Cardiff City, the only non English club to win the FA Cup, may be able to play in Europe next season if they can lift the trophy by beating Portsmouth in Wembley. The Championship side eliminated giant-killers Barnsley, who had knocked out both Liverpool and Chelsea earlier, in the semifinals by beating them 1-0, with Joe Ledley scoring. The Bluebirds had also beaten Middlesbrough in the sixth round. Under FA rules, the winners of the FA Cup get a UEFA Cup spot. But as Cardiff are a Welsh side, the Football Association are apparently not willing to accept them as one of England’s representatives.
Manuel Almunia signs contract extension
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has signed an extension to his contract at the Emirates Stadium. The duration of the extension is not known, but it is rumoured to be long term and not a short one. Arsenal do not reveal information about player contracts.
Almunia has become Arsenal’s No.1 under the sticks, relegating German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to the bench.
Burkina Faso appoint Duarte as manager
The Burkina Faso Football Federation have appointed Paulo Duarte as the country’s new manager. Duarte succeeds Didier Notheaux, whose contract expired last October. Duarte has signed a two year contract, and his first task will be to ensure that the Stallions qualify for the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.