Football News: Review Of The Day 25th April 2019

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Review of the Day

Lincoln Win League Two

The Cowley brothers have continued with their success with Lincoln City, this time lifting the League Two trophy to add to the EFL Trophy they won last season. They are the first club in the EFL to win the title this season.

Villa Set Club Record

Aston Villa have clinched their place in the Championship play-offs with a record-breaking 10th successive win. The Villans can now finish no lower than 6th. It was a dominant 1-0 win over Millwall, courtesy of a Jonathan Kodjia goal, that put Villa into the play-offs.

Wigan Survive

Wigan Athletic have ensured their Championship survival by beating Preston North End. The 2-0 win over a Preston side reduced to ten men also ended North End's hopes of reaching the play-offs.

Brum Safe

Birmingham City have ensured another season in the Championship after beating Rotherham United 3-1. The Millers remain in the final relegation spot and in danger of dropping back down to League One.

Baggies Ensure Play-Off Place

West Bromwich Albion are set for a part in the Championship play-offs with the chance of a quick return to the Premier League after a 0-0 bore draw with Reading.

Lampard Facing Improper Conduct Charge

Derby County's rookie manager Frank Lampard has been charged by the Football Association after the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City. An FA spokesperson said: "It is alleged his language and/or behaviour on the field of play after [the game ended] amounts to improper conduct." Lampard was fined £2,000 in September after accepting a previous charge of improper conduct.

Championship Clubs Vote Down Transparency

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson had proposed that club finances in the Championship should be opened up to review by external accountants but his proposals were downvoted by EFL board members. In recent times the financial conduct of clubs such as QPR, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers has been called into question.

Championship Team Of The Year

The Professional Footballers' Association have announced their Championship team of 2018/19 and it consists of 3 players each from Norwich City and Leeds United.
Championship Team of the Year:
Darren Randolph - Middlesbrough
Max Aarons - Norwich City
Pontus Jansson - Leeds United
Liam Cooper - Leeds United
Jamal Lewis - Norwich City
Jack Grealish - Aston Villa
Oliver Norwood - Sheffield United
Pablo Hernandez - Leeds United
Tammy Abraham - Aston Villa
Teemu Pukki - Norwich City
Billy Sharp - Sheffield United

FIFA Issue Bans For Match Manipulation

FIFA have announced bans for 5 Africans over match manipulation, former players from Afghanistan, Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago were also banned for life. Four of the Africans were banned for life and one for 10 years. Former Kenya international George Owino Audi was given the 10 year ban, while former Sierra Leone captain Ibrahim Kargbo, former Benin international Seidath Tchomongo and former Malawi international Hellings Mwakasungula and a Zimbabwean agent called Kudzanai Shaba have all received life bans. A FIFA statement said: "The formal disciplinary proceedings into the aforementioned individuals stemmed from an extensive investigation into various international matches that Mr Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes. This large-scale investigation was conducted by Fifa over several years through its Integrity Department and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities. The decisions were notified to the individuals concerned today (Wednesday 24 April), the date on which the relevant bans come into force." Kargbo has been previously accused by the football associations of Sierra Leone and the Netherlands, but denied the charges.

Rosell Allegations Unproven

Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has escaped money laundering charges after the charges could not be proven in court. Rosell was accused, along with his wife and four other people, of laundering fees for broadcast rights to the Brazilian national team's matches and a Nike sponsorship contract. Rosell resigned as Barca president following an investigation into the signing of Neymar.

Almiron Ruled Out

Newcastle United will be without Miguel Almiron for their final 3 matches of the season after the January signing suffered a hamstring injury. Paraguay are still hopeful that the 25 year old will be fit for the summer's Copa America tournament. Newcastle stated: "The club have already been in communication with - and will continue to liaise with - the Paraguayan Football Association ahead of this summer's Copa America, which the player could still feature in depending on his recovery."

Sarri Hit With Misconduct Charge

Chelsea's head coach Maurizio Sarri has been charged with misconduct after being sent to the stands in the 2-2 draw with Burnley. His assistant Gianfranco Zola claimed Sarri was upset and offended by comments made by the Burnley coaching staff.

Ligue 1 To Have First Female Referee

France's Ligue 1 will have their first female referee on Sunday when Stephanie Frappart is set to take charge of Amiens v Strasbourg. Only the Bundesliga of the top 5 leagues have previously had a female referee in the shape of Bibiana Steinhaus. Frappart is preparing for being a referee in the Women's World Cup this year.

Anderlecht And Belgian FA Raided By Police

Belgium police have raided their national FA and major club Anderlecht in connection with a money-laundering investigation. The raids were not related to a 2018 probe into match-fixing and fraud. Anderlecht have said they are cooperating with the investigation.

Written by Tris Burke April 25 2019 06:38:21