footballs today

footballs today

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Mourinho victim of bad karma

Religious leaders have tried to explain the spate of tragic football news this week, most notably the Chapocoense plane crash but also the historic sex abuse allegations in the UK.

The Pope told a Vatican press conference that everything was part of God's mysterious plan, and it was not ours to question why such awful things have to happen to innocent people. We had better continue worshipping God lest we make Him even more angry; we wouldn't want Him to unleash another bout of Black Death on us. His thoughts were echoed by his counterparts in religions throughout the world.

The Dalai Lama took the opportunity to confirm that Jose Mourinho's run of bad luck is due to karma. The exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader told reporters he believed Manchester United continue to drop points in matches they dominate as payback for Mourinho's previous managerial incarnations as a smug tosser.
However, former Chelsea and England captain John Terry was quick to condemn the Dalai Lama's verdict in a series of vitriolic tweets that were later deleted, in which he described the spiritual leader as a "Jealous bald cunt who can't even kick a ball", and that he should "Fuck off back to Nirvana".

Mourinho is currently still being held at a Manchester police station after being arrested for kicking a water bottle during Sunday's home draw against West Ham. It's the third time this season he's been detained, having previously been caught twice trying to obtain nuclear weapons. The FA is expected to issue an order limiting him to watching games chained to the radiator in the staff canteen for the rest of the season.

Thursday 24 November 2016

Football clubs obliged to have even more strips

Radical new regulations regarding football strips in England and Scotland are set to be applied next season. Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has given the go-ahead for the rule change, under which clubs will be required to wear a completely different strip for each game.

Business leaders including Sir Richard Branson and Lord Sugar yesterday voiced their approval of the decision; many applauded the government's strong hand in obliging clubs to diversify their home colours and offer a wider range of shirts for supporters. These are thought to include:

Chelsea's 7th kit in rhubarb and custard
MK Dons' 27th kit in nicotine yellow with 3-D chevrons
Southend United's 3rd Tuesday night kit in oatmeal and puce with mallard-green polka dot sleeves
Bury's special Pancake Day kit featuring a purple sash and a denim headband


However, the move is likely to go down badly among fans, many of whom are already unhappy at the  ever-increasing variety and cost of shirts. In the past, teams would play away matches in their home colours unless they coincided with those of the opponent, whereas now most teams have two away strips which they rotate.
A spokesman for independent football watchdog Offside UK told us: "Football shirts can cost 60 pounds, with new designs every year. We feel the pressure on fans to buy at least 40 shirts for their kids would be a step too far."

The news comes in the same week that the FA announced England would henceforth be playing all matches in "Fallen Red" - shirts soaked in the blood of British heroes who died for freedom during the unprovoked invasion of Iraq  - despite contravening strict FIFA laws on the use of political symbols.


Monday 21 November 2016

Mourinho sacks himself

Jose Mourinho has accidentally sacked himself as Manchester United manager.  It happened after Saturday's home draw against Arsenal, in which United dominated the match but conceded a late Olivier Giroud equaliser.

According to eyewitnesses, the handsome but volatile Portugee was so dismayed by the result he impulsively fired the manager on the spot, instructing staff to seize his club ID and change the combination to his office lock.

Police were called to United's Carrington training ground Monday morning after Mourinho was refused entry and started vandalising a vending machine in anger. Reports suggest the matter has now been resolved.

Mourinho had initially blamed both referee Andre Marriner and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for the confusion, before players managed to convince him that he had in fact dismissed himself.

Sunday 20 November 2016

Investigation reveals football legends were deviants

In light of the shocking news that Wayne Rooney was spotted having drinks past his bedtime three days before a meaningless friendly international match, Footballs Today has uncovered a startling legacy of widespread misbehaviour at the very top of the football world.

Our investigative journalists found that many of football's most revered players from the past were serial individualists who not only drank and smoked, but went so far as to have dissenting political opinions. Several of them were even photographed without remembrance poppies.

The revelations will undoubtedly lead to calls for a major reassessment of the now tainted legacy of players such as Diego Maradona, Johann Cruyff, George Best and Socrates. The full list will be named and shamed in the Mail on Sunday.

We have passed on details to the police of one incident in the 1970s when Fulham players Rodney Marsh and Bobby Moore shared a bottle of rum and a doobie during open play in an FA Cup match.







Wednesday 16 November 2016

Pep bans exciting music

More details have emerged of Pep Guardiola's regime at Manchester City, following news that he instructed his players not to have sex after midnight. In an effort to minimise strain on the players' bodies, the Spaniard has also banned music likely to excite or agitate, and has drawn up a list of artists deemed safe to listen to.

Guardiola's assistant Brian Kidd told reporters: "Most footballers have a pretty dull taste in music to be honest, so they're not too bothered about listening to nothing but Adele or Coldplay. One or two of the lads are missing their rap music, but it hasn't been a problem - except for Pablo Zabaleta, who refused to hand over his Herbie Hancock albums; as a punishment he has to play in jeans for two weeks and train in the park with Samir Nasri."

Guardiola suggested players read something inspirational at bedtime instead of having sex, so he has distributed bibles and korans; non-religious players have had to make do with Richard Branson autobiographies.


Tuesday 15 November 2016

Trump U-turn on football

US president elect Donald Trump has made a dramatic U-turn on his policy towards football. The tycoon had previously vowed to make football illegal should he win the presidency, describing it as an un-American import.

However, he has instead indicated a policy reversal by appointing Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter as his chief sports advisors. Trump is said to be impressed by their entrepreneurship in the face of bureaucracy.

Speaking off the cuff in his bathrobe, Trump told a press conference the USA would offer to host the Africa Cup of Nations due to be held in Gabon next year, as a friendly gesture to counterbalance accusations of racism. The offer was later retracted in a series of uncharacteristically coherent tweets.

Sunday 13 November 2016

Government looks to ban fantasy football

The British government has appealed to the UN, requesting a total ban on fantasy football sites after it emerged that the popular online game is being used to convey tactical messages between pro-Syrian government forces.

MI6 officers discovered that certain fantasy formations are used as code to send messages in order to coordinate movements around Islamist insurgent-held East Aleppo.

They noticed that an attacking formation of Aguero, Lukaku and Costa was followed several times by heavy air bombardment, whereas a forward line of Janssen and Rooney appeared to indicate a ceasefire. Worsening weather conditions were communicated by making a Man Utd player captain.

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday pledged to cut public spending on disabled pensioners in order to establish an emergency fund for improving Islamist rebels' knowledge of Premier League football. She warned that otherwise the war would be over far too soon.

Saturday 12 November 2016

Wikileaks reveals referee corruption

Documents released by Wikileaks this week have uncovered evidence of collusion between football match officials and major clubs.

Of particular interest are transcripts of an email correspondence between Sir Alex Ferguson and referee Mike Riley, often accused by fans of showing bias towards Manchester United. In one email Sir Alec offers Riley - whom he addresses as "sugar plum" - a personal tour of his famous wine cellar, followed by a private candlelit dinner. In another exchange, two days after Riley himself scored the winning penalty against Liverpool in 2003, Ferguson congratulates Riley on his impartiality and asks him whether he likes the finest Belgian chocolates.

Other revelations include details of Robin Van Persie's controversial sending off for Arsenal at Barcelona in a Champions League return leg in 2011.The Dutchman was harshly sent off by referee Massimo Busacca for kicking the ball after the referee's whistle had blown. However, classified UEFA records show that false charges against Van Persie had been prepared in advance in the event of a possible Barcelona defeat; the charges included jaywalking, home-taping and possession of magic mushrooms with intent to supply. Barcelona went on to win the fixture after Van Persie's dismissal.

Both the FA and FIFA were today refusing to comment, but a secretary at FIFA's Zurich headquarters unofficially told a Footballs Today reporter to piss off and stop wasting everyone's time.

More details to follow.

Friday 11 November 2016

Friedel in running for Secretary of Defense

Leaked documents suggest former USA and Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel is on the shortlist for Secretary of Defense.

The veteran shot-stopper retired from football last year after a professional career spanning 21 years. President elect Donald Trump is said to be impressed by Friedel's experience at organising defence against the toughest opponents.

His appointment would signal a less hawkish approach to foreign policy and a possible thaw in relations with Russia.

However, Friedel faces stiff opposition from outspoken rock singer Ted Nugent, who critics fear will convince Trump to make him Defense Secretary instead so he can nuke the lot of them and be done with it.

Thursday 10 November 2016

Di Canio in shock FIFA presidency bid

Paolo Di Canio is preparing a campaign to become FIFA president, according to press reports.

Inspired by Donald Trump's surprise success in becoming president of the US, the former West Ham and Lazio striker told bemused diners at London's Hard Rock Cafe that he felt the time was right for a populist fascist candidate to make a bid for the FIFA presidency.

Moving on to a popular nearby Wetherspoon's establishment, the Italian outlined his policies to fellow pubgoers. These are understood to include:

Building a wall around Germany in order to stop them coming and taking all the trophies
Repatriation of Mario Balotelli to anywhere in Africa
Roman Catholic Mass held during half-time at all international matches
Gay players banned from all competition, including Arjen Robben, who "runs like a girl"

Di Canio also told an unnamed minicab driver later the same evening that he was appointing celebrated businessman and coupist Mark Thatcher as his campaign manager.





Wednesday 9 November 2016

Chelsea opposes new Heathrow runway

Chelsea FC has written to the government opposing plans to build a third runway at Heathrow airport, following the Airport Commission's recommendation.

The West London club had earmarked the site to house the many players they have out on loan in the event of a recall. It cites the scarcity of brownfield sites within a 20-mile radius of the club's training facilities at Cobham, and claims housing in London is insufficient to take the strain of such a sudden population influx.

Manager Antonio Conte is said to be keen to bolster up his squad in January; given Chelsea's recent good form Roman Abramovich may be inclined to give him a free hand in recalling as many loaned players as he chooses.

Chelsea supporters spokesman Raymond Cist told reporters it was a disgrace there wasn't enough housing in the area for the players; he volunteered to round up some mates and scare a few muslim families out of their homes.

Tuesday 8 November 2016

Big Sam claims asylum

News is breaking that disgraced former England manager Sam Allardyce has applied to China for asylum.

According to eye witness reports, the Dudley-born former defender has been holed up in the Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant near his home in Bolton since last Thursday.

It is understood Allardyce was inspired by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who has been living at the Ecuadorian embassy in London for four years in order to avoid extradition to the US.

Allardyce shouted through the restaurant toilet window to confused passersby that the FA and media were out to get him, and that he wasn't budging until he got to speak directly to Chinese president Xi Jinping.

More news to follow.

All-Star match to divert attention from US election

A football match has been hastily arranged to coincide with the US election results.

The game will be held at Cliftonhill, home to Albion Rovers, with the kick-off scheduled for 4AM Wednesday morning, when the election result is expected to be announced. In the event of a recount, the referee has been instructed to indefinitely prolong injury time.

An All-Star 11 will square off against a volunteer team operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Ron Atkinson has been named as manager, while players include former legends Bruce Grobelaar, Carlton Palmer, Chopper Harris, Rivaldo (who will perform his face-clutching routine at half-time), David Bentley and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The event is being arranged by charity organisation Samaritans in the light of concerns about a widespread epidemic of depression at the prospect of victory for either American candidate and the effects it will have on the rest of the world.

Monday 7 November 2016

Rule change proposals for post-Brexit domestic football

Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch today outlined the Conservative government's plans for post-Brexit British football.

Under the slogan "We want our game back", the plans involve undoing FIFA-imposed rules of the game, reverting to previous rules. These include:

Back pass to the goalkeeper allowed
Three-player offside: at least three opposition players must stand between a player and the opponent's goal
Goalkeepers may handle the ball outside of their own penalty area
Shorts must be no shorter than knee-length; unmustachioed players shall be ignored by the referee


The proposals were praised by an official spokesperson for the lobby group British Football First -whose members include UKIP leader Nigel Farage and former tennis legend Buster Mottram - who told Footballs Today: "112 years of European meddling in our national sport has turned the beautiful game into the bureaucratic game, where in the name of 'human rights' overpaid and underskilled foreign players have the right to a 15-minute break after a mere 45 minutes' work."

However, ex-footballer and TV presenter Gary Lineker expressed his disapproval of the proposed changes in a series of vitriolic tweets, which were promptly reported to the House Committee on Un-British Activities by celebrity hacktivist Piers Morgan.


Thursday 3 November 2016

Schweinsteiger starts in goal

Bastian Schweinsteiger's return to the Manchester United squad made headlines earlier this week, with fans all around the world welcoming the popular midfielder back.

 However, it turns out that embattled manager Jose Mourinho has decided to start the World Cup winner in goal for their Premier League clash with Swansea this weekend.

The news has caused outrage among Schweinsteiger's fans in Germany, who today took to Twitter to vent their anger at the mumbling Portuguese's bizarre tactics.

However, Mourinho was unrepentant, telling reporters the German ought to be grateful for any opportunities at this level, and that if Schweinsteiger didn't shape up he'd have no qualms about sticking Mkhitaryan in goal for the second half.

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Footballs Today UK assets seized in swoop

Footballs Today has had its UK assets seized by the state. A Home Office spokesman refused to give details, but it is believed to be part of a crackdown on 'subversive' publications, condemned as Orwellian by critics.

The assets - a three-figure premium bond cheque and a lottery ticket potentially worth millions - were seized in person by G4S personnel during a police raid at 4AM Tuesday morning.

Footballs Today staff today showed up for work undeterred by the sudden loss of earnings. We feel this is a case of blatant censorship and have no intention of bowing to pressure from the Home Office to tone down our content or cease investigating the stories that really matter, such as whether Jose Mourinho purchased a nuclear warhead or whether David Pleat (aka Mr Kipper) murdered Suzy Lamplugh.  

We are fully prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the likes of fellow whistleblowers Edward Snowden and Julian Assange in the struggle for freedom of information.

A fundraising event is being organised at a popular fried chicken outlet in London's bustling West End. Details to follow.







Police warn that poppy snub could spell the end for Barça

Special anti-terrorist police units in Manchester are reportedly on full alert following rumours that Barcelona players will attempt to enter the pitch without remembrance poppies on their shirts during tonight's Champions League fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium.

Under new draconian security measures passed by PM Theresa May, any group of foreigners found not to be wearing poppies at this time of year is to be regarded by police as a threat to security. While it is unlikely that Messi, Neymar and co will be directly targeted by police marksmen, Manchester police today issued a statement warning the Spanish club that their safety could not be guaranteed in the event of a refusal to honour those who died protecting our freedom to say and wear what we want.

The news has sparked outrage on social media from civil rights campaigners. However, others have taken to Twitter to voice their support, including Katie Hopkins and Chelsea fan spokesman Raymond Cist who tweeted: "If Leo Messi doesn't respect our boys, they have every right to do him like they did his fellow argies on the General Belgrano. End of."