An indestructible ball

Imagine this scene in your neighborhood: A group of kids plays a pickup soccer game. They kick around the ball in the street or maybe in someone's backyard. The ball bounces from child to child, off of feet, knees, heads. Now, imagine that same scene in a war zone. In a landscape peppered with barbed wire, broken glass and thorny brush, that same soccer ball has a lifespan of about one hour. It was this realization that led Tim Jahnigen, a former lyricist and chef, to take action. In 2006 while watching a news story on Darfur, Tim noticed children kicking around a ball of trash with a string and recognized a need for a ball that could withstand harsh conditions during play. Tim mentioned his idea to a well-known friend from his time in the music business, Sting, who urged him to pursue the idea and provided initial funding and support. In 2010, Tim and his wife, Lisa Tarver, launched One World Futbol Project, an organization that hopes to foster the healing power of play by producing nearly indestructible soccer balls for disadvantaged communities. Made from a unique plastic that's lighter and more flexible than rubber — a material similar to Crocs shoes — One World Futbol never needs a pump and does not go flat, even when punctured. And trust me, I tried. As Tim and Lisa shared their story with me, I was particularly struck by One World Futbol's potential for healing. Lisa says research continues to show that play is one of the few forms of activity that actually helps people recover from traumatic situations. "So when children are in refugee camps or recovering from natural disasters, the opportunity for play is vital to that community's recovery," she explains. One World Futbol Project operates on the "buy one, give one" model, similar to other mission-driven companies such as Toms shoes and Warby Parker. Buyers can purchase two balls for $39.95, which covers one for themselves and one to be donated to a community in need. To date, the organization has supplied over 850,000 balls, but distribution doesn't come without challenges. Because the balls cannot be deflated, they are significantly more expensive and difficult to ship than traditional soccer balls. And the question still remains of how something that supposedly lasts forever can be commercially viable. There’s little need to ever buy another! Still, there’s so much hope in something as simple as a ball. Regardless of geography, kids are kids, and the enthusiasm over a soccer game played with friends is something that’s universal, from Detroit to Darfur, Miami to Malawi. yahoo.com

Fifa have opened disciplinary proceedings against Mexico over alleged discriminatory chanting by fans at the World Cup.

Fifa have opened disciplinary proceedings against Mexico over alleged discriminatory chanting by fans at the World Cup. The governing body said it had already opened the case against Mexico before the anti-discrimination Fare network made an official complaint about four instances of alleged supporter misconduct. The claims against Mexico centre around the use of the word “puto”, which has been heard in games in Fortaleza and Natal. — Fare (@farenet) June 18, 2014 Fare has brought 4 incidents of racism or homophobia at #WorldCup2014 to the attention of FIFA this morning. Fifa said in a statement: “We can confirm that we have been contacted by Fare. Prior to this, disciplinary proceedings were opened against Mexico for improper conduct of spectators during the match Mexico v Cameroon. As the proceedings are ongoing, we are not in a position to comment further. “Fifa takes a firm, zero-tolerance stance against any form of discrimination and racism and this is enshrined in the Fifa Statutes.” Fifa are understood to have also received complaints about alleged homophobic chanting by Brazil’s supporters, and alleged antisemitic behaviour by fans of Croatia and Russia.

A Villarreal fan threw a banana at Dani Alves, so he ate it before taking his corner kick

It's been a very emotional few days for Barcelona as they had to travel to Villarreal and try to keep their title hopes alive just two days after the death of former manager Tito Vilanova. Given the circumstances, it was understandable that Barca fell behind 2-0 before the hour mark, but then they mounted a comeback and in the midst of that, Dani Alves showed that he was not in the mood to let any abusive fans get to him. A Villarreal own goal in the 65th minute made it 2-1 and gave Barcelona something to build on. About 10 minutes later, Barca won a corner kick and Dani Alves went to take it. Villarreal fans threw things at him once he got near them — one of those items being a banana. When Alves spotted it laying on the pitch, he casually picked it up, peeled it, took a big bite, tossed the peel aside and took his corner kick. As cool as can be. Two minutes later, Villarreal scored another own goal to make it 2-2 and Lionel Messi came through with a goal in the 83rd minute to give Barca a 3-2 that will undoubtedly be dedicated to Tito Vilanova. Sadly, racist abuse — including bananas and monkey sounds — has become old hat to Dani Alves. In January of last year, he said, "I go through this constantly in all the grounds I go to. It is a shame, as fans can like you or not, and there can be heated moments within games, but the crowd should just support their own team. [...] I have been here [in Spain] for ten years and since the first year this kind of thing has happened. There are worse grounds [than the Bernabeu]. It happens all over Spain. I lived through it at Sevilla. Until action is taken, nothing will be fixed." Following the Villarreal match, Alves expanded on his previous comments with an explanation of his personal approach to racism in the absence of institutional change. From the AP: "We have suffered this in Spain for some time," Alves said. "You have to take it with a dose of humor. We aren't going to change things easily. "If you don't give it importance, they don't achieve their objective." Hopefully one day soon the powers that be will provide the action Alves and so many others have called for. But until then, Dani Alves will eat your nutritious bananas and use that fuel to help him beat your team. As if Alves' reaction in the moment wasn't brilliant enough, Neymar, his teammate at both Barcelona and the Brazilian national team, later posted a photo on Instagramof himself holding a banana while his young son, David Lucca, hugged a banana stuffed toy. Neymar's caption to the picture: "We are all monkeys."

David Moyes has agreed to Man United pay off term

David Moyes has reached agreement with Manchester United over the size of his pay-off, England’s League Managers’ Association announced Friday. United sacked Moyes on Tuesday, just 10 months into the Scot’s six-year contract. The past few days have seen seen Moyes and LMA representatives holding talks with faltering Premier League champions United and on Friday the LMA said terms had been agreed.

“The League Managers Association and Manchester United are pleased to confirm that terms of settlement have been agreed between the Club and David Moyes in respect of the termination of his employment,” the LMA said in a statement. “A settlement agreement is in the process of being finalised. No further comment will be made in relation to this issue.”

The LMA statement did not say how much Moyes, the man retired former United manager Alex Ferguson wanted to replace him after he stood down at the end of last season, would be paid as part of his severance deal. Following Moyes’s sacking, there were widespread reports in the British media that his pay-off would be capped at less than £5 million out of his £30 million deal ($50m, 36m euros). It was reported that he had lost out on a larger compensation package through an ‘ejector seat’ clause in his contract, limiting his money to 12 months’ salary if the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, something that was confirmed after United’s 2-0 defeat by Everton. United are currently seventh in the table and, having been knocked out of both domestic cups and the Champions League, will endure a trophy-less season. This campaign will see United record their worst points total in the Premier League era and their highest number of home defeats since 1978 — including 3-0 drubbings by bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

Nigeria refs to officiate in world cup by 2018

FIFA referees assistant programme instructor, Lee Kim Chong stated in Abuja that Nigeria referees could get the chance to officiate in their first ever world cup in 2018. Kim Chong said that with the kind of programme the Nigeria referees embarked upon, they are most like to finally make the cut for the list of referees for the world cup. Chong who was the center referee when the Super Eagles won Zambia 2-1 to lift 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia also pointed that unlike before Nigeria now has more qualified referees who are called to officiate at international competitions.

He said “Nigeria is coming up gradually and has many referees who are fit. This year alone, a good number of them have officiated at CAF organized competitions and they did well. “There are lots of potentials who I have seen myself and I know that before 2018, some of them will be mature to be selected to officiate at the world cup. I have been in Nigeria severally; I was in Aba when I officiated Enyimba match. I have also been involved in some qualifiers involving Nigeria. Chong bemoaned lack of tactical and technological know how by some Nigeria referees but implored them to brace up to square up with challenges ahead.

Sir Alex Ferguson is now a lecturer at Harvard University

The former Manchester Unitedmanager Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed to take up a "long-term teaching position" in executive education at Harvard.
The 72-year-old, who left his post as manager at Old Trafford last summer after 26 years in charge, will lecture in the Ivy League University's new programme entitled The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports, starting in May. It comes less than seven months after Ferguson's blueprint for managerial success was included in the October edition of Harvard Business Review.
"I'm delighted to have the opportunity and privilege to contribute to such a respected centre of excellence," Ferguson said.

"The time I have already spent at Harvard has been a stimulating experience and I look forward to developing my relationship and activities with the students, faculty and friends of the Harvard Business School community."

Ferguson conducted a series of interviews with the Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse in 2012, outlining what he believed to be the eight key elements of his old job including "Match the method to the moment" and "Rely on the power of observation".
"We look forward to welcoming Sir Alex Fergusonon the HBS campus to share his remarkable leadership journey, and contribute to our Executive Education participants' ability to make a profound difference in the world," Elberse said.
The programme on The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports will take place from 7-10 May. Manchester United are due to face Hull City in their last game of the season at Old Trafford on 6 May but the club are confident Ferguson's new role will not distract him from his duties as a club director and ambassador.