Uruguay FA to defend Suarez

The Uruguay FA has vowed to defend Luis Suarez after FIFA began disciplinary proceedings against him for allegedly punching an opponent.



FIFA are looking into the incident in which Suarez allegedly attacked Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during a World Cup qualifier last month.



"Suarez is being persecuted by different football leagues, mainly the English, and we think this is unjust because it's a normal action in football," Uruguay FA president Sebastian Bauza is quoted as saying on South American governing body CONMEBOL's website.



"We will defend him very strongly. We are working with all the videos and pictures showing Suarez reacted to an initial aggression from Jara."



Argentine referee Nestor Pitana missed the incident during Chile's 2-0 victory in Santiago on March 26 when Premier League top-scorer Suarez and Nottingham Forest defender Jara clashed in the penalty area during a corner.



Uruguay have until April 17 to present their response to FIFA.

Wembley set for technology

Goal-line technology looks set to be used in this year's Community Shield, with replays of decisions to be shown on television.

Football Association general secretary Alex Horne is confident the traditional Wembley curtain-raiser will see the controversial system in operation but stadium replays of incidents may not be permitted, despite clearance from FIFA.

The FA and the Premier League are tendering together for a system and are in advanced talks with two of the four licensed providers, including British-based firm Hawk-Eye.

Horne said: "We are in the middle of tendering at the moment with the Premier League, so it is effectively 20 Premier League clubs and Wembley Stadium.

"We are looking at the providers that are available and are looking at a couple and will be making a decision shortly. We expect the technology to be in place for next season, for the Community Shield."

As for replays, Horne said: "Certainly the broadcasters need to have that accessibility to show the goal-line incident because that's at the heart of the integrity of the decision that has been made.

"Whether you show it in the stadium falls in the 'controversial decision' element to me and we have not made a decision on that."

The Premier League have said goal-line technology systems will be mandatory in their clubs' stadiums, but Horne said it was still in the balance as to whether it would be used in FA Cup matches involving a top-flight side and one from a lower league.

He added: "My view is that it exists as an advantage for both teams.



"It will also be available for example for the play-offs next season at Wembley but it is a decision for the Football League whether they want to use it."

Twenty defenders shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2012

The worldwide players' union FIFPro and FIFA announced on thursday the 20 defenders shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2012, part of the 55-player final shortlist to be revealed at a press conference in São Paulo on 29 November 2012.



Three days after the unveiling of the five-goalkeeper shortlist, the 20 defenders are now known and will be followed by the 15 midfielders and 15 forwards due to be announced and published on FIFA.com on 26 and 29 November respectively.



The defender shortlist is:



Jordi Alba (Spain, Barcelona); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur); Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus); Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea); Dani Alves (Brazil, Barcelona); David Luiz (Brazil, Chelsea); Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United); Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United); Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia, Chelsea); Vincent Kompany (Belgium, Manchester City); Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid); Javier Mascherano (Argentina, Barcelona); Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid); Gerard Piqué (Spain, Barcelona); Carles Puyol (Spain, Barcelona); Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid); John Terry (England, Chelsea); Thiago Silva (Brazil, Paris St-Germain).



The goalkeeper shortlist is:



Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus); Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid); Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea); Joe Hart (England, Manchester City); Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich).

FIFA reject Drogba loan appeal

FIFA have turned down a request from Didier Drogba to be allowed to leave Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on loan ahead of the transfer window.



The Ivory Coast striker, who has been linked with a short-term move back to previous club Chelsea, had put in a request to the world governing body only for it to be rejected.



FIFA said in a statement: "We can confirm that the player Didier Drogba submitted a request for authorisation to be registered outside an open registration period for a club on a loan basis.



"FIFA has informed him about the relevant regulations... that players may only be registered during one of the two annual registration periods fixed by the relevant association."



FIFA said the only exception was when a player's contract expired outside a transfer window.



Drogba had been hoping to get a temporary move to build fitness ahead of the African Nations Cup in January.