Burkina Faso appeal Pitroipa ban

Burkina Faso really stunned Ghana when they won the semi final on penalties to qualify for the final of Africa Cup of Nations - being played on 10th February between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

However, the win over Ghana was not without a serious blow to the Burkina Faso team as its winger Jonathan winger Jonathan Pitroipa was banned on the referee's semi final match report.

While Burkina Faso has appealed against the ban and is hopeful of fielding winger Jonathan Pitroipa in the final against Nigeria, it is learn that The organizing committee does not have the power to change the referee's decision unless he admits he made a mistake in his official report.

Jonathan Pitroipa was shown a second yellow card in the final minutes of extra-time against Ghana, earning a caution for simulation even though John Boye appeared to trip the Burkinabe inside his own area.

The France-based Rennes star will learn his fate on Friday, when Caf will also determine the the suspension period for the Tunisian Jdidi.

Read more about it at: BBC Sport/Football

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Fenerbahce Midfielder Meireles Receives 11-Match Ban

Sportpulse reports that Fenerbahce midfielder Raul Meireles has been served with a 11-match ban for spitting at the match official when sent off in his side's match against rivals Galatasaray. After committing a foul, the midfielder was said to have spit on the referee and made a homophobic gesture in his direction.

Meireles banned for 11-matches

However, the former Chelsea man has denied these claims, stating that "I have an eight year old kid, can you imagine if kids at school start saying your father spat at a ref, this could ruin my reputation in the eyes of my child." Despite these claims, Meireles was handed an 11-match suspension, extended from the normal ban of seven matches for an incident of this caliber.

The TFF has also levied a fine on the Portuguese midfielder, although it was not disclosed how much.

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The midfielder was sent off during a critical game with rivals Galatasaray, to bring them to the lead the table by five points over Meireles and Fenerbahce. After the decision by the referee, Meireles kissed the Fenerbahce badge on his kit (as seen in photo above), which many have taken as a sign of disrespect for the club, and could result in additional punitive measures by the club. 

via Sportspulse 

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IOC bans Indian Olympic Association

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned the Indian Olympic Association over elections that could result in a tainted official taking over as the only candidate for secretary-general, a source close to the IOC told Reuters on Tuesday.

 The ban means an effective end to funding from the IOC to the national Olympic committee (IOA), no Indian officials attending Olympic meetings and Indian athletes banned from competing at the Olympics under their country's flag.

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The IOC's Executive Board, which is meeting in Lausanne, is expected to officially announce its decisions later on Tuesday.

"We had offered the IOA and IOC to sit and talk on these issues," Jitendra Singh, the country's sports minister, told reporters.

Read more about it at: Business Recorder

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Celtic fan banned for life

[ via Herald Scotland ] 17 Dec

A CELTIC supporter accused of unfurling an offensive banner during the side's Europa League clash on Thursday has been given a life ban from attending any of the club's matches.

The fan, named by Celtic last night as Ross Connolly, was arrested by Italian police for allegedly displaying a banner bearing an offensive slogan about Uefa and assaulting a Celtic steward during the away game against Udinese.

A statement issued by the club last night said: "Celtic Football Club today confirmed that it has identified an individual responsible for both the displaying of an offensive banner and the assault of a Celtic steward at [Thursday's] match against Udinese.

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