World’s Tallest Footballer Kristof Van Hout to Play for Delhi Dynamos

Delhi Dynamos FC today announced the signing of Belgian Kristof Van Hout for the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super League. An accomplished goalkeeper, Van Hout played for Belgian powerhouse Kristof Van Hout, Delhi Dynamos, Football, Indian Super League, ISL, IMG, Reliance, Racing Genk, Belgium last season.

With the signing of Van Hout, the New Delhi based club has made a fine addition to one of the most vital positions in football. At 6ft10 (2.08m), he also has the distinction of being the tallest professional football player in the world, making him an imposing figure at the goalpost. At the age of 27, he is at the peak of his footballing prowess and will have plenty to offer to the club.

Van Hout burst on to the scene in 2008, becoming the hero of Kortrijk after saving three penalties in the shootout against league champions Standard Liege to help his team progress to the Quarterfinals. This earned him a transfer to none other than Standard Liege itself, with whom he won the Belgian Cup in 2010-11. Van Hout was on the bench for Liege’s matches in the Champions League, including two games against Premier League giants Arsenal.

In 2012, Van Hout made the move to another Belgian superclub, Racing Genk, one year after the club sold prodigious talent Thibaut Courtois to Chelsea. That season, Van Hout led Genk to a 3rd place finish in the Pro League, earning them a place in the Europa League. He also won his second Belgian Cup.

Van Hout will arrive in Delhi fully fit and raring to go. He featured in the Europa League for Genk as recently as February 27 of this year, playing the full 90 minutes against Russian club, Anzhi Makhachkala.

Commenting on his inclusion in the Delhi squad, Van Hout said, “I am eagerly looking forward to playing in India, which has a sizeable fan following for the game of football. I am confident that it will be an enjoyable and fruitful experience to play in Indian conditions.”

On Van Hout joining the team, Delhi Dynamos FC Coach Harm van Veldhoven said, “Van Hout is a seasoned player, who has contributed immensely to his teams in the past due to his fine goalkeeping skills. We are sure that he will display the same alacrity and judgement when defending Delhi Dynamos’ goalpost. His height is a big advantage, especially in close games that go down to penalty shootouts.”

Kristof Van Hout has added to the already impressive line up of international talent assembled at the Delhi Dynamos under the guidance of fellow countryman Harm van Veldhoven. The club has signed prolific strikers Mads Junker and Morten Skoubo, as well as experienced Belgian defender Wim Raymaekers following their strategic tie up with Feyenoord Rotterdam.

Indian Super League lists 49 players for international draft

ISL today announced a list of 49 international players that will feature in the International player draft that will be held in Mumbai. ISL has managed to gather a mix of experienced and young players for the ‘central player draft pool’. The average age of the international players featuring in the draft is 28 and that is quite impressive.

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Pic Credit : https://www.facebook.com/IndianSuperLeague

Spain tops the list of players that are part of the pool with 9 players featuring in the draft. 8 players from France and Czech Republic will also feature in the draft.  Other nations from where players will be part of ISL are Brazil (5), Portugal (5), Colombia (4), South Korea (2), and one each from Argentina, Canada, Serbia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, England, Greece and Cameroon.

According to a PTI report Andy Knee Andy Knee, VP, IMG football said :

“We are thrilled with the calibre of international players who will be participating in the Hero Indian Super League this season. They have the quality, skill, determination and ambition to thrive in India and ensure a great playing product to entertain the fans. These players have committed to play in India given their excitement and belief in the future of Indian football,”

The list of 49 players available for draft are :

Striker: Michael Chopra (England), Arnal Llibert Conde Carbo (Spain), Diego Fernando Nadaya (Argentina), Eduardo Silva Lerma (Spain), Iain Hume (Canada), Ivan Bolado Palacios (Spain), Luis Alfredo Yanes Padilla (Colombia), Miguel Bruno Pereira Herlein (Portugal), Miroslav Slepicka (Czech Republic), Pedro Adriano Veloso Gusmao (Brazil).

Goalkeepers: Andre Matos Dias Pereira (Portugal); Apoula Edima Edel Bete (Cameroon); Gennaro Bracigliano (France); Jan Seda (Czech Republic); Marek Cech (Czech Republic).

Defenders: Andres Felipe Gonzalez Ramirez (Colombia), Erwin Spitzner (Brazil), Henrique Dinis Oliveira Dias (Portugal), Ilias Pollalis (Greece), Massamba Lo Sambou (Senegal), Raphael Romey (France), Sylvain Monsoreau (France), Tomas Josl (Czech Republic), Gregory Arnolin (France), Bernard Mendy (France), Pavel Cmovs (Czech Republic), Youness Bengelloun (France), Johann Letzelter (France), Cedric Hengbart (France), Jairo Andres Suarez Carvajal (Colombia), Jose Miguel Gonzalez Rey (Spain).

Midfielders: Park Kwang-Il (South Korea), Bojan Djordjic (Sweden), Bruno Augusto Pelissari de Lima (Brazil), Cristian Hidalgo Gonzalez (Spain), Edgar Carvalho Figueira Marcelino (Portugal), Francisco Javier Fernandez Luque (Spain), Gustavo Marmentini dos Santos (Brazil), Victor Herrero Forcada (Spain), Jan Stohanzl (Czech Republic), Omar Andres Rodriguez Martinez (Colombia), Saidou Mady Panandetiguiri (Burkina Faso), Bruno Herrero Arias (Spain), Bruno Filipe Tavares Pinheiro (Portugal), Guilherme Felipe de Castro (Brazil), Pavel Elias (Czech Republic), Jakub Podany (Czech Republic), Jofre Mateu Gonzalez (Spain), Do Dong-Hyun (South Korea).

Puma introduces new Arsenal FC kits in style

India, Bangalore, 12th August 2014: PUMA today introduced the much-celebrated Arsenal Football Club kits in India for the 2014/15 football season.  PUMA unveiled the Home, Away and Cup kits through a spectacular Arsenal Tunnel of Time and larger-than-life projections on the facade of Bangalore’s iconic UB City building – Oakwood Suites.  Fans were also treated to a special appearance by Gunner invincible- Fredrick Ljungberg, who launched the new Kits and took 11 Gooners through the Tunnel of Time.

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Freddie unveiling the new Arsenal FC Puma kit

In a one of its kind set up, PUMA created a football Tunnel called ‘The Arsenal Tunnel of Time’, which traces the history of one of the most popular clubs in the Premier League. With signed memorabilia, a Trophy Trilogy with the current FA Cup, The Invincibles Trophy (awarded to Arsenal in 2003-‘04 for remaining unbeaten in the Premier League season) and the Premier League Trophy, as well as photographs of Arsenal legends and key moments from the Club’s history – The Arsenal Tunnel of Time is a fitting tribute to a legendary Club and its rich history.

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Tunnel of time set up by Puma

Arsenal legend Fredrick Ljungberg not only unveiled the Jerseys, but took 11 lucky Arsenal fans for an exclusive walk through the Tunnel of Time. Earlier in the day – he visited the Bangalore Football Stadium and engaged with players from the PUMA Sponsored team – Bengaluru FC as well as students from the Arsenal Soccer Schools – for which he is an Ambassador. PUMA is tied up with Arsenal Soccer Schools as well.

Each of the three Arsenal kits has a unique design, inspired by the values identified by PUMA as being the foundation of Arsenal Football Club that form the basis of the Future, Forever, Victorious story.

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Freddie at the BFC stadium

The blue and lime green Future Cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in Cup competitions, including the UEFA Champions LeagueTM and FA Cup.  It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, resulting in Arsenal becoming the first team to wear numbers on shirts and the first club to have stadium flood lights so the team could play at night.  It also acknowledges the focus on youth development that has become synonymous with the club.

The home kit stays true to the traditional red and white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. It represents Forever, inspired by the strong and loyal fan base Arsenal has built over the years, and the importance of this community to the Gunners. From the very beginning, Arsenal supporters have been at the heart of the club, a sentiment that stands true today as Arsenal’s appeal continues to spread across every corner of the world.

11 lucky Gooners who got an exclusive tour of the tunnel

11 lucky Gooners who got an exclusive tour of the tunnel

Victorious is the theme of the Away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of the most famous Gunners victories away from home.  Arsenal’s players and supporters have always demonstrated a class and excellence away from home, the yellow and blue colours are inextricably linked with some of the Gunners’ greatest moments including the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup Final wins, and the title winning victory at Anfield in 1989.

Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg said, It’s great as a former Gunner to see how loved and celebrated the Club is in India. Indian fans know a lot about the Club and the Arsenal Tunnel of Time by PUMA is an incredible tribute to the legacy of the Club and its ever-exciting Future.

Mr. Rajiv Mehta, MD PUMA India said, “We are very excited to be associated with a club as legendary and historic as Arsenal. Arsenal Supporter Clubs in India are among the biggest in the World, and the club boasts a massive following here. Gooners have already bought out the Arsenal jerseys from PUMA Stores around the country and we’re thrilled to be a part of this journey with them”.

The Home and Away Replica kits and a full collection of fan wear is now available for fans to purchase online at www.pumashop.in, in PUMA stores nationwide and Myntra.com. The Arsenal Tunnel of Time will be open for public viewing between Aug 13 and Aug 17 at the UB City Piazza from 11am to 10pm.

Hero MotoCorp to be the title sponsor of ISL

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Hero MotoCorp Ltd has signed a three-year deal to be the Title Sponsor of the Indian Super League – the first-of-its-kind franchise-based football league in the country. With this sponsorship, the much-awaited new football league, promoted by IMG-Reliance and Star India, will be called the ‘Hero Indian Super League’.

According to a PTI report, Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp Ltd, said:

“Football is not just the world’s most popular game, it has today become a phenomenon sweeping across continents.

“I witnessed this myself while moving from one Brazilian city to another to watch the games at the recent World Cup. Like every other part of the world, India is also in the grip of this magic called football as millions of youngsters across the country are taking to the game with enthusiasm,” he said.

“The Indian Super League, therefore, is a timely initiative, and we are delighted to be partners in this journey for the common goal of promoting football in the country. As the title sponsor of the league, we are happy to being catalysts in bringing in much-needed professionalism and promote the game at the grass roots level to help identify and promote local talent,”

Star India CEO Uday Shankar, was also quoted in the report :

“The Hero name brings with it credibility, commitment and passion to the cause of sports. I am deeply pleased because Hero and Pawan Munjal are true ambassadors of sports with a commitment that goes beyond sponsorship. It is great to see them take centre-forward position to support ISL and the future of Indian football.”

Dutch Coach for Delhi Dynamos?

As we reported earlier,

The Delhi franchise of the upcoming Indian Super League, Delhi Dynamos was unveiled today.  They unveiled the team name, the team philosophy, anthem and the Delhi Dynamos’ alliance with Feyenoord Rotterdam at an event held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the home stadium of the Dynamos. There was no announcements regarding the coach or players.Delhi, Delhi Dynamos, ISL, Indian Super League, IMG, Reliance, IMG-Reliance, Football, India, Indianfootball, Den Networks,  sameer manchanda

Harm van Veldhoven, Delhi, Delhi Dynamos, ISL, Indian Super League, IMG, Reliance, IMG-Reliance, Football, India, IndianfootballNow the Dutch media is abuzz that Harm van Veldhoven a Dutch-Belgian coach whose last stint was with KV Mechelen, a team in the top tier Belgian league. Earlier Danish media had reported that forwards Morten Skoubo & Mads Junker will be joining the Delhi ISL franchise. Harm van Veldhoven was associated with these players during their stints with Roda and Mechelen

Marquee Player for Atletico de Kolkata – Former Liverpool Star Luis Garcia

Atletico de Kolkata, Football, India, ISL, Indian Super League, IMG, Reliance, AIFF, Atletico Madrid, Kolkata, Luis Garcia, Liverpool, BarcelonaAtletico de Kolkata, the Kolkata franchise of the upcoming Indian Super League set up with the help of Atletico Madrid has unveiled their Marquee International player for the tournament – Luis Garcia.

Atletico de Kolkata, Football, India, ISL, Indian Super League, IMG, Reliance, AIFF, Atletico Madrid, Kolkata, Luis Garcia, Liverpool, BarcelonaFormer Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool star Luis Garcia  will be donning the colours of  Atletico de Kolkata in ISL.  Garcia recruited by Rafael Benítez at Liverpool club played a crucial role in their title-winning UEFA Champions league campaign in 2005. He last appeared for Pumas de la UNAM, a Mexican professional football club.

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As we reported earlier, the Kolkata franchise has also confirmed that Antonio López Habas, a former Spanish footballer with over 20 years of coaching experience will be their marquee coach.  

 

Jose Ramirez Barreto, Brazilian footballer who has had extensive stint in India with various clubs will also be part of the coaching team confirmed the franchise.Atletico de Kolkata, Football, India, ISL, Indian Super League, IMG, Reliance, AIFF, Atletico Madrid, Kolkata, Luis Garcia, Liverpool, Barcelona, Jose Ramirez Baretto, Brazil, Samba

 

 

Shillong Sports Association’s First Division football league fixtures

Ten clubs will fight it out in Shillong’s first division football league that will start on July 4th.  Shillong Sports Association has released the first twenty fixtures of the league. The participating clubs are Mawlai, Pohkseh, Lawmali Pyllun SC, Nongkrem SC, Smit SC, Laitlyngkot SC, Shillong United FC, Imson FC, Laban and Laitumkhrah.

(All matches at 4:00pm at JN Sports Complex)

July 4: Mawlai SC vs Pohkseh SS&CC

July 5: Lawmali Pyllun SC vs Nongkrem SC

July 7: Smit SC vs Laitlyngkot SC

July 8: Shillong United FC vs Imson FC

July 9: Laban SC vs Laitumkhrah S&CC

July 10: Nongkrem SC vs Mawlai SC

July 11: Pohkseh SS&CC vs Lawmali Pyllun SC

July 12: Laitlyngkot SC vs Shillong United FC

July 14: Laitumkhrah S&CC vs Smit SC

July 15: Imson FC vs Laban SC

July 16: Mawlai SC vs Shillong United FC

July 17: Smit SC vs Lawmali Pyllun SC

July 18: Laban SC vs Nongkrem SC

July 19: Pohkseh SS&CC vs Laitumkhrah S&CC

July 21: Laitlyngkot SC vs Imson FC

July 22: Lawmali Pyllun SC vs Mawlai SC

July 23: Shillong United FC vs Laban SC

July 24: Nongkrem SC vs Smit SC

July 25: Laitumkhrah S&CC vs Laitlyngkot SC

July 26: Imson FC vs Pohkseh SS&CC

Heartbreak for Kashmir, Federation Cup to be hosted in Goa

Football, Indianfootball, Federation Cup, Kerala, SoccerAccording to a report in Times of India, Federation Cup which was to be hosted in Kashmir in May 2015 will be postponed to December 2015 and  will be shifted to Goa.

A senior official from AIFF was quoted in TOI saying “We have asked Goa if they are willing to host the tournament in December 2014. Unfortunately, there is now a change in plan and the Federation Cup cannot be played in May (2015) since the Indian team has international assignments and many players consider May as off-season,”

AIFF is finding it difficult to squeeze in different tournaments, the internationals and the upcoming Indian Super league in next year’s calendar. The report in TOI says that Federation cup was postponed because many players are busy with Asian Games preparations and the lined up International friendlies. Clubs like Dempo and Sporting Clube De Goa will be in a highly disadvantageous position if Federation Cup takes place in May. They have 5 and 4 players respectively in the Asian Games preparatory squad.

More on the same here,

 

Indian Super League partners with English Premier League

ISL, Indian Super League, EPL, England, Premier League, Clubs, Richard Scudamore, Britain, Nita Ambani, Reliance, IMG, India, LeagueAccording to a report in PTI today, the upcoming Indian Super League has has entered into a strategic partnership with the English Premier League, the world’s most popular and successful football league, to bring its best practices to India under an exchange programme. 

Through the alliance, Indian Super League will help Premier League and its clubs in staging football matches and assist in other business development initiatives in India.

Here are a few excerpts from the PTI report :

Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League, said, “Having earlier this year signed a mutual co-operation agreement with the Asian Football Confederation, we are very pleased to also enter into this partnership with ISL. This will see both organisations work together and share knowledge in several key areas including player development, refereeing, marketing and promotion. 

“We know from our broadcast partner Star India, and our work with AIFF on our long-established grassroots football project Premier Skills that we run in several locations across India, that the popularity of football, and Premier League, is growing. There is a further opportunity to develop the sport as a result of that increased interest and we hope to continue to make a real contribution to all levels of Indian football.” 

IMG-Reliance chairperson Nita Ambani said, “Partnering with Premier League brings credence to ISL and to our vision of popularizing the sport in India. I am confident the tie-up will immensely help in nurturing and establishing ISL with good governance and best practices. The alliance also presents a great opportunity of partnership and cross promotions between the ISL League Partners and Premier League Clubs.” 

Jeff Slack, senior vice-president, IMG, Global Football Development, said, “The ability to leverage the Premier League’s experience in creating a successful league model for both players and fans will be a tremendous value to the Indian Super League as it continues to grow the sport in India.” 

Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India said, “The partnership puts belief in our Star’s sports philosophy ‘Believe’. From a game that hobbled about on the fringes of Indian sports, there’s promise that this partnership will lift and reinvigorate football. Through this tie-up, Star India will cross promote coverage of ISL and Premier League to the growing base of Indian football followers.” 

AIFF president Praful Patel said, “The AIFF is extremely pleased to be a part of the strategic partnership between the EPL and ISL. This is an outstanding opportunity for ISL to build from the very best in the business when it comes to running a highly successful league.”

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