Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimovic joked that he deserves a 40-game ban after he was accused of elbowing David Alaba during Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Austria on Monday. Ibrahimovic’s arm appeared to strike Alaba in the face during the Euro 2016 qualifier. It led to a free kick for Austria, while Ibrahimovic was booked minutes later for a separate foul. Austria defender Aleksandar Dragovic said that referee Pavel Kralovec was intimidated by Ibrahimovic, the Paris Saint-Germain striker. “He should have received the red card for it, but the referee was afraid,” Dragovic said.
*
Guinea
By government order, top Guinean sports leaders were prevented from travelling to Uganda for today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and players and coaches were banned from leaving the capital city during their visit because of fears over the spread of Ebola. The Guineans are being monitored by a public-health expert at their hotel before their match. The virus has killed more than 2,000 people in Africa, with 500 fatalities in Guinea alone.
*
Germany
Bayern Munich moved quickly to quell the controversy involving Franck Ribery. The Bayern star retired from international play with France this summer, however, Uefa president Michel Platini – a former France captain – refused to accept the decision. “If he doesn’t report for duty, then he would be banned for three matches for Bayern Munich,” Platini said. Bayern official Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Bild that the point is moot. “Everything’s settled anyway,” he said, noting that Ribery discussed the situation with France coach Didier Deschamps. “He will not receive a call-up anyhow. Everything is fine.”
*
Algeria
Algeria face playing home games behind closed doors if their supporters misbehave at today’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mali.
The fan behaviour is under scrutiny after Cameroon striker Albert Ebosse was killed by a piece of debris thrown from the grandstands on August 23. The threat of a ban on fans came from Algerian Football Federation (FAF). “The FAF has already taken the blame from Fifa over the anti-sporting behaviour of our fans,” FAF president Mohamed Raouraoua said.
*
France
Forward Jean-Christophe Bahebeck has signed a new four-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, tying him to the French champion until 2019. Bahebeck, 21, is one of the rare players in PSG’s star-studded squad to have come through the club’s youth ranks. But as chances in the first team have been fairly limited, Bahebeck has played 31 matches, scoring three goals since making his debut in the 2010-11 season, and has enjoyed successful loan spells with Troyes and Valenciennes. Bahebeck says PSG “is the perfect club to grow alongside great players”.
Follow us on twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
