in 303 appearances for the Villains since switching over from Watford for £10 million. And with a deal said to be around the £15 million mark, his current club can expect to make a decent profit from his sale.
Young is said to be eager to finalize a deal for his future before the weekend, when he will be getting married.
Manchester United are set to officially complete the signing of 19-year-old Phil Jones from Blackburn, who had a stand-out year at the Northwest club. His deal is supposedly around the same mark as Young's, and it looks like Sir Alex Ferguson is wasting no time this summer is bolstering his squad.
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What do you think of the latest FIFA corruption update? How will Klose do in Serie A? Young at United?
