"The match was over before the kick. I’ve never seen such a bad referee before and I don’t rule out the possibility of bribery. I feel sorry because we play football in Africa, where referees do whatever they want."
Ahly’s coach, Hossam Al-Badri, aired his complaints during a press conference, after his team’s 1-0 defeat against Tunisian side Esperance in the CAF Champions League semi-final. During the match, a very controversial refereeing call was made by Ghanaian official, Joseph Lamptey.
"I am happy you're gone, Psychic Octopus, it’s your fault we lost the World Cup."
Argentine soccer legend and former coach, Diego Maradona, joked about the news of Paul the Octopus' passing. Maradona's morbid jabs were in response to Paul's prediction that the Argentineans would lose to Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarter finals – a prediction which indeed occurred, as Maradona’s men suffered a 4-0 humiliated defeat.
"I hear voices criticizing players like Mohamed Abou Treika and Wael Gomaa, asking them to quit. It’s a real shame as these are great players who give everything for their country. People should support and help them recover their best forms."
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata defended two of his key players who have come under fire following the Pharos stunning 1-0 defeat against Niger in the 2012 African Cup of Nations’ qualifiers.
"Then we will have PlayStation football. The referee has to be helped by the clubs, the fans, by players, by the media and also by the authorities – everyone has a responsibility. One referee is not enough, not in the modern era where you have 20 cameras."
UEFA president Michel Platini commented on FIFA's plans to introduce goal-line technology.
"I’m not a great believer in formations. It’s part of the game now but it’s not the be all and end all. The most important thing is that the team plays as a unit in defense and attack. Formations give you an initial picture of things but that’s all."
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque gave his opinion about the tactics used in the 2010 World Cup.
"I'm only a human being. I hurt as well, but I need to get through this and get back to playing football the way I can do. I know I can play better, so I'm hoping to get a consistent run of games in the team. If I do that, I'm sure my form will be back to its best. When you're not playing at your best, you need to just continue playing and doing the simple things, then your form will come good."
Wayne Rooney attempted to defend himself against those criticizing him for his poor for and his off-field controversies.
"He is a frustration at times, he is a bit naïve, but he has blistering pace and he is fantastic in the air for the size of him. He has been a fantastic addition for us. I can say that the Egyptian players I have had in the past (Amr Zaki and Ahmed Hossam “Mido”) have proved a bit difficult, if that's the right word. He is delightful kid, who wants to try and do it right, and he has been very impressive."
Sunderland coach Steve Bruce said about his new Egyptian winger Ahmed El-Mohammadi.
"It's a comical situation. The English are afraid of how badly their bid is going. Their journalists are provoking members of the committee, and they now say one of the members of our bidding team has spoken out against England in an improper manner. The behaviour of the English is absolutely primitive. Instead of talking about their own excellence and merits, they try to put off their opponents."
Russian official Vyacheslav Koloskov slammed his English counterparts for attacking the FIFA executive committee members as they vote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosting bids.
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