Valencia appoint Ronald Koeman as manager

Spanish club Valencia have appointed legendary Dutch defender Ronald Koeman as their new manager. Koeman succeeds Quique Flores, who was sacked by Los Che on October 29, following a string of bad performances. This is not Koeman’s first managerial stint in Spain- he served as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant at Barcelona between 1998 and 2000. … Read more

African, Carribean and Pacific players no longer considered Non EU in La Liga

Players from African, Carribean and Pacific countries will no longer be considered as non EU by the Spanish La Liga. This is in accordance with the Cotonu accord, signed by the European Union and the ACP ( African, Carribean, Pacific States) in Benin in June 2000.

Spain has a rule which allows domestic clubs to sign only four players of non European nationality. Further, only three players can be named in the squad for a game. The move will allow for more South American talent to flow in, as Africans will no longer be considered as non European. Previously, if you had to free up a spot occupied by an African, you would have to wait till he acquired Spanish nationality.

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Chelsea moving for Ronaldinho ?

You might have read it in various papers and sporting websites already. Chelsea are reportedly planning a swoop for Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho. The Brazilian international is contracted to Barcelona till 2010, and allegedly has a 85 million pound buy out clause in his contract ( All Spanish football contracts have a minimum fee release clause) … Read more