FIFA have confirmed the Swiss Football Association (SFV) will not be suspended, ending any lingering chance of Manchester United being reinstated into the Champions League.
The world governing body had given a deadline of January 13th for the SFV to take action against Sion for breaking a transfer embargo. That action came on December 30th, when they docked the club 36 points – three for each game in which one of the six illegally signed and therefore ineligible players featured.
“The Fifa emergency committee decided yesterday January 5th 2012 to consider the requirements established by the Fifa executive committee on 16 December 2011 as fulfilled by the Swiss Football Association (SFV),” read a statement issued by world football’s governing body.
“The SFV will consequently not be suspended in relation to the Fifa executive committee’s decision of 16 December.
“However, Fifa has requested the SFV to keep the international football governing body informed on any future developments with regards to this matter.”
The ratification means Basel will remain in the Champions League and ends any hope of a reprieve for United, who were knocked out by the Swiss side.
STEPHEN Kenny’s former assistant Declan Devine has succeeded the Dubliner as Derry City manager.
Devine, who has signed a two-year contract with City, was preferred to former Sligo Rovers manager Willie McStay and erstwhile Sligo Rovers and Bohemians boss Sean Connor.
Former Finn Harps manager Paul Hegarty was also in the running but was selected instead as Devine’s assistant.
ASTON Villa goalkeeper Shay Given is close to returning after being sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.
Villa manager Alex McLeish confirmed the Republic of Ireland international could be back in contention for the home Premier League clash with Everton on January 14th.
McLeish said: “Shay is not far away and feels he could be ready pretty soon. He could have a chance of being ready for the Everton game.”
CELTIC could be without Beram Kayal for four months after tests showed the midfielder needs an ankle operation.
Kayal was initially ruled out for at least one month last week after being injured in the Old Firm victory at Parkhead.
But manager Neil Lennon said yesterday: “He had a second scan and he needs surgery.
“We don’t know what the outcome of the surgery will be. There’s a possibility that he could be out for four months.”
