theguardianuk--2019-08-08--Extreme gains how the sports supplement industry bulked up

Extreme gains: how the sports supplement industry bulked up

Not so long ago, shopfronts filled with rows of gaudy coloured plastic barrels boasting the potential of “extreme gains” and “shredded” or “ripped” physiques were a high street rarity. In 2019, they are as common as the corner store, replete with a dizzying array of products promising to dissolve body fat, build muscle and help you work out harder, for longer.  But the industry came under a cloud last month when the Australian swimmer Shayna Jack suggested her recent positive drug test may have been the result of contaminated sports supplements.  So what is in those barrels? Who uses such products? And how dangerous are they?  Sports supplements include an array of substances from run-of-the-mill multivitamins to complex concoctions that purport to build muscle and increase speed. The simplest and most common of these is protein powder – usually whey protein from cow’s milk, but varieties have expanded in recent years to include soy, pea, hemp, rice, and even sweet potato proteins – which assist in muscle repair after a strenuous workout. Other common sports supplements include creatine and amino acids for muscle energy, performance-enhancing “pre-workouts” and fat burners, also known as thermogenics, which supposedly increase the body’s metabolism to burn fat.  Sports supplements are not just taken by Olympic athletes and AFL players. The primary market for sports nutrition products is males aged between 19 and 30. The Australian gym and fitness industry is now worth about $2.5bn, and the market share of vitamin and supplements stores has grown alongside it, with bricks and mortar stores worth about $533.5m and online sales worth $159.2m, according to IbisWorld. Together they represent a corporate juggernaut fuelled by the idolisation of sports stars on one hand and the cultural obsession with fitness and a particular Instagrammable aesthetic on the other.  The giant tubs of protein powder and little sachets of formula have their cultural roots in the world of bodybuilding. With their cartoonishly large muscles, fake tan and oiled up flex-poses, bodybuilders may seem a long way from Olympic swimming, but the small group of (mostly) men who pioneered the modern incarnation of the sport on Muscle Beach, California, in the 1960s and 1970s sparked a massive shift in physical ideals perceived by people across the western world. The aesthetic of a particular kind of physique and body-fat-to-muscle ratio – representing a kind of exaggerated masculine and feminine – have permeated all aspects of contemporary physical culture, primarily through Hollywood. And fitness practices have followed suit.  In bodybuilding, supplementation is king. Mike Debenham, a personal trainer and retired professional bodybuilder (he was three times crowned Mr New Zealand) told Guardian Australia supplements played a critical role during the 23 years he competed.  “When I was competing I rattled when I walked because there were so many supplements going through me,” he says. “It was just dependent on what time of day it was as to what I would take. The list would be as long as my arm.”  As he rose through the ranks of the sport, he was sponsored by various supplement companies who would provide products free or at very little cost. He eventually opened his own supplement store franchise on the Sunshine Coast in 2012.  He says the average consumer was interested in “the next best, greatest pre-workout”, often ignoring basics like nutrition. He says the practice of trying to find a quick fix made people more likely to take risks.  “Protein powder’s protein powder. It’s been around for 40 years and it will be around for another 40 years,” he says. “But it’s those pre-workouts and fat burners that seem to be the real crux of the industry in the supplements era. People come in and they go, ‘what’s the strongest, best, hottest pre-workout you have?’”  Clint Hill, 40, who has worked for 23 years as a specialist strength and conditioning coach for professional and semi-professional sportspeople as well as the general population, also names pre-workouts as the area in which muscle-hungry gym junkies were most enthusiastic.  “I’ve seen incredibly diligent people get amazing effects by the use of supplements, even caffeine, to get a result in the gym. It can be done very well. The other side of it is that people can take everything that their mate told them to take rather than getting proper advice,” he says.  Much like vitamins, the effectiveness of supplements is often disputed, and depends on many things including the supplement, the individual and the context in which it’s taken. While most people who use them will probably have no major adverse effects, sports supplements have occasionally been deadly.  In Australia, sports supplements generally fall within the purview of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, though classification is complex. It takes into consideration things like each product’s ingredients, the claims being made about it, the way it’s labelled, and the form in which it comes (eg. pills, powder, bars, etc). The products must be either “listed” or “registered” with the TGA depending on their risk level. Manufacturers must comply with particular principles, and those products classified as “low-risk” can only contain active ingredients from a TGA pre-approved list.     Evaluation and oversight of the manufacturers, however, is the job of the product’s “sponsor” – that is, the person legally responsible for it being in Australia. The TGA does randomly audit manufacturers and products for compliance, as well as in response to complaints or reports of adverse events. But there have been multiple incidents of contaminated products or products with unlisted ingredients making their way to market. Many products bought over the internet from overseas-based sites are not TGA regulated, and the TGA has repeatedly issued warnings about quality control and safety of these products.  The New South Wales health authority issued warnings in 2018 about workout supplements that contained the chemical 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), saying it had contributed to deaths locally and overseas. Other contaminants that have been found in supplements include methylhexaneamine (DMAA), which the TGA made illegal in 2012 due to concerns that it could be lethal, and the structurally similar compound 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA). Asada warned athletes in 2014 that DMBA may have been replacing DMAA in off-the-shelf supplements after the TGA ban. DMBA itself was banned in 2017.  Even apparently innocuous substances can be dangerous. West Australian Meegan Hefford, 25, an aspiring bodybuilder, died earlier this year after a rare genetic condition left her body unable to cope with her extremely high-protein diet, which included protein supplements, resulting in a toxic build-up of nitrogen in her system. On New Year’s Day in 2018, Lachlan Foote, 21, died at his home in Blackheath, NSW, from caffeine toxicity after including pure caffeine powder in a protein shake he consumed after a night out. The US Food and Drug Administration last year issued a warning about pure caffeine powder after it had been linked to two deaths, saying a teaspoon could contain the equivalent of 28 cups of coffee.  The particular subset of drug that Shayna Jack tested positive for was a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), developed to treat muscle wasting diseases. All SARMs are classified as Schedule 4 controlled substances by the TGA in Australia, which means they require a prescription. Nevertheless, bodybuilders and other athletes have been known to procure them. Asada issued a warning to athletes in November last year about Ligandrol. It has also repeatedly warned athletes over the past decade about the potential for supplements to contain unlisted and banned ingredients.  Hill, who has been involved with Asada and Wada’s clean sport program and drug testing at both a professional and semi-professional level, says the information and communication from the anti-doping bodies has been very clear, particularly for professional sportspeople.  “It’s very difficult to believe anyone would put themselves in a situation where they didn’t ask everything they could about a supplement they were taking,” he says.  Debenham sold his supplements store after only a few years, partly because he believed that most players in the industry did not take consumer safety and product integrity seriously enough.  In comments echoed by Hill, Debenham says there are a few supplement companies using only local ingredients, and some that batch-tested routinely to prevent contamination and to be able to market themselves to professional sporting bodies as a trusted product. But these companies are the exception.  “People are always trying to push the limits and some supplement companies will try and ride that knife’s edge.”


thesun--2019-11-19--I’m A Celebrity star James Haskell’s body transformation comes from extreme training regimes and die

I’m A Celebrity star James Haskell’s body transformation comes from extreme training regimes and diets

I'M A CELEBRITY star James Haskell's incredible body transformations and intensive workout regimes have been revealed.  The retired rugby player - who signed for MMA promotion Bellator in August - is looking to become King of the Jungle after signing on to appear in the hit ITV show.  The 34-year-old amassed 77 England caps during his 17-year rugby career, featuring in two World Cups.  Haskell - who announced his retirement from rugby earlier this year - was even named "man of the series" during England’s famous 3-0 series victory against Australia in 2016.  And now the ex-Wasps star is pursuing a new sport, with his first MMA fight inside the Octagon expected to take place during the first half of 2020.  The heavyweight has got his fitness regime and nutrition down to a fine art, but that doesn't mean the celeb has always had abs of steel.  Over the years, Haskell has consistently shown his ability to cut weight and transform the look of his body.  In his own words, Haskell went from a ‘melted wheelie bin’ to being in fine shape by following his own 12-week Lean Gains programme in 2016.  He suffered a toe injury which kept him out of action, during which time he ballooned to 19st.  At the time he said: "The idea is to come back fitter, more mobile and powerful.  "I have enjoyed my down time and allowed myself to put on weight and sadly not good weight at that."  Over the next nine weeks he shed the excess weight and turned his body into a vision of ripped muscles.  The Lean Gains programme uses German Volume Training (GVT), a system for bodybuilders, powerlifters and Olympic lifters to increase muscle, mass and strength.  It also involves Hypertrophy-Specific Training (HST), a method of strength training to induce muscle growth quickly and effectively.  On his YouTube channel, the sportsman demonstrates his other workout routines to shift the extra pounds.  He showcases a plethora of workout ideas including blast workouts, cross fit and HIIT (high-intensity interval training).  The athlete combines a mixture of workout routines to maximise endurance, strength and agility.  Combining strength and cardio work also allows Haskell to accelerate calorie burning whilst maintaining muscle mass.  To refine his MMA skills, Haskell trains at London Shootfighters in Wembley, the same training facility as Bellator superstar, Michael 'Venom' Page.  There the former Northampton Saints ace trains with a mixture of MMA pros including Sam Showering, who also switched to fighting after retiring from rugby.  Haskell maintains a peak fitness regime outside the gym too, with his wife Chloe Madeley on hand to prepare meals.  His 6ft 4 in, 18.5 stone frame is sustained with six meals a day - totalling a whopping 3560 calories.  To maximise performance, Haskell gets through six-to-eight litres of waters per day while also consuming 310g of protein daily.  Like most of us, the 34-year old loves junk food, but he eats rice cakes and nut butter to curb any cravings.  With Haskell now in the Australian jungle, he will have to adjust to a new physical challenge in the form of bushtucker trials and surviving on just 700 calories a day.


thesun--2019-06-26--Wife thrown in police cell and dragged to court after nagging bodybuilder husband to do the hooverin

Wife thrown in police cell and dragged to court after nagging bodybuilder husband to do the hoovering

A WIFE was thrown in a cell and dragged to court — for asking her husband to help with the chores.  Valerie Sanders claimed she only asked Michael, 58, to vacuum, clean patio doors and not go to the gym so often. But she was prosecuted for “controlling behaviour”. The case was thrown out just before a trial.  She added that she was “treated like a criminal” just for nagging her bodybuilder husband to do some hoovering and claimed he spent hours at the gym or washing his car rather than help out at home.  She said she left notes for her 16st spouse to do chores at the house they shared with two dogs — until cops were called in.  Two vans and four officers turned up, and 4ft 10in Valerie was charged with “coercive or controlling behaviour” — usually used to protect vulnerable women.  After 14 months of “hell”, the case collapsed this week moments before a trial was due to start.  Cleaning firm boss Valerie said: “It’s outrageous this ever got to court.”  But Michael, 58, hit back: “I’m not sure if she should have gone to court or not. That was not my decision – but she was controlling. She was constantly on at me.  “She used to leave the vacuum out or the polish and wanted me to clean every day because of the dogs.”  The couple met online in 2012 and married two years later.  After being made redundant as a CCTV operator, Michael got a job as a gym manager.  Valerie, who has two grown-up daughters, said he then became obsessed with bodybuilding.  She recalled: “He was training all the time. He was eating five or six meals a day and mushing up all his food in the blender.  “We stopped going out for meals. I was working and he was at the gym from early in the morning until late at night. I just didn’t see him. If he wasn’t in the gym he was washing his car for hours.  "He started to do bodybuilding competitions. It wasn’t attractive. It was like cuddling an ironing board. He started to take Viagra because he said he couldn’t get an erection, blaming the steroids.  “But when he took the tablets it made him sniffy and snotty so I refused to sleep with him.”  Jobcentre staff carrying out a routine check noticed Michael’s mood had changed for the worse — and he blamed his home life.  In April 2018 staff told police who turned up soon after at their house in Catterick, North Yorks.  Valerie said: “I was taken to the station and locked in a cell. I’ve never been in trouble. I was horrified. I felt like a criminal.”  She was charged the next day and recalled: “I had my house keys taken away. I had to stay at a friend’s mum’s.”  She denied being “coercive or controlling”, insisting: “I’d leave a note asking him to vacuum parts of the house and clean the patio doors. We have two miniature dachshunds. But he would spend four hours cleaning his car – so of course I complained.  “Surely it isn’t controlling behaviour otherwise every married couple would be in court?”  Michael, also a former prison officer, claimed Valerie initially encouraged the bodybuilding — and then the complaints started.  He said: “She said I was training too much and didn’t like the diet I was on.” Michael claimed he had a hormone issue and needed Viagra which “made me congested”.  He went on: “She’d say I couldn’t go anywhere near her like that. That made me feel worse. She didn’t like me cleaning my car. She would leave notes to me about the cleaning. At the finish I was feeling ill.”  The case was listed for trial at Teesside crown court on Tuesday but was dismissed before a jury was sworn in. Valerie’s not guilty plea was accepted in return for a two-year restraining order.  The couple are now divorcing. Valerie said: “17 hours in a prison cell broke my love for him. It’s such a relief it is all over.”  Michael, who is currently out of work, plans to continue on the over-55s bodybuilding circuit.  He said: “There was no love any more. She used to kiss and cuddle her two dogs, but never kissed and cuddled me.”  The CPS said: “We prosecute cases where there is sufficient evidence of coercive and controlling behaviour. In this case, after a key witness decided to no longer support the prosecution, we concluded there was no longer sufficient evidence.”


eveningstandard--2019-02-27--Kim Kardashianaposs trainer Melissa Alcantaraaposs workout plan and fitness advice from cardio

Kim Kardashian's trainer: Melissa Alcantara's workout plan and fitness advice, from cardio to butt toning

Melissa Alcantara, better known as “Fit Gurl Mel” to her 750,000 Instagram followers, is often credited with helping Kim Kardashian keep her million-dollar body in shape.  Alcantara grew up in the Bronx and says she didn't initially know much about healthy eating. After giving birth she tried a range of fad diets and workouts, including Weight Watchers, Insanity, and Crossfit. When those didn’t work, she transformed her diet and exercise regime completely, focusing on nutrition instead of calories.  And it was quite the transformation. Alcantara says she lost 40 pounds in 60 days and went on to earn bodybuilding titles and win Jiu-Jitsu competitions  Kim Kardashian came across one of her transformation photos on Instagram and quickly got in touch - in a serendipitous twist, Alcantara was about to move to Los Angeles, where she soon began training the most famous Kardashian sister.  If you’re not in Calabasas, you can still workout like a Kardashian. Alcantara is a trainer on the Fitplan app, where she shares her workout plan. Her program isn’t about cardio - instead, it’s a hybrid program that combines dumbbells, weights, and resistance bands. Alcantara promises the same routines she shares with her celebrity clientele for $15.99 a month.  We caught up with the trainer to talk cardio, healthy eating and the most common mistakes people make while working out.  Tell us about how you came to train with Kim Kardashian...  "One day while browsing through Instagram at like 4am, Kim found one of my transformation images. Kim wanted to be strong and healthy and do it the right way (aka the hard way), so she reached out directly. Three days later we were chatting at her apartment in New York (I lived in Brooklyn at the time) and we really connected on a personal level. I told her that we were actually moving to LA in the near future, which worked perfectly because she wanted to train with me and embark on this fitness adventure together. The rest is history. Kim is my homegirl and we push each other to do better every single day."  "For women, I believe it is thinking you’ll turn into a man if you lift weights. Also people thinking they can move some dumbbells up and down and make some magazine level muscles in a couple of months. The truth is that what the image may be showing is anything from Photoshop to chemical enhancements, and that building a functional and aesthetic physique takes a long time. It’s more a lifestyle for longevity and quality of life rather than something you do for the summer or a friend’s wedding."  There are so many “quick fixes” for fitness these days, whether it’s diets or vitamins. Do any of the diet trends work?  "If they worked, I wouldn’t get this question all the time. Fundamentally, people know they are fads. However, who doesn’t like the promise of something that will change your life forever in just 21 days with minimum effort? I ask people to analyze what they’re doing and determine if they can do it for at least 6-12 months. If the answer is no then most likely it isn’t sustainable and it's just a fad."  What’s the best possible butt exercise? Is it squats or something more involved?  "This is a great question. Right now, people are obsessed with their butts, but the human body doesn’t work in isolation. The function of the glutes is to prevent the human from falling on its face when running - they fire to keep you standing.  In addition, the butt works along the posterior chain (lower back, glutes and hamstrings) which means that the entire muscular chain needs to be addressed in training. There’s no one exercise that will unlock the secrets to a functional and big ass. You need to train the system and address its strength and mobility. Stiff muscles are actually very brittle, and your aim should be to create a butt that is both strong and flexible.  I recommend incorporating the fundamentals, squats and dead lifts and layering in hip thrusts, banded movement exercises and sprinting in order to have a nice and functional bottom. Most importantly, be patient as hell since this muscle chain takes forever to develop."  What’s the most common mistake you find when people work out on their own that they can easily avoid?  "They go and 'work out,' meaning they walk into the gym and have no plan or strategy to actually work out their bodies and their mind. The best way to avoid this is to make, or utilize, an existing plan - such as my Fitplan 8 Week Body Sculptor or Built Aesthetics plans.  By going into the workout with a plan, there's a clear aim, which allows different muscular systems to be worked on rather than just one part. The body is a kinetic machine with many inter-dependencies and should be viewed in its totality."  On Instagram, you say 20 minutes of cardio and a nutritious diet is all you need. Is that true for most people?  "If you’re training correctly, you’re already doing cardio while dead lifting and squatting. People connect cardio with losing weight, but the goal of cardio is to improve cardiovascular ability, meaning that you’re able to sustain the movement for longer and more efficiently while using less energy.  Nutrition plays a much larger role in losing unneeded fat. Yes, you need fat in your body to function correctly, thus you should never aim to get rid of more fat than is healthy for your body - and the focus [should be] on actual nutrition and not on calorie deficits.  That being said, incorporating a particular amount of cardio along with proper nutrition will have a positive impact on losing unneeded fat. Both of my Fitplans have several forms of cardio that aim to both help you lose fat and improve your cardiovascular ability. Bodies have to be able to move, not just look like they can move."  In your Instagram stories, you share some of your favorite meal plans along with the calorie counts. What’s the best meal someone can eat before they work out?  "Well, 'best' is entirely subjective and people react differently. What you eat before or after is not as important as what you eat over time. Your body doesn’t actually like change, so in order for it to change you need to give it enough time to change.  Instead of meal timing and composition, you should experiment with what works for you. For example, if you work out at 5 am, it is probably more efficient for you to not eat before training but if you work out during your lunch break at work, you may want to eat a couple of hours before in order to feel like you can handle the training – and make it through the morning at work!  Again, the goal is to eat with nutrition in mind. Avoid processed food, and essentially bull**t in order to get the results you want. Most of the time, I personally like training on an empty stomach in the morning and then I eat all my meals (3 - 4 meals per day) between 12 pm and 9 pm."  What’s one food people think is healthy but should really drop from their diet?  "I wouldn’t say they have to cut it out from their diet, but people seem to go to a pack of nuts or peanut butter whenever they feel hungry. We have been told that nuts are healthy and that they have protein but, in reality, nuts are a form of healthy fat. In saying that, if you eat a couple of packs of nuts a day, what you’re doing is eating 500 calories of healthy fat when you may only need a smaller portion."  What’s the best time of day to exercise?  "For me, it is the morning around 10am but this time is not possible for a lot of people due to other professional and personal commitments. Given the needs of the modern world, the best time is the one you have. Whenever it may be, I recommend using your time effectively to exercise not just your body but also your mind."


sottnet--2019-11-06--The quest for the perfect ketone by the keto diet's most controversial champion

A chemist once at the center of an era-defining sports scandal now is eager to improve your health.After 30 minutes, the rat should have been dead. Sealed in a capsule-shaped chamber, the animal was breathing pure oxygen at a pressure high enough to cause a normal rat to have a seizure in five to 10 minutes. Dominic D'Agostino, a researcher at the University of South Florida, stood by, ready to flush the chamber with fresh air and rescue the creature at the first signs of a problem. But 30 minutes became 40 minutes, and still the rat appeared unbothered. At an hour, D'Agostino could only gaze at it on a video monitor with wonder. "The rat was just kind of staring back at us and grooming itself," he says.Shortly before placing the rat inside the chamber, D'Agostino had injected a new, one-of-a-kind molecule down the animal's throat. Much of D'Agostino's work is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Naval Research, and this experiment, which he conducted in mid-2011, was his first test of whether the new molecule could help a rat withstand an onslaught of oxygen. The hope was to one day do the same for Navy divers, who can experience devastating oxygen-toxicity seizures on deep dives.As D'Agostino watched his record-breaking rat relax in the chamber, however, his mind raced through even bigger medical implications. Many people with epilepsy have seizures similar to those caused by oxygen toxicity; if all went well, perhaps his new molecule could reduce those, too. Even more tantalizing, preliminary research on similar molecules had already hinted at possible benefits for patients with a wide range of diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease and some cancers.The keto diet amounts to a strict Atkins diet, and people often turn to it in an attempt to lose weight. The scientific evidence on its effectiveness is limited, but. Meanwhile, scientists have known for decades that the keto diet can prevent epileptic seizures even when pharmaceutical treatments have failed. But the work of D'Agostino and a handful of other pioneering ketone researchers over the past decade has also led scientists at Harvard, Yale, and other top institutions to consider the diet's potential to treat other diseases. Siddhartha Mukherjee, an oncologist and the author of The Emperor of All Maladies, a Pulitzer Prize-winning history of cancer science, is among those interested in whether the ketogenic diet could have a role in cancer therapy.D'Agostino's impervious rat pointed toward a workaround to one very big problem in this line of research: Dieting is hard. Most people struggle to stick with a ketogenic eating plan in the long term."Literally, I would be on my phone all day calling people, trying to make this happen," he says.The breakthrough came in the fall of 2009, when D'Agostino pursued an idea that was both perfectly logical and perhaps a little bit crazy. He did know of one guy who might be able to make the diester molecule he wanted. The logical part? The man was a brilliant chemist with a proven record of creating novel organic compounds. The slightly crazy part? The man was also an ex-con who had been at the center of one of the biggest scandals in the history of professional sports.Were D'Agostino a more typical scientist, he might have waited until he found funding for the diester molecule via a more conventional route. But D'Agostino is far from a typical scientist. He played football in high school and, at the age of 44, maintains a Schwarzenegger-esque physique. Stories that circulate about him among his friends and colleagues are mind-boggling. He has claim ed that he can hold his breath for almost four minutes and that he once deadlifted 500 pounds 10 times in a row — an impressive set for any weightlifter, but D'Agostino says he did it after fasting for a week. "I have, like, sadistic OCD qualities where I'll just keep doing it, either until I die or I don't," he says.D'Agostino is soft-spoken and sounded embarrassed when I asked about these superhuman feats. But such extreme acts are a window into his science as much as his personality. He is a well-regarded academic who frequently publishes in respectable scientific publications. At the same time, he is at the forefront of a community of obsessive biohackers who revel in pushing their bodies to places few bodies have ever been pushed. For D'Agostino, ketones, with their appeal to both scientists and biohackers, were a perfect match between researcher and subject.And so, when a friend in the bodybuilding community suggested that D'Agostino ask the chemist Patrick Arnold for help on his diester molecule, D'Agostino took the idea seriously. Arnold, to be sure, was an unusual option. If there were a Nobel Prize for anabolic steroids, he would have won it, probably more than once. In the summer of 1998, a commercially available supplement that Arnold had popularized, androstenedione — andro, for short — was spotted in the locker of the baseball slugger Mark McGwire. Andro is a prohormone that becomes testosterone after it's converted in the body, and it was widely thought to be the explanation for McGwire's astonishing power at the plate that year. (McGwire admitted to taking andro, but the supplement wasn't banned by Major League Baseball at the time.)Five years later, another one of Arnold's creations landed him in a much bigger scandal: He was identified as the man who had created "the Clear," the nickname for the designer steroid that the now infamous nutritional-supplement company Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO) distributed to Barry Bonds, Marion Jones, and other celebrity athletes. The BALCO scandal led to a congressional investigation and even made its way into President George W. Bush's State of the Union address in 2004. Arnold became known as the "rogue chemist" behind BALCO and spent three months in 2006 in a West Virginia federal prison. That same year, Sports Illustrated ran a profile of him under the headline " Is This Dr. Evil? " The article described his lab as "a modern Frankenstein's castle."Today, Arnold readily acknowledges that he had gone rogue. In the sports-nutrition industry, he says, "being 'Dr. Evil' sells products." But questions about his chemistry annoy him. His lab, he says, was very sophisticated and well kept: "There was nothing 'Frankenstein' about it."Before reaching out for help on the diester molecule, D'Agostino looked Arnold up online and found his posts on bodybuilding message boards — the type of boards on which serious lifters debate the finer points of nutrition, supplements, and, sometimes, anabolic steroids. Arnold, who had become something of a celebrity on the boards, rarely missed a chance to show off his vast knowledge. D'Agostino says that he is "sort of indifferent to steroids." Arnold, he reasoned, had made "a lot of different things over the years" — some legal and some not — to stretch the limits of human performance. While steroids had rocked the world of professional baseball, they seemed far less scandalous in the bodybuilding world with which D'Agostino was familiar. Besides, he says, "I had exhausted all my sources in academia. What did I have to lose?"D'Agostino shot Arnold a message on Facebook. Hoping to spark Arnold's interest in the project, he pointed out that, in addition to possible medical benefits, synthetic ketones might hold promise for performance enhancement. When the message arrived, Arnold was three years out of prison and back at his lab in Seymour, Illinois, a small town on the outskirts of Champaign. He had returned to the work he knew best: making and marketing his own lines of nutrition supplements.But things weren't going well. His new company was in disarray — and in the crosshairs of another federal investigation. D'Agostino's out-of-the-blue note opened the possibility of reinventing Arnold's business. Perhaps, he thought, it might even redeem his reputation.A Ph.D. researcher and an ex-con without an advanced degree make for an unlikely pairing. But as they developed a working relationship, D'Agostino and Arnold saw that they had plenty in common. Over the years, Arnold has experimented with some of his own products, and he, too, once had the ripped physique of a competitive bodybuilder. Now 53, he still has the thick neck and boulder-like shoulders of someone who spends a lot of time at the gym.In another life, Arnold might have gone down the same path as D'Agostino and become a successful academic or found a job with a pharmaceutical company. But differences between the two men were apparent from a young age. D'Agostino grew up in central New Jersey, baling hay and driving tractors on his neighbor's 200-acre farm. After falling in love with biology in high school, he went to Rutgers, where he became a serious student. Arnold grew up in Guilford, Connecticut, a small coastal town. He was an erratic student, excelling in the classes he found interesting, particularly chemistry, and floundering in the ones he didn't."I was antisocial," says Arnold, who comes off in conversation as an unusual hybrid: one part musclehead bro, one part chemistry savant. "I got to school, I'm not smiling. Everyone else is smiling. Why aren't you smiling? Fuck you. You know? Because you don't understand."Arnold and his two older brothers spent a lot of time in their basement, where, after finding an old set of weights at their grandfather's house, they set up a small gym. By high school, Arnold had already fallen into the role of nutrition and muscle-building guru he would assume later in life. His brother John had begun to compete in bodybuilding competitions, and Arnold's job was to figure out what John should eat each day as he trained. Arnold would make his own supplements in the family kitchen, forming small rolls from milk, egg-protein powder, peanut butter, and honey, then freezing them for later use. "I won my first contest because of Patrick," John says.When Arnold read about performance-enhancing drugs as a kid, the warnings against using them only sparked his curiosity. He first tried steroids while working in construction after dropping out of the University of New Haven. He eventually finished his degree and later took several graduate-level courses in organic chemistry. But his real training in making steroids, he says, began in 1990, when he started working for a company in New Jersey that made chemicals for hair gels and conditioners, among other products. Arnold's entry-level work — synthesizing simple molecules and then waiting around to check the temperature of the reactions — was mind-numbing for someone of his abilities. But the job came with valuable perks: access to a lab and a well-stocked chemistry library right on Arnold's floor.He tried synthesizing testosterone first, using extract from a chopped-up yam, he says, but only succeeded in making a huge mess. That experience led Arnold to an insight that would serve him well throughout his career: If you want to synthesize chemical compounds, don't start from scratch. Instead, find the closest raw material that's commercially available. "It's like if you want to build a car," Arnold told the self-help guru Tim Ferriss a few years ago. "You don't make your own rubber or make your own steel."Over the years, as Arnold continued to read and absorb more of the scientific literature on steroids, his knowledge of commercially available compounds would prove useful again and again. He says he first realized the potential performance-enhancing benefits of andro, the drug later used by McGwire, by reading old patents from the former East Germany.The Clear, which Arnold would develop years later, wasn't so much a stroke of creative genius as a testament to the breadth of his knowledge. Arnold had read about a molecule called norbolethone in some of the early literature on anabolic steroids, and he knew it had the power to add muscle and mass. He didn't have a way to make norbolethone from scratch, but he recognized that the steroid's chemical structure was very similar to that of progestin, a molecule used in birth-control pills. He soon discovered that it was easy to order progestin from China, and that by adding hydrogen, he could turn it into norbolethone.Arnold adamantly denies this accusation, and no charges were ever filed against him. But the investigation made it impossible for him to continue selling 6-OXO, his most lucrative product, and all but wiped out the business he was trying to build. Arnold now describes the affair as a "huge nightmare." "I'm not saying my life was completely ruined," he once said of the raid, "but I'm saying that it was significantly downgraded."Not long after the 6-OXO ordeal, D'Agostino contacted Arnold and the two got to work making the ketone diester. They already had a recipe, or "synthesis," to follow: The molecule had first been synthesized in the early 1970s by Henri Brunengraber, a biochemist at Case Western Reserve University, who was then working on compact foods that astronauts might be able to take on multiyear journeys to Mars. But making the molecule turned out to be far more complicated than Arnold had anticipated.The challenge, as he explains it, was in finding a way to produce the diester efficiently so that he could supply D'Agostino with enough for a series of different studies. It was "kind of a bitch," Arnold recalls. "I tried it and it didn't work, and it didn't work." Getting a molecule that was almost right was relatively easy; perfecting it was something else. There was no flash of inspiration. Arnold describes it as "step-wise kind of a revelation," involving "dozens and dozens and dozens of experiments."After six months, the first batch arrived at D'Agostino's lab in a cardboard box. Inside, wrapped in tinfoil, was a cylindrical tube holding 10 milliliters of an amber-colored liquid. "I'm not even sure it had any markings on it," D'Agostino says. It was only enough for a few small tests, but D'Agostino's excitement grew with each one. He says he began going to the lab in the middle of the night just to see how his rats were doing. For the most part, they were doing remarkably well.Commercially, the availability of ketones is growing, as well. A ketone monoester created by Richard Veech, a pioneer of ketone research at the National Institutes of Health, and Kieran Clarke, of the University of Oxford, is now being sold by the startup HVMN at $33 per serving. When I spoke with Veech, he sounded all but convinced that the monoester can not only help treat Parkinson's and other neurological diseases, but can also protect cells from radiation, which damages them in much the same way as oxygen toxicity. Clarke believes that the ketone monoester will eventually be "more or less a general tonic for the general population."It's still far too soon to say with any certainty that ketones in a bottle or pill will emerge as a valuable therapeutic tool or athletic performance enhancer. What works for rats and mice often does not work for humans. "This is a 5-mile race," Mike McCandless, a supplement maker who has funded some of D'Agostino's research, says. "We're literally at the 10-foot mark."Researchers still aren't even certain about the fundamental reason ketogenic diets might benefit health. Gary Yellen, a Harvard researcher who studies how ketogenic diets prevent epileptic seizures, says that while there are almost certainly multiple mechanisms at play, his research suggests that when it comes to the brains of people with epilepsy, it's the shift away from burning glucose that makes the difference. "I don't believe that ketone bodies themselves are the key to the diet," Yellen says.Where Patrick Arnold will ultimately fall in the story of ketones is difficult to predict. He has continued to collaborate with D'Agostino, and even has launched his own foray into ketone supplements, but he's still somewhat unknown in the ketone world. Brunengraber, the chemist who first synthesized the diester molecule, didn't know who Arnold was before I asked about him. Clarke, the Oxford researcher who cocreated the ketone monoester, said she had heard of Arnold but had never met him. "He is probably a good chemist," she said. "I don't know about his principles."Arnold says that most of the people who know him through his ketone work haven't heard of the BALCO scandal. "Occasionally, someone says, 'Oh, don't trust him. He's a criminal,'" he says. But even more people, he claims, tell him that they "don't give a damn."Arnold, it's safe to say, is an imperfect vessel for any scientific advance. For many baseball fans, BALCO does remain a painful memory. Arnold's contributions to ketone research can't undo his role in that scandal or the damage it did to professional sports.Jason Karlawish, a professor of medicine, medical ethics, and health policy at the University of Pennsylvania, believes that Arnold's history shouldn't discourage mainstream scientists like D'Agostino from working with the diester, as long as Arnold's scientific work itself is valid. "D'Agostino took an ethical risk only if there was a chance Arnold could use their work for dangerous ends," Karlawish says.D'Agostino maintains that there was "no risk" of Arnold doing harm. And Arnold says he has no interest in making any dangerous substance. He is eager, though, to make something profitable. Almost as soon as D'Agostino reached out to him in 2009, Arnold began dreaming up new ketone products that he could sell as safe and effective weight-loss or athletic-performance supplements. Today, Arnold sells products like ketone salts via KetoSports, a new company that occupies the same lab and facilities where Arnold made his more infamous creations.As D'Agostino's own research has progressed — in 2017, he spent 10 days living on ketone supplements on a NASA mission at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean — he has kept Arnold up to date on his latest findings. Arnold's name even appears as one of the coauthors on some of the papers D'Agostino has published in scientific journals, including an article in the International Journal of Cancer. Arnold, in turn, has highlighted developments in cancer and other health research on Facebook and other online platforms. "I don't think I've seen him so focused in years, with this ketogenic thing," says Arnold's brother John. "This is his baby now."If ketone supplements do turn out to be more than yet another performance booster — and at least one brand marketing ketone-salt formulations first dreamed up by Arnold and D'Agostino already highlights testimonials from children with epilepsy — much of the credit will go to D'Agostino, Veech, Clarke, and the other scientists who have advanced the field of ketone research. But some of the credit will have to go to Patrick Arnold. With more funding from the Office of Naval Research, D'Agostino has turned to a new lab that can make the diester in greater quantities and according to standards necessary for human trials, but he has not forgotten about what Arnold achieved. "Patrick is the reason my whole research program exists right now," D'Agostino says, adding that he might have given up on science altogether if Arnold hadn't succeeded in making the ketones he needed.In 2006, Arnold told Sports Illustrated that he didn't want BALCO to be his legacy. He couldn't say, though, what exactly he wanted his legacy to be. Now he has his answer. He would prefer to be remembered as "the ketone guy" who "also did that stuff," he says. He has been fortunate to work with a scientist as generous as D'Agostino. If he makes it big again, baseball fans might be less forgiving. Sam Apple teaches writing at the University of Pennsylvania.


tass--2019-07-29--Chinas Sanya to host Asian Beach Games 2020

China's Sanya to host Asian Beach Games 2020

SANYA, July 29./TASS/. The Sixth Asian Beach Games will be held in 2020 in the resort city of Sanya, located in the south of the Chinese island province of Hainan. This has been stated on the official website of the organizers of the competition.  The games are due to run from November 28 to December 6. Athletes will demonstrate their skills in swimming, water polo, beach athletics, basketball, volleyball, handball, football, wrestling, rowing, sailing, surfing and others.  The event’s website stressed that “Sanya had already established itself as one of the most attractive tourist destinations with over 22 mln visitors a year; the city is not dubbed the 'Chinese Hawaii' for nothing".  It is also noted that Sanya's climate, infrastructure and beaches are ideal for holding sports events. For example, an ideal coastline - an abundance of hotels, hotel complexes, training grounds and exits to the beaches made the construction of a separate sports village unnecessary. Athletes, coaches, fans and other participants of the games will conveniently be located in the tourist area of the city, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the development of Hainan's tourism industry.  Asian Beach Games is an event held every two years among Asian athletes. Traditionally, the Games include competitions in water sports (swimming, sailing, water polo), beach options for some sports (football, volleyball, basketball, sambo, bodybuilding, handball), as well as mixed sports, which are a combination of competitions for land and water.  For the first time the Asian Beach Games took place in 2008 in Bali, Indonesia. Sanya is not the first Chinese city to host competitions. In 2012, the Games were held in Haiyang City in Shandong Province. Over the years, competitions were also held in Indonesia (2008), Oman (2010), Thailand (2014) and Vietnam (2016).


birminghammail--2019-10-15--FIFA president Gianni Infantino makes statement after racist abuse during Bulgaria vs England

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for "new, stronger and more effective ways to eradicate racism in football" in the wake of the abuse suffered by England players during their Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria.  One of the players subject to the abuse was Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings, who was the first player to report the chants to the linesman and then to England captain Harry Kane.  Mings was making his England debut in the match in Sofia.  UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria and England following Monday's match in Sofia, which was stopped twice as Bulgarian fans made Nazi salutes and directed monkey noises at black England players.  Charges against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) include the racist behaviour, throwing of objects and disruption of a national anthem by home supporters, and showing replays on a giant screen.  The English Football Association has been charged with disruption of a national anthem, as well as providing an insufficient number of travelling stewards.  This is your round up of all things Villa; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond. Transfers, injuries, match-days and managers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be bringing the very latest on the Villains throughout the week and around the clock. Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up... • None Why Mings' debut comes at a high cost for Villa - READ • What we know about McGinn and United links - READ For all your latest AVFC news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here You can follow our Villa reporter Ashley Preece on Twitter, and his email address is Ashley.Preece@reachplc.com.  Infantino said in a statement: "I call on all football governing bodies to join us and think together of new, stronger and more effective ways to eradicate racism in football.  "As a starting point, I suggest that all competition organisers enact regulations which envisage life bans from stadiums for those who are found guilty of racist behaviour at a football match. FIFA can then enforce such bans at a worldwide level."


eveningstandard--2019-03-15--Club World Cup Fifa ignores Europe to approve new 24-team tournament starting in 2021

Club World Cup: Fifa ignores Europe to approve new 24-team tournament starting in 2021

World football's governing body Fifa has ignored European opposition to its plan to revamp the Club World Cup by voting to approve a new 24-team tournament starting in June 2021.  Describing himself as a "very happy man", Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the decision after a meeting of the ruling council in Miami on Friday.  But the move to scrap the current seven-team tournament, which takes place every winter but is largely ignored by European fans, and replace it with a larger, more lucrative contest every fourth summer, would appear to set Fifa on collision course with Europe's elite.  Infantino wants Europe to provide eight of the 24 teams, with six coming from South America, three each from Africa, Asia and North and Central America and one from Oceania, and it is suggested that each club could earn £50million for taking part.  But the European Club Association, which represents 232 of the continent's leading sides, Europe's governing body Uefa and the world players' union FIFPro are unhappy with what they claim is a lack of consultation in regards to the congested global calendar and Infantino's financial plans for the new tournament.  In a letter that was leaked on Friday, the ECA's executive board, including the bosses of Barcelona, Juve, Manchester United and Real Madrid, said they would not take part in any new competition until 2024 at the earliest and would even consider suing Fifa if it ignored their 2015 deal on the international match calendar.  Speaking to reporters in Miami, Infantino admitted there have been "differences of opinion" since he first floated the idea last year and referred to "constructive dialogue" with Europe that he hoped to build on.  For him, though, the decision to approve his plan was a "milestone in Fifa's history", saying that "the world will now see a real Club World Cup where fans will see the best teams in the world compete to be crowned the real world champions".  He said club football was "evolving at a different pace in different parts of the world" and it was Fifa's duty to put on an "exciting, prestigious and inclusive competition, and we'll have that with this Club World Cup, starting in 2021".  Asked if he was concerned about the prospect of Fifa staging a new events without its biggest stars, Infantino said: "We hope that all the best teams will participate and we've had some very positive discussions with (European football's governing body) Uefa.  "But today it was our responsibility to take a decision because we have to deal with the organisational matters - it is only two years away."  In its letter, the ECA, which represents 232 of Europe's best teams, strongly criticised Infantino for failing to reveal more details about who is providing the financial backing for the new competition and ignoring its concerns about the impact on players.  His original plan was to revamp the Club World Cup and start a Global Nationals League, with the two competitions worth a guaranteed £18.8billion over 12 years from a group of investors led by Japan's technology fund SoftBank.  The Global Nations League has been quietly dropped and Infantino has still not provided any further details on his mystery backers for the new Club World Cup.  But he dismissed the idea that Fifa was increasing the strain on players, saying the new Club World Cup was replacing two unloved competitions: the annual Club World Cup and World Cup warm-up event, the Confederations Cup.  "We are the only organisation reducing the number of tournaments and games - this will not have a neutral impact on the calendar, it will be positive," he said.  "Of the 24 teams, two thirds of them will play only two games and the finalists will play five. Five games in four years. I don't think anyone can that is an large additional burden."  No venue was mentioned for the inaugural new and improved tournament in 2021, but it is scheduled to take the slot currently reserved for the Confederations Cup, June 17 to July 4.


eveningstandard--2019-10-15--Fifa on racism: President Gianni Infantino wants to eradicate 'obnoxious disease' from foo

Fifa on racism: President Gianni Infantino wants to eradicate 'obnoxious disease' from football

Fifa president Gianni Infantino called racism an "obnoxious disease" which needs "stronger and more effective ways" to be eradicated from football in the wake of the abuse suffered by England players during their Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria.  Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria and England following Monday's match in Sofia, which was stopped twice as Bulgarian fans made Nazi salutes and directed monkey noises at black England players.  Charges against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) include the racist behaviour, throwing of objects and disruption of a national anthem by home supporters, and showing replays on a giant screen.  The English Football Association has been charged with disruption of a national anthem, as well as providing an insufficient number of travelling stewards.  Infantino said in a statement: "So many times we say there is no place for racism in football, but nonetheless we still face challenges to tackle this problem in our sport, as we do in society.  "We will need the support of public authorities to help us identify and punish the culprits but we probably also need to think more broadly on what we can do to fix this.  "When we proposed the three-step procedure in 2009 when I was at Uefa, and then made the regulations even tougher a few years later, we could not have imagined that so shortly thereafter we would again be having to think of how to combat this obnoxious disease that seems to be getting even worse in some parts of the world.  "I call on all football governing bodies to join us and think together of new, stronger and more effective ways to eradicate racism in football.  "As a starting point, I suggest that all competition organisers enact regulations which envisage life bans from stadiums for those who are found guilty of racist behaviour at a football match. Fifa can then enforce such bans at a worldwide level."  A Fifa statement added: "Following changes made to its disciplinary code in June 2019, Fifa may extend worldwide any sanctions that a confederation or member association imposes for racist incidents, such as those which occurred in Sofia during the Uefa EURO 2020 qualifier match between Bulgaria and England.  "Fifa therefore expects to be informed as soon as practicable regarding the relevant decisions of the Uefa disciplinary bodies in relation to this particular case. This would allow any sanctions imposed to be extended worldwide."


rferl--2019-08-08--FIFA Slammed Over Afghan Sex Abuse Probe

A "culture of abuse" continues to thrive at Afghanistan's soccer federation because of world soccer governing body FIFA's "apparent inaction" in a sexual abuse scandal involving female Afghan players, according to the national women's team coach.      In a letter dated August 6, coach Kelly Lindsey and the team’s program director, Khalida Popal, said that FIFA had been dragging its feet in following up on allegations of sexual misconduct.      Earlier this year, FIFA banned Afghanistan Football Federation's former head Keramuddin Karim for life and fined him about $1 million after finding him guilty of abusing his position and sexually abusing female players.      At least five Afghan players accused him of repeated sexual abuse in 2013-2018.      But in their letter, sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Lindsey and Popal said that several other individuals were directly or indirectly linked to the case have not been disciplined or fined.      "The accounts mention numerous other individuals, including senior individuals in ongoing positions of power, who committed sexual and physical abuse and/or failed to report abuse even though they knew or ought to have known of the abuse and/or sought to cover up abuse," the letter reads.      The two also criticized FIFA for allegedly asking the women to gather more evidence in the case, instead of sending their own investigators.      "We did this... at significant cost to our safety and wellbeing," Lindsey and Popal wrote.      "We were dismayed at the time that such a task should fall to us...but we also felt we had no choice," they added.      FIFA said it would answer the letter "shortly," adding that it was "carefully looking into allegations that have been made against additional persons."      "As stated before, FIFA will not hesitate to impose sanctions if and when justified," it said.      FIFA began its investigation in December when it suspended Karim.


rferl--2019-08-08--Iran Prosecutor Defies FIFA On Stadium Entrance Ban For Women

Iran’s ban on women entering stadiums is not the business of world soccer governing body FIFA, the country’s prosecutor-general said on August 7.      "That is certainly not the concern of FIFA -- whether women are among the football fans in the stadiums or not," Mohammad Montazeri said, according to the semiofficial ISNA news agency.      He asked since when does FIFA care about women in Iran who "will be robbed of the blessing of a football match?"      Iran is in danger of being barred from the World Cup qualifiers if it doesn’t lift the nearly 40-year ban on women from sports stadiums.      FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave Iran's soccer federation FFIRI a July 15 deadline to allow women to attend the nation’s qualifiers for the next World Cup taking place in 2022.      Qatar will host the quadrennial soccer tournament in September 2022.      Women deserve to attend the games, Infantino said, because "we owe it to women all over the world, but also because we have a responsibility to do so, under the most basic principles set out in the FIFA statutes."      Based on FIFA’s statutes, Iran’s soccer governing body could be suspended if it fails to lift the stadium ban, thus keeping Iran out of the competition’s qualifiers.      Two years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women started to be largely banned from entering stadiums to prevent exposure to male fans, according to ultraconservative clerics.


rferl--2019-09-22--FIFA Says Tehran Assured It That Women Can Get Into Next Soccer Match

FIFA Says Tehran 'Assured' It That Women Can Get Into Next Soccer Match

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says soccer's world governing body "cannot wait any more" and has been "assured" by Tehran that the authorities will allow women spectators into the arena when Iran hosts its next international match.  Infantino's September 22 comments follow a FIFA delegation visit to Iran over the conservative Shi'ite leadership's longtime ban on women at major men's sporting events -- a policy that turned more tragic with the recent death of a young woman who was being punished for trying to sneak into a stadium disguised as a man.  Iran is scheduled to play Cambodia in a 2022 World Cup qualifier on October 10 at Azadi Stadium in Tehran.  "In these productive discussions, FIFA reiterated its firm and clear position that women need to be allowed to enter football matches freely and that the number of women who attend the stadiums be determined by the demand, resulting in ticket sales," FIFA said in a September 21 statement summarizing the delegation's visit to Tehran and Azadi Stadium.  FIFA further said it would work with Iran's national soccer federation, the FFIRI, to ensure that women spectators could get into the Iranian soccer league's matches in future.  The delegation "discussed the need to open stadiums for women to attend national matches. In that respect, FIFA announced that it will, based on the operational plans and results of the [October 10] game, collaborate with the FFIRI in developing an operational protocol and related requirements for matches in the Iranian football league to be opened for women as well."  There was a social outcry upon news that 29-year-old Iranian Sahar Khodayari had died earlier this month after dousing herself with gasoline and setting herself alight on September 2 following charges over her bid to see a match in March.  Iranian officials have sometimes allowed select groups of women into specific areas to watch soccer matches or other men's sporting events in the past, but have resolutely held the line for nearly four decades at general admission for women.  Khodayari, nicknamed "The Blue Girl" after the colors of her favorite team, Esteghlal, had reportedly suffered burns over 90 percent of her body in the self-immolation.  A sister had told RFE/RL that the girl suffered from bipolar disorder and that her mental state had deteriorated after her arrest and hearing that she could spend six months in prison.  Iranian President Hassan Rohani has mostly failed to deliver on pledges to open up some aspects of Iranian society, including reforms that could help lift Iranian women from distant second-class status under the law.  FIFA has received frequent criticism for its perceived failure to confront Iran's and others' gender-based discrimination.  On August 25, Iranian Deputy Sports Minister Jamshid Tahizade announced that women would be allowed to attend the Cambodia match.  But Tehran has dithered on the issue in the past, apparently prompting the FIFA visit this month.  "FIFA's position is firm and clear," the group said in its recent statement. "Women have to be allowed into football stadiums in Iran. For all football matches."


rferl--2019-10-11--FIFA Bans Former Afghan Soccer Official For Violations Relating To Sexual-Abuse Complaints

FIFA, world soccer's governing body, has banned the former general secretary of the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) for five years for violations concerning the abuse of female players.  FIFA said in a statement on October 11 that Sayed Aghazada was guilty of "various violations" of the FIFA Code of Ethics for failing to report sexual-abuse complaints lodged by several Afghan female soccer players against Keramuudin Karim, the former president of the AFF.  "In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that Mr. Aghazada was aware of this abuse and had the duty to report and prevent it according to the FIFA Code of Ethics," the statement said.  Karim was banned for life in June following a FIFA investigation that found him guilty of having abused his position and for sexually abusing "various female players."  In addition to a ban from all soccer-related activity at both the national and international level for five years, Aghazada was also fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,016), FIFA said.  "The FIFA Ethics Committee is still looking into the allegations that have been made against other individuals in connection to the same investigation and to their positions as football officials," it said.  Aghazada was also a FIFA Standing Committee member and Asian Football Confederation Executive Committee member, according to the statement.


sputnik--2019-10-15--FIFA May Extend Punishments for Racist Incidents Globally After Bulgaria-England Match

FIFA may extend worldwide any penalties that a "Confederation or Member Association imposes for racist incidents, such as those which occurred in Sofia during the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifier match between Bulgaria and England", the organisation said in a statement.  Earlier in the day, Bulgaria’s Football Union President Borislav Mihaylov submitted his resignation following the scandal after the country’s Minister of Youth and Sports Krasen Kralev urged for his resignation.  England Football Association Chairman Greg Clarke, who was present at the game, called it "one of the most appalling nights" he had ever witnessed.  FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in turn, called for all football governing bodies to think of "more effective ways to eradicate racism in football".  England beat Bulgaria 6-0 in the Euro 2020 qualifier match in Sofia. The game was, however, halted twice over the racist behaviour of some home fans, who chanted racial slurs and made Nazi salutes. Some of them also held up a shirt with the caption "No Respect", a reference to the equality and anti-racism campaign of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).


tass--2019-02-06--FIFA Incumbent President Infantino is sole candidate registered for presidential election

FIFA: Incumbent President Infantino is sole candidate registered for presidential election

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is a sole registered candidate for the presidential election of the world’s governing football body this summer, FIFA said in a statement on Wednesday.  "Following the call for election issued by the FIFA Council on 10 June 2018, FIFA’s member associations have proposed, in due time and form, the following candidate for the presidential election to take place at the 69th FIFA Congress in Paris on 5 June 2019: Gianni Infantino," the statement reads.  The deadline for applications of candidates wishing to run for the post of the FIFA president expired on February 5. Earlier reports suggested that former footballer Ramon Vega, who played for the national team of Switzerland and England’s Tottenham FC, also intended to run in the election, which is to be held at the 69th FIFA Congress in Paris on June 5, 2019.  "The Governance Committee will monitor the electoral process, ensuring the correct application of the FIFA Statutes and regulations," FIFA added in its statement.  In other media


tass--2019-02-06--Putin decrees to award FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Order of Friendship

### FIFA President Gianni Infantino  © EPA-EFE/FELIPE TRUEBA  MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Wednesday to award FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the Order of Friendship, according to the corresponding presidential decree published on the official legal information website.  According to the decree, FIFA President Infantino was awarded with the Order of Friendship for his "enormous contribution in the organization of the 2018 FIFA World Cup."  Last summer Russia hosted its first-ever FIFA World Cup, which kicked off in Moscow with a remarkable opening show at Luzhniki Stadium on the evening of June 14 and ended with a spectacular final match, played also at the Luzhniki Stadium, where France confidently defeated Croatia 4-2 to win the much-coveted World Cup Trophy.  Russia selected 11 host cities as the venues for the matches of the 2018 World Cup and they were Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Saransk, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Samara.  FIFA President Infantino said after the world championship that Russia staged "the best World Cup ever." According to the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, some 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived in Russia last summer for the FIFA World Cup.  In late December, FIFA announced in its statement that the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia set a new record of audience in the history of world football championships as over half of the world’s population watched matches on TV at home, out of home or on digital platforms.  In other media


tass--2019-02-21--Russia supports Infantinos nomination for FIFA president

Russia supports Infantino’s nomination for FIFA president

### FIFA President Gianni Infantino  © AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia  MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russia supports the current president of the international football federation FIFA Gianni Infantino’s nomination for another term of office, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets told TASS in an interview.  "Russia supported Infantino’s nomination," Golodets said. "What was achieved during the FIFA World Cup evokes great respect. Infantino is committed to Olympics principles in sports, he promotes opportunities for sports activities for different groups of the population. He is very active in supporting women’s sports."  "He has displayed all the very best personal qualities, too. He is educated and honest and a true professional," Golodets said.  At the beginning of February it became clear that Infantino will be the sole candidate for FIFA’s president in the forthcoming election due at the organization’s congress in Paris on June 5.  Infantino was elected FIFA president in February 2016 following a corruption scandal that forced his predecessor Joseph Blatter to step down. Infantino has implemented a package of reforms to improve FIFA’s finances and reputation.  In other media


tass--2019-06-03--FIFA Council to discuss Qatar preparations for World Cup

PARIS, June 3. /TASS/. The Council of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Monday will discuss the preparation of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, and determine the countries that will host the 2019 and 2020 World Club Championships.  The meeting of the FIFA Council will be held in Paris on June 3. It precedes the congress of the international federation, the main event of which will be electing the organization’s president. The Congress will be held on June 5, the only contender for the post is the current head of FIFA Gianni Infantino.  One of the items on the meeting’s agenda is devoted to the closest world championship. In particular, the council will discuss the proposal to increase the number of participants in the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. It is likely that the council will decide to exclude this item from discussion at the congress, since FIFA has already made a statement on the issue.  It was announced on May 22, that the tournament will take place without changing the number of participants. The decision was due to the fact that FIFA did not have enough time to prepare the country for additional matches. Increasing the number of participants in the world championship could lead to the fact that a number of matches could take place outside of Qatar.  In other media


tass--2019-04-16--FIFA gives high assessment of medical services provision at 2018 World Cup in Russia

© AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin  MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The world’s governing football body, FIFA, highly evaluated the level of medical services provided during the 2018 World Cup in Russia last summer, the Russian Federal Micro-Biological Agency (FMBA) said in its report.  "This grand and definitely the most difficult sports event in terms of medical services provision received the highest appraisal on behalf of international experts from FIFA," according to the FMBA report obtained by TASS on Tuesday.  Last summer, Russia hosted its first-ever FIFA World Cup, which kicked off in Moscow with a remarkable opening show at Luzhniki Stadium on the evening of June 14 and ended on July 15 with a spectacular final match - also played at Luzhniki - where France roundly defeated Croatia 4-2 to win the much-coveted World Cup Trophy.  Russia selected 11 host cities as the venues for the matches of the 2018 World Cup and they were Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Saransk, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Samara.  FIFA President Gianni Infantino said after the world championship that Russia staged "the best World Cup ever." According to the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, some 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived in Russia last summer for the FIFA World Cup.  In late December, FIFA announced in its statement that the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia set a new audience record in the history of world football championships since over half of the world’s population watched matches on TV at home, outside their homes or on digital platforms.  In other media


tass--2019-11-26--Ex-FIFA vice president: ‘Zero chances’ of UEFA stripping Russia of 2020 Euro Cup matches

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. It is impossible that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) may strip Russia of the right to host matches of the 2020 Euro Cup in view of the recently recommended sanctions against Russian sports, Vyacheslav Koloskov, a former FIFA vice president, told TASS on Tuesday.  The WADA Compliance Review Committee (CRC) recommended the world anti-doping body’s Executive Committee on November 23 to strip RUSADA (the Russian Anti-Doping Agency) of its compliance status and on Monday, the CRC came up with an extended list of recommended sanctions against Russian sports.  The CRC recommended to bar Russia from international competitions for a four-year period. The Committee also issued a recommendation to deprive Russia of the right to host international sports events during this period. The WADA Executive Committee will pass a final decision on Russia at its meeting on December 9 in Paris.  "There are zero chances that Russia will be stripped of the right to host matches of the 2020 Euro Cup," Koloskov, who is also the president emeritus of the Russian Football Union (RFU), said in an interview with TASS. "Is there a chance that the Russian national team may be stripped of its right to play at this tournament? To be honest, this question does not need an answer."  "Decisions, which will be made by the WADA Executive Committee on December 9, have nothing to do with football and I have repeatedly commented on this issue," he continued.  "FIFA and UEFA have their own medical committees, their own anti-doping service and accredited laboratory," Koloskov said. "They have a complete database on our footballers."  "In line with the FIFA and UEFA regulations, doping testing is required at all competitions, at every match authorized by these organizations, including at the clubs level," he said. "Three players from each team are obliged to undergo doping testing."  The matches of the 2020 Euro Cup will be held at stadiums in 12 different cities across Europe, namely in London (England), Munich (Germany), Rome (Italy), Baku (Azerbaijan), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Bucharest (Romania), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Dublin (Ireland), Bilbao (Spain), Budapest (Hungary), Glasgow (Scotland) and Copenhagen (Denmark).  St. Petersburg was granted the right to host three group stage matches and one of the quarterfinals of the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup. The newly-built football arena in St. Petersburg hosted the opening and final matches of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and also served as one of 12 stadiums across the country hosting matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.  Playing in Group I during the qualifications for the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup, the Russian national football team finished second after Belgium and qualified for the major European football championship.


tass--2019-12-16--FIFA demands over $2 million in restitution from Blatter, Platini

"FIFA has today filed claims in the relevant Swiss courts against former FIFA President Joseph Blatter and former FIFA Vice-President Michel Platini, seeking restitution of the CHF 2 million unduly paid to Mr. Platini back in February 2011," FIFA said in a statement.  MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The world’s governing football body, FIFA, announced on Monday that it submitted an application with Swiss courts seeking a restitution of two million Swiss francs (over $2 million) from ex-President of FIFA Joseph Blatter and ex-President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Michel Platini.  "This follows the unanimous resolution recently adopted by the FIFA Governance Committee in which it emphasized that FIFA was duty-bound to try to recover the funds illicitly paid by one former official to another," the statement continued. "Even the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has confirmed that this CHF 2 million gift was to be viewed as an ‘undue payment’."  In early October 2015, then-President of FIFA Sepp Blatter and Platini, who also served as the FIFA vice-president, were both suspended for the period of 90 days from their posts as part of an investigation into corruption allegations against them.  Among the corruption allegations, Blatter was suspected of an illicit payment of 2 million Swiss francs to UEFA President Platini in February 2011.  The adjudicatory chamber of the independent FIFA Ethics Committee held hearings into corruption charges on December 17 and 18, 2016 in regard to Blatter and Platini respectively, and on December 21, 2016 they were both suspended for the period of eight years from all football-related activities.  The Ethics Committee also subjected both football executives to fines, obliging Blatter to pay 50,000 Swiss francs (over $50,300) and Platini — 80,000 Swiss francs (over $80,500).  Later, the FIFA Appeal Committee ruled to roll back the suspension sentences for Platini and Blatter from eight to six years.  Platini appealed his suspension with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and in May 2016 the Swiss-based court ruled to reduce his suspension term from six to four years. Platini’s suspension expired in October this year.


theguardianuk--2019-07-05--Fifas Gianni Infantino wants 32-team Womens World Cup for 2023

Fifa’s Gianni Infantino wants 32-team Women’s World Cup for 2023

[Gianni Infantino](https://www.theguardian.com/football/gianni-infantino) wants to expand the Women’s World Cup finals to 32 teams from 24 in 2023 and double the prize money to $60m (£48m).  Before Sunday’s final between USA and the Netherlands, the Fifa president said he would take his proposals to the [Fifa](https://www.theguardian.com/football/fifa) council and member associations for approval.  “I want to expand the tournament to 32 teams,” he said. “We will have to act quickly to decide if we are to increase it for 2023, if we do, we should reopen the bidding process to allow everyone to have a chance or maybe co- host. Nothing is impossible.”  Infantino hailed the tournament in France as “the best women’s World Cup ever” and said it was an opportunity to build on the game worldwide with a number of proposals.  “[I would like to see] a Club World Cup for women starting as soon as possible next year or the year after,” Infantino added. “We need a Club World Cup which can be played every even year to expose clubs from all over the world, to make clubs invest even more in women’s football to really shine in a world stage.”  Infantino also said Fifa would increase its investment in the women’s game to $1bn over the next four-year cycle and spoke of wanting to create an international women’s league, with promotion and relegation, to help the World Cup qualification process.  “Sometimes qualification for the World Cup is just based on one tournament, sometimes not even that … This will ensure we can raise the standard all over the world,” he said. ****  **The Fiver: sign up and get our daily football email.**


theindependent--2019-03-15--Fifa ignores Europe and votes to start revamped Club World Cup in June 2021

World football’s governing body Fifa has ignored European opposition to its plan to revamp the Club World Cup by voting to approve a new 24-team tournament starting in June 2021.  Describing himself as a “very happy man”, Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the decision after a meeting of the ruling council in Miami on Friday.  But the move to scrap the current seven-team tournament, which takes place every winter but is largely ignored by European fans, and replace it with a larger, more lucrative contest every fourth summer, would appear to set Fifa on collision course with Europe’s elite.  Infantino wants Europe to provide eight of the 24 teams, with six coming from South America, three each from Africa, Asia and North and Central America and one from Oceania, and it is suggested that each club could earn £50million for taking part.  But the European Club Association, which represents 232 of the continent’s leading sides, Europe’s governing body Uefa and the world players’ union FIFPro are unhappy with what they claim is a lack of consultation in regards to the congested global calendar and Infantino’s financial plans for the new tournament.  In a letter that was leaked on Friday, the ECA’s executive board, including the bosses of Barcelona, Juve, Manchester United and Real Madrid, said they would not take part in any new competition until 2024 at the earliest and would even consider suing Fifa if it ignored their 2015 deal on the international match calendar.  Speaking to reporters in Miami, Infantino admitted there have been “differences of opinion” since he first floated the idea last year and referred to “constructive dialogue” with Europe that he hoped to build on.  For him, though, the decision to approve his plan was a “milestone in Fifa’s history”, saying that “the world will now see a real Club World Cup where fans will see the best teams in the world compete to be crowned the real world champions”.  He said club football was “evolving at a different pace in different parts of the world” and it was Fifa’s duty to put on an “exciting, prestigious and inclusive competition, and we’ll have that with this Club World Cup, starting in 2021”.  Asked if he was concerned about the prospect of Fifa staging a new events without its biggest stars, Infantino said: “We hope that all the best teams will participate and we’ve had some very positive discussions with (European football’s governing body) Uefa.  “But today it was our responsibility to take a decision because we have to deal with the organisational matters – it is only two years away.”  In its letter, the ECA, which represents 232 of Europe’s best teams, strongly criticised Infantino for failing to reveal more details about who is providing the financial backing for the new competition and ignoring its concerns about the impact on players.  His original plan was to revamp the Club World Cup and start a Global Nationals League, with the two competitions worth a guaranteed £18.8billion over 12 years from a group of investors led by Japan’s technology fund SoftBank.  The Global Nations League has been quietly dropped and Infantino has still not provided any further details on his mystery backers for the new Club World Cup.  But he dismissed the idea that Fifa was increasing the strain on players, saying the new Club World Cup was replacing two unloved competitions: the annual Club World Cup and World Cup warm-up event, the Confederations Cup.  “We are the only organisation reducing the number of tournaments and games – this will not have a neutral impact on the calendar, it will be positive,” he said.  “Of the 24 teams, two thirds of them will play only two games and the finalists will play five. Five games in four years. I don’t think anyone can that is an large additional burden.”  No venue was mentioned for the inaugural new and improved tournament in 2021, but it is scheduled to take the slot currently reserved for the Confederations Cup, 17 June to 4 July.  A decision on whether to expand the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from 32 to 48 teams has been postponed until June 5.  That is when all 211 member associations of world football’s governing body will gather in Paris for Fifa’s annual congress.  Infantino has been lobbying for the expansion for over a year but he needs Qatar to agree to it, as the Gulf state has been preparing for a 32-team, 64-game tournament and the 16 extra teams and games would mean it would have to share the event with at least one co-host.  Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers


theindependent--2019-07-05--Womenaposs World Cup Fifa announce ambition to expand tournament to 32 teams and double prize mon

Women's World Cup: Fifa announce ambition to expand tournament to 32 teams and double prize money

Fifa want to expand the Women’s World Cup will from its current 24-team format to a 32-team tournament for the next edition in 2023, president Gianni Infantino announced.  Football's governing body must act quickly on Infantino’s ambition and will consider opening re-opening the bidding process for the next tournament with a view to selecting co-host nations to accommodate an additional eight teams. Nine countries have announced intentions to host the tournament, including a potential joint bid between North Korea and South Koera.  Infantino, who was speaking at a closing press conference ahead of the final, added that the prize money will be doubled to lift it to $60m. The 2020 men’s tournament will have a prize money of $440m.  Ahead of Sunday’s final between holders the USA and the Netherlands, Infantino said he will take his new proposals to the Fifa council and member associations for approval.  "I want to expand the tournament to 32 teams," said Infantino. "We will have to act quickly to decide if we are to increase it for 2023, if we do we should reopen the bidding process to allow everyone to have a chance or maybe co-host. Nothing is impossible."  Infantino added that the 2019 tournament has been "the best women's World Cup ever" and said it was an opportunity to build on the game worldwide, with a global club competition in 2020 or 2021 in mind.  "(I would like to see) a Club World Cup for women starting as soon as possible next year or the year after," Infantino added.  "We need a Club World Cup which can be played even every year to expose clubs from all other the world to make clubs invest even more in women’s football to really shine in a world stage which is a real and true Club World Cup."  Infantino also said that Fifa will increase its investment in women's football worldwide to $1 billion over the next four-year cycle.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-03-15--FIFA pushes ahead with Club World Cup expansion despite opposition from Manchester United

FIFA has announced they are moving ahead with a controversial plan to expand the Club World Cup despite strong opposition from Europe’s elite sides.  A money-spinning new structure to expand the 2021 tournament to involve 24 teams, including eight from Europe, was strongly opposed by many - including Manchester United’s Ed Woodward.  In a letter penned to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, the European Club Association’s board, which represents 232 of the leading teams on the continent, made it clear they were against any changes to the current international match calendar, which is currently mapped out until 2024.  However, despite objections from the bosses of Celtic, Ajax, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, all of whom are on the ECA board, FIFA have pushed ahead with their plans.  "Today you have in front of you a happy FIFA president. Not for me but for football as we have taken several decisions, one particularly important because we will have, as of 2021, a new, real, revamped Club World Cup,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a press conference after a council meeting in Miami.  “It will certainly have a fantastic impact on club football worldwide, on football worldwide, and I'm extremely happy the council has taken this decision to start in 2021 in the slot of the Confederations Cup.  “From now, the world will see a real Club World Cup where the best teams in the world will compete to crown the champion. This is important today because club football is evolving, it's moving at a different pace.  “What is better than having a real club football and not a competition like we have now. We want to have an exciting competition, we want to have a prestigious competition, we want to have an inclusive competition and we will have this with the new Club World Cup starting in 2021.  “The decision has been taken after a long process of consultations, discussions and difference of opinions. Today, I’m also pleased because there have been some very positive discussions lately with the UEFA president and UEFA.  “Constructive dialogue, even though there are on some topics different points of view, but are moving forward. We have the responsibility to make decisions for FIFA and we took that decision.  “I’m sure in the next few weeks even the discussions with UEFA will bare some positive fruits, certainly the spirit of today’s meeting and the most recent discussions. So it’s constructive, positive but, more importantly, FIFA has decided and we are moving on.”  Infantino also confirmed that the tournament, set to take place in June and July in 2021, would not take place in Qatar due to the severe temperatures that have already forced the 2022 World Cup to move to a summer window.  It was also announced that plans to expand the World Cup from 32 teams to 48, another controversial decision, could occur earlier than the current plan from 2026 as a FIFA feasibility study found no reason to shelve those plans.  “We have published a feasibility study where we came to the conclusion that yes, it is possible to move the World Cup from 32 teams to 48 teams providing certain conditions are met,” he added.  It was claimed by the FIFA president that 90% of the associations in world football backed the expansion of the World Cup.


thesun--2019-02-27--Fifa president Infantino steps into Sala transfer row as he orders Cardiff and Nantes to reach an ag

Fifa president Infantino steps into Sala transfer row as he orders Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ordered Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement over the Emiliano Sala saga.   The Argentine striker, 28, [died in a plane crash last month just days after signing for the Bluebirds.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8380201/emiliano- sala-confirmed-dead-body-recovered-plane-crash/)  ![ Gianni Infantino has ordered Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement over the Emiliano Sala saga]()  Getty Images - Getty  Gianni Infantino has ordered Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement over the Emiliano Sala saga  ![ Nantes have complained to Fifa after Cardiff fail to pay Emiliano Sala's transfer fee]()  AFP  Nantes have complained to Fifa after Cardiff fail to pay Emiliano Sala's transfer fee  The French club lodged a [complaint with Fifa after Cardiff failed to make a first £5.13million instalment of the £15m fee.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8523128/emiliano-sala-nantes-fifa- complain-cardiff/)  Now Nantes want Fifa to force Cardiff to pay up, despite the Welsh club citing “anomalies” with the deal.   Fifa confirmed they had received a complaint.  And Infantino said: “Nantes turned to Fifa.  “It’s a dispute over a contract but there is a human dimension to this drama that makes us more than sad.  ![ Emiliano Sala was Cardiff's record transfer after signing a £15m deal]()  AFP  Emiliano Sala was Cardiff's record transfer after signing a £15m deal  “I would like to see the clubs find an agreement. If not, Fifa will deal with it.”  Cardiff were due to make the first payment by February 5 and then had a later deadline of February 20 extended by a week.   But Nantes, who owe Bordeaux half of the fee through a sell-on clause, decided to force the issue.  Cardiff have insisted [they will not pay until the investigation into the crash is completed.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8473071/emiliano-sala- signed-invalid-contract-cardiff-city-plane-crash/)  ![ Cardiff have insisted they will not pay until the investigation into the crash is completed]()  Getty - Contributor  Cardiff have insisted they will not pay until the investigation into the crash is completed  ![ Nantes owe Bordeaux half of the fee through a sell-on clause]()  AFP or licensors  Nantes owe Bordeaux half of the fee through a sell-on clause  The Bluebirds want answers to ten specific questions,[ including the role of agent Willie McKay and issues around Sala’s fatal flight.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8474799/sala-transfer-mckay- deal-clean/)  An Aircraft Accident Investigations Board report questioned pilot David Ibbotson’s licence.   A Cardiff statement said: “We remain committed to ensuring fairness and accountability with respect to the agreement.  “But first and foremost the relevant authorities must be allowed to determine the facts surrounding this tragedy.”  Divers end search for body of Emiliano Sala pilot David Ibbotson after finding ‘no sign’ of him in plane wreckage


thinkprogress--2019-08-21--FIFA is already setting up the 2023 Womens World Cup for failure

FIFA is already setting up the 2023 Women’s World Cup for failure

Less than two months removed from the most-watched Women’s World Cup ever, FIFA, the governing body of soccer, is once again showing how little it cares about the women’s game.  On Monday, FIFA announced that Belgium had showcased a desire to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which made them the 10th country to express interest in submitting a bid — a number FIFA excitedly referred to as “unprecedented.” On the surface, that sounds phenomenal. After all, there were only two official bids for the 2019 Women’s World Cup.  But it quickly became clear that while yes, the women’s game is growing, FIFA is still doing its best to halt that growth.  On Monday, FIFA published its press release, leading with Belgium’s interest in hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2023. But just hours later, Belgium came forward and said there had been a miscommunication — they had no plans to enter an official bid, according to the New York Times.  One would think that FIFA would have checked in with Belgium before announcing such a thing, but then again, it is FIFA.  But that’s not the only problem. The new timeline for bid submissions was provided too, and goodness is the schedule alarming. The nine countries that have expressed interest in hosting the event —  Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa — have until September 2 to confirm their intention to bid, and all completed bids must be submitted by December 13. The host nation will be voted on in May 2020.  This means that the host nation selected will have just over three years to prepare to host the Women’s World Cup. In contrast, the 2026 men’s World Cup was awarded to the joint bid presented by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2018, giving the North Americans eight years to prepare for the mega event. And FIFA told Qatar it was hosting the 2022 men’s World Cup way back in 2010, giving it 12 years to prepare. (There are many, many things to criticize about the Qatar bid; it’s just notable that preparation time was not an issue.)  Even past hosts of the Women’s World Cup have gotten more advance notice — France (2019) and Canada (2011) both were given more than four years of lead time. And for France, that didn’t seem to be enough.  As Cassidy Gabriel wrote in SB Nations’s women’s soccer vertical, All For XI, the tournament in France this summer often felt slapped together.  “Game after game, host cities seemed unprepared for the size and scale of the 2019 World Cup.” Gabriel wrote.  “Food and water ran low in stadiums, amidst a record-breaking European heatwave. Hotels cancelled and public transportation systems closed before matches ended, forcing some fans to leave their seats in the middle of play to catch trains, and leaving others stranded outside of stadiums into the wee hours of the morning.”  These may seem like minor things, but they’re a huge part of the logistical concerns that cities and countries need to begin preparing for years in advance. And that’s in addition to building or re-purposing stadiums and making sure that the teams have the proper training facilities and accommodations.  One would think, after its failures in France, FIFA would realize the importance of preparation time. However, there was no way for them to give the next host nation an advance warning, because unlike previous years, FIFA went into this Women’s World Cup without a set host for 2019.  Then, it complicated things even further when it announced on July 31 that the field for the 2023 tournament was going to expand from 24 teams to 32 teams. FIFA boasted about the global impact this would have on women’s soccer.  “The expansion reaches far beyond the eight additional participating teams,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said. “It means that, from now on, dozens more member associations will organize their women’s football program knowing they have a realistic chance of qualifying.”  Again, on the surface, this is good news. However, because of that announcement, FIFA reopened the bidding process and pushed back the timeline so that prospective host cities could adjust their bids to include eight more teams. Now they only have a few months to alter their bids, and the selected nation will only have three years to prepare for the largest Women’s World Cup ever.  FIFA knows that it takes time to make such changes, because it provides that time to the men’s game. It announced that the men’s team would be expanded from 32 to 48 teams back in January of 2017. However, that change wasn’t slated to go into effect until the 2026 World Cup. This gave potential host cities more than a year to adjust their bids to include the expansion, and it gave everyone in the game nine years to ready itself for the shift.  The women’s game deserves that much forethought, faith, and care. But FIFA has shown once again that it is unwilling to provide it.