The remote server returned an unexpected response: (413) Request Entity Too Large.
Gloom and dismay has spread across Doncaster since the Football Association announced its decision.Doncaster Belles is one of the most famous women's football clubsClub faces being relegated to second tier by English Football AssociationProtests launched against decision labeled as a "joke" and "unjust"Fans accuse FA of treating them like '"hardened criminals"(CNN) -- Funded by the wealth of its mega-rich Abu Dhabi owners, Manchester City brought about a new order in men's football -- now it might be about to do the same in the women's game.
But at what cost? Doncaster Belles, one of the most famous and iconic names in women's football is on the brink -- and its fate has people up in arms.Normally promotion and relegation is decided by a club's place in the league, but the Belles are to be demoted for "commercial and marketing reasons."Last month, the English Football Association announced its plans for a new two-tier Women's Super League, with eight teams set to compete in the top flight and 10 in the second from next season.The Belles, a founder member of the Premier League and one of the most successful clubs in the game's history, was expected to maintain its place in the Super League's first division, despite finishing second from bottom for the past two seasons.var currExpandable="expand16";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2013/05/24/pinto-platini-uefa-football-racism.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130524140443-pinto-platini-uefa-football-racism-00034818-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand16Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand26";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2013/05/17/football-club-ginola-barclay-beckham.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130516103742-id-thomas-david-beckham-retires-00020623-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand26Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand36";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='world/2013/05/16/intl-beckham-brand-boulden-pkg.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='http://edition.cnn.com/';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130516162903-beckham-at-psg-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand36Store=mObj;Instead the two-time league winners and six-time FA Cup winners suddenly finds itself jettisoned from the top flight and told it will have to play in the second division next term.Meanwhile Manchester City's ladies team has been included in the top flight -- a move which has been construed by some to be financially motivated given the club's commercial appeal.For Doncaster, it couldn't have come at a worse time given that women's football is on the up.According to the latest FIFA figures, an estimated 29 million women across the world play football with around 12% of those being youth players.Lyon have won universal praise for their style of football, though the French side was recently beaten in the Women's European Champions League final by German side Wolfsburg -- a game staged at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium.The FA's decision over Doncaster has been described as a "joke" and "unjust" by the general manager of Arsenal ladies, Vic Akers, with accusations that the decision is "more about money than football."Doncaster has appealed and as a result told CNN that it was unable to offer any comment in fear of jeopardizing its chances of success, while City were also not willing to comment.The FA will also not comment.IconicHayley's story"I was about 12 at the time, around 1995, and the Belles were dominant. They'd completed the league and FA Cup double in 1994 and nobody could shift them," said Paterson.
"The incredible power of strikers Karen Walker and Gail Borman coupled with the tenacity of midfielder Gill Coulthard made the Belles a frightening force to be up against -- and I was joining their thriving youth academy in the under-14s.
"I remember my first game. I played left wing-back and I've never run so hard in my life -- the values of chasing down every ball and never giving up were instilled from the start.
"We won 4-2 and I came off the pitch shattered, just wishing I could sleep for a week.
"As a Doncaster-born and bred girl, it was a bit of a dream come true for me to play for my home team. Any opportunity I'd get, I'd race down to the Armthorpe Welfare to watch the Belles' first team in action.
"The first team were very approachable, although I never dared to in all honesty. The closest I remember getting to them was attempting to put a tackle in on former England international Vicky Exley during training, when I was about 16, she skipped past me like I wasn't there. Lesson learned.
"Looking back, I'll never know if I could have made it, but I still see my time with the Belles as something I'll never forget."
According to an email received by CNN, the decision has been based around the criteria of "financial and business management, commercial sustainability and marketing, facilities (including ground grading criteria) and players, support staff and youth development."While not enjoying the same kind of backing as the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal or City's commercial appeal, Doncaster was confident its bid would be accepted."They've just taken the eight best bids and put them in the top-flight," said journalist Tony Leighton, one of the most authoritative voices in women's football."It's not just about what happens on the pitch but the criteria off it too, and perhaps that is where Doncaster have come up short."They haven't always been the best managed and they don't have a huge relationship with the men's team, although they do have an association and play at the same stadium."But the FA have announced, after just one game of the new season that Doncaster will effectively be relegated."After one game? How can you motivate a group of players when they know they will be relegated anyway?"While the local community had hoped to ride crest of the wave of a women's game thriving around the world, instead the Belles are wondering just where to go next.DominationFrom 1978 to 1993, Doncaster dominated women's football in England, losing just one league match in 15 years -- a record eventually brought to an end by Arsenal in the second season of the National Premier League.In contrast, City, which is owned by the deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mansour, has never competed in the top-flight of the women's game."The FA will make no further comment until this process is complete, when final confirmation will be given on all clubs that will enter FA WSL1 or FA WSL2 in 2014.," said an FA statement. "This is expected to be completed in due course."City have played just one season in a national league, finishing fourth, and the decision to include them in the Super League's top division at the Belles' expense has left supporters outraged."It's important that it's made clear that we are not protesting, and campaigning along the lines that Doncaster Belles categorically deserves its place in the top flight of the women's game due to its historical standing," Glen Wilson, editor of respected Doncaster website, Popular Stand, told CNN."What we are saying is that having done so much, and achieved so much in and for the women's game in this country, without significant financial backing, or by partnering with a successful men's club, it has earned the right to defend its top-flight status in the way it achieved it; on the football pitch."I cannot see how the Belles' application, and all it offers to the criteria set out by the FAWSL, could fall down below that of a team who have only played one season in a national division such as Manchester City.var currExpandable="expand131";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='bestoftv/2013/05/15/ctw-thomas-racism.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130515162827-ctw-thomas-racism-00002126-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand131Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand231";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2013/05/10/pinto-thiago-silva-psg-football.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130510180106-pinto-thiago-silva-psg-football-00005220-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand231Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand331";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2013/05/10/cnn-football-club-show-ferguson-moyes.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130510114854-cnn-football-club-show-ferguson-moyes-00095601-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand331Store=mObj;"And with the FA not stating its reasoning, and refusing to comment afterward, it leads us to draw only one conclusion; money."Formed in 1969, the club became a trailblazer in Britain, becoming the country's very first social enterprise with women's football at its heart.The Belles Community initiative, which was launched four years ago, enabled the local population to take advantage of social, health and educational resources and allowed young girls to get involved in the sport.Thriving communityAccording to the 2011 census, there are 302,400 people living in Doncaster, which is in Yorkshire, northern England.The men's football team, which was playing non-league football just 10 years ago, is now playing in the country's second tier for the first time in 50 years.But in a city which Liverpool and England legend Kevin Keegan was born, it is the achievements of England Ladies star Karen Walker which are celebrated.Walker scored 40 goals in 83 appearances for her country, becoming only one of two from Doncaster to have been inducted into the FA Hall of Fame along with former teammate Gillian Coulthard.Both women played a huge role in getting girls into football and helping the sport grow both locally and nationally.Only last October, the FA announced a new five-year plan to encourage women to take up the sport and increase participation within the UK to 253,600 by 2018.if (typeof cnnArticleGallery == "undefined") {var cnnArticleGallery = {};}if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList =="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList = [];}var expGallery411=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGallery411.setImageCount(30);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern", 1);
Bayern Munich players lift the trophy as they celebrate winning the UEFA Champions League final after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, May 25.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":true,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":1,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Munich's midfielder Arjen Robben celebrates scoring the winning goal against Borussia Dortmund.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":2,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Head Coach Jupp Heynckes is carried by his players after winning the UEFA Champions League final.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":3,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Arjen Robben of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, May 25. Bayern defeated Dortmund 2-1.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":4,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Head Coach Jurgen Klopp, right, of Borussia Dortmund consoles his players after losing to Bayern Munich in the championship match.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":5,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern players celebrate after match play was completed.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":6,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Dortmund players lie on the field in defeat after losing to Bayern 2-1.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":7,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Arjen Robben, left, of Bayern Munich challenges Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund for the ball.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":8,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Munich's striker Mario Mandzukic, left, scores the opening goal of the match.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":9,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Ilkay Gundogan of Borussia Dortmund, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring on a penalty kick to tie the game 1-1.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":10,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Munich supporters light flares in the stands during the game.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":11,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Dante, right, of Bayern Munich is given a yellow card after being called on a foul against a Borussia Dortmund player.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":12,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern performs a header against Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":13,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery, center, talks with Borussia Dortmund's striker Robert Lewandowski after a penalty was called.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":14,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Mario Mandzukic of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring a goal against Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London on May 25.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":15,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Borussia Dortmund's midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski, left, vies with Bayern Munich's defender Jerome Boateng during the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, May 25.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":16,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Dortmund's goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller makes a save against Bayern during the first half.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":17,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Borussia Dortmund's Polish midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski, center, reacts after missing a goal against Dortmund.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":18,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Robert Lewandowski, left, of Borussia Dortmund collides with Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":19,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Head Coach Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund shouts from the sidelines during the match.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":20,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Fans fill Wembley Stadium during the Champions League final match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":21,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
A fan of Bayern Munich wears face paint in support of his team during the match.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":22,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Thomas Mueller, left, of Bayern Munich goes after the ball against Neven Subotic of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League final match at Wembley Stadium in London on May 25.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":23,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund, center, drives to the goal against Dante, right, of Bayern Munich.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":24,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Munich fans wave red flags before the start of the championship game.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":25,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Borussia Dortmund supporters fill the stands as they wait for their team to take the field.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":26,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Borussia Dortmund fans in the upper deck of Wembley Stadium cheer for their team.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":27,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Bayern Munich supporters cheer from the stands.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":28,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
Borussia Dortmund wear black and yellow attire in support of their team.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":29,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} 
From left, UEFA President Michel Platini, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German Football Association President Wolfgang Niersbach watch the action from the stands.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":41,"y":1,"pos":30,"title":"Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern"} Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. BayernChampions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern Champions League Final: Dortmund vs. Bayern if (typeof cnnArticleGallery == "undefined") {var cnnArticleGallery = {};}if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList =="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList = [];}var expGallery412=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGallery412.setImageCount(9);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Klopp the philosopher", 1);
Germany: The new cool if (typeof cnnArticleGallery == "undefined") {var cnnArticleGallery = {};}if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList =="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList = [];}var expGallery413=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGallery413.setImageCount(8);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Bayern vs. Dortmund in numbers", 1);Bayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbers
Bayern vs. Dortmund in numbers Hayley Paterson was just one of those who came through the club's Academy as a teenager before moving into journalism where she now reports on the Belles."Did the Belles finish bottom last term? No. Did the team finish bottom the season before that? No. So why was that decision made?" asked Paterson, who works for the city's local newspaper."It's saddening to see the club that I grew up with treated this way. We might just be 'little Donny' but that club is a pioneer of the women's game."It is the very reason women's and girls football is thriving in this country. The club is the only ever-present in the top flight and yet, in a flash, it is the only team replaced by Manchester City."People want answers. I want answers as a fan and as a reporter."Hardened criminalsWith passions running high last Sunday's Women's FA Cup final was marred by the alleged heavy handling of those protesting against the FA's decision.With the game being played at the Keepmoat Stadium -- the home of the Belles -- stewards confiscated a banner, leaflets and a bell from supporters who had yet to even make their way from the car park to the stadium.According to an FA spokesperson, "It was taken by officials from Doncaster Rovers as it was deemed to be unsuitable," though the banner has since been returned.Tony Greenhall, the campaign spokesman, believes protesters have been treated as "hardened criminals"."The FA's actions throughout this episode have been underhand and demeaning to such an important sporting organization," Greenhall told CNN."From the surreptitious release of the original statement regarding the FAWSL restructuring, through to the draconian treatment of concerned fans at the Women's FA Cup Final on Sunday."The FA's own guidelines boast of transparency in the decision making process yet they ignore all questions from fans and media."Doncaster Belles is a historic club, not just important to the town but to the whole of football. The fact that they can be shabbily discarded at the sight of a fat bank account shows the guardians of the game hold sporting principles in contempt."PetitionGreenhall is not alone in his dismay at the FA's decision with an online petition having received over 7,000 signatures so far."There cannot be much to choose between the application of the Belles and that of Manchester City," added fanzine editor Wilson."The difference must have been negligible, so with that in mind why not just take the obvious route of announcing that whoever finished bottom of the FAWSL would be relegated at the season's end?if (typeof cnnArticleGallery == "undefined") {var cnnArticleGallery = {};}if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList =="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList = [];}var expGallery591=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGallery591.setImageCount(21);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("David Beckham through the years", 1);
David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":true,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":1,"title":"David Beckham through the years"}
Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":2,"title":"David Beckham through the years"} 
Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":3,"title":"Making his debut"} 
Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":4,"title":"Getting pumped"} 
Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":5,"title":"All wet"} 
At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":6,"title":"Photos: David Beckham through the years"} 
Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":7,"title":"Repping his homeland"} 
Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi "Samourai" in Madrid in 2004.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":8,"title":"Hobnobing with celebs"} 
Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":9,"title":"Loving the fans"} 
The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":10,"title":"Family guy"} 
Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance "David Beckham Intimately Night" in Sydney in 2007.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":11,"title":"The entreprenuer"} 
Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":12,"title":"The Los Angeles resident"} 
Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":13,"title":"Kicking it like ... "} 
Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":14,"title":"The pitchman"} 
Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":15,"title":"To the Galaxy and beyond"} 
Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":16,"title":"The thinker"} 
David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":17,"title":"A prince among royals"} 
The Beckhams attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California, in 2012.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":18,"title":"Golden award moments"} 
Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":19,"title":"Photos: David Beckham through the years"} 
Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":20,"title":"Powering through for Olympics"} 
Beckham acts as England's captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":1,"pos":21,"title":"A name brand"} David Beckham through the yearsDavid Beckham through the yearsPhotos: David Beckham through the yearsPhotos: David Beckham through the years David Beckham through the years if (typeof cnnArticleGallery == "undefined") {var cnnArticleGallery = {};}if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList =="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList = [];}var expGallery592=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGallery592.setImageCount(10);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Legend honored", 1);
Ferguson era ends with goal fest if (typeof cnnArticleGallery == "undefined") {var cnnArticleGallery = {};}if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList =="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList = [];}var expGallery593=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGallery593.setImageCount(15);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Bela Guttmann", 1);
Bela Guttmann was a Hungarian Jew who transformed the face of modern football. He worked across the world, enjoying huge success in Brazil and Portugal, where he won the European Cup on two occasions with Benfica.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":true,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":1,"title":"Bela Guttmann"} 
Guttmann took some inspiration from the great Gustav Sebes, the man who coached the "Magnificent Magyars" in the 1950s. Under Sebes, Hungary became the first nation to defeat England on its home soil, winning 6-3 in 1953 before reaching the World Cup final the following year. Striker Ferenc Puskas, who is pictured here training at Craven Cottage, scored twice in that famous Wembley game.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":2,"title":"Magnificent Magyar"} 
During his time in Brazil with Sao Paulo between 1957 and 1958, Guttmann introduced the 4-2-4 system which Brazil used at the 1958 World Cup. Pele is pictured here celebrating after scoring in Brazil's 5-2 World Cup final win over Sweden in Stockholm.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":3,"title":"Brazil legacy"} 
Guttmann led Benfica to glory in the 1961 European Cup final, beating Barcelona 3-2. After arriving at the club from Porto in 1960, Guttmann immediately fired 20 of his squad before going on to win the Portuguese league title two years in a row.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":4,"title":"Bela\'s Benfica"} 
Benfica faced then five-time winners Real Madrid in the 1962 final in Amsterdam, where Guttmann's side produced a famous 5-3 victory. Puskas scored a first-half hat-trick for Real against his former manager but it was not enough as Eusebio fired the Lisbon side to glory with two second-half goals. 
Eusebio was brought to Benfica from Mozambique by Guttmann in 1961. Under his guidance Eusebio would go on to greatness, establishing himself as one of the game's most talented players.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":6,"title":"A star is born"} 
When Guttmann left Benfica after a pay dispute following the 1962 European Cup win, legend has it that he left a curse on the club. He is reported to have told the board that they would never win the title again. The following year, Benfica lost 2-1 to AC Milan in the final -- and suffered defeat in four more since then.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":7,"title":"The curse"} 
Before the 1990 final against AC Milan in Vienna, Eusebio prayed for forgiveness at Guttmann's grave but it did little good as Benfica lost 1-0. That was Benfica's last European Cup final appearance. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":8,"title":"Eusebio prays"}
Many have compared Guttmann with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. The two are said to have shared many traits, including their man-management skills, fiery tempers and winning mentality. Mourinho's father, Felix, played against Guttmann's Benfica side, saving a penalty from Eusebio.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":9,"title":"The legacy"} 
Portuguese club Benfica are nicknamed the Eagles and before each home game an eagle flies around the Estadio da Luz.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":10,"title":"The Eagles have landed"} 
Despite being under pressure for much of the 2013 Europa League final, Fernando Torres raced clear to fire home in style and Chelsea the lead.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":11,"title":"Torres torments"} 
Fernando Torres does his best impression of Usain Bolt after giving Chelsea the lead.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":12,"title":"Bolt from the blue"} 
Benfica hit back with 22 minutes remaining when Oscar Cardozo netted from the penalty spot after Cesar Azpilicueta handled inside the penalty area. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":13,"title":"Bela\'s Benfica \'curse\'"}
But with the game looking set for extra time, Branislav Ivanovic popped up at the death to head a dramatic winner and secure victory for Chelsea.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":14,"title":"Bela\'s Benfica \'curse\'"} 
One year on from winning the Champions League, Chelsea's players celebrate with the Europa League trophy.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":59,"y":3,"pos":15,"title":"Bela\'s Benfica \'curse\'"} Bela's Benfica 'curse' "Had that been the case, and the Belles had been that team, we wouldn't have a petition with over 5,000 signatures, we wouldn't be organizing protests, we would have said fair enough, that's football, that's how it works."But to decide that no matter how your season pans out you will be relegated arbitrarily at the end of the season makes a mockery of the league and to an extent the women's game."Fighting onWilson remains pessimistic over the fight to force a rethink by the FA."No matter how loud we shout the FA will probably get away with this," concedes Wilson."They don't seem to realise that the reason why we are going to women's games in greater numbers, and following the game more regularly is because it offers a refreshing change from the hyperbole and money-centric men's top flight."Well, at least it did until a few weeks ago. Now the talk is of 'franchises' and 'products' rather than clubs, and competition."Whether played by men, women, children, or toy robots it is still a sport, and so standing in the game should come down to performance on the pitch; that's all we want for the Belles -- to be considered and governed as a sports team rather than as a potential lure for 'commercial partners'."No decision is expected until early June, but Belles fans just want to find out whether the club's appeal has been successful, while others just want the FA to front up and confirm its position."What I want from the FA is an explanation," added Leighton."I've spoken to the FA on several occasions and all they say is 'look at the press release, there won't be any further comment."I don't think they'll change their mind and they'll probably stick with Doncaster going down, or perhaps they might expand the top division to make room."But they've shot themselves in the foot with the way they've handled the whole situation."/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/sport/football/football-doncaster-belles-fa-protest/index.html","title" : "The Belles toll: Women\'s game in uproar over \'joke\' decision"});
Be part of CNN's coverage of European Champions League matches and join the social debate.June 6, 2013 -- Updated 1425 GMT (2225 HKT) 
A former Palestinian player, once held without charge for three years, is campaigning for a boycott of Israel's staging of a major European tournament.May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1052 GMT (1852 HKT) 
When Germany's two biggest soccer clubs go head-to-head in the Champions League final, there can only be one winner: German industry. May 22, 2013 -- Updated 1356 GMT (2156 HKT) 
The Bundesliga model of sustainability is very much in vogue. But are Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund creating a dangerous duopoly?May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1106 GMT (1906 HKT) 
Bayern Munich super fan Boris Becker takes a tour of London ahead of the 2013 Champions League final.May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1015 GMT (1815 HKT) 
CNN takes an exclusive look at the venue of the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
CNN's Pedro Pinto gives his analysis of the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.May 17, 2013 -- Updated 1710 GMT (0110 HKT) 
David Beckham embraced his tag as a "gay icon" and has been credited with breaking the big taboo -- homosexuality in football.May 13, 2013 -- Updated 0750 GMT (1550 HKT) 
'King' Alex Ferguson is quitting Manchester United but the $3.17 billion brand will survive, according to experts.May 7, 2013 -- Updated 1418 GMT (2218 HKT) 
Italian football lags behind its other European rivals commercially, but newly-crowned Italian champions Juventus is showing Serie A clubs an example of revival.April 24, 2013 -- Updated 1434 GMT (2234 HKT) 
Luis Suarez's biting of Branislav Ivanovic is the latest episode of moments of madness when soccer stars behave badly.March 29, 2013 -- Updated 0938 GMT (1738 HKT) 
Sunderland's partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation is part of its bid to woo the African market.March 28, 2013 -- Updated 1558 GMT (2358 HKT) 
Each year as many as 700 Cameroonian young footballers leave Africa in search of a professional career abroad. May 6, 2013 -- Updated 1201 GMT (2001 HKT) 
Referees across Europe are feeling the heat. Insulted, threatened, chased off the field, attacked, hospitalized and, tragically, killed. February 26, 2013 -- Updated 1225 GMT (2025 HKT) 
Footballers have a battery of physios, fitness trainers and doctors all striving to fine-tune their physique -- but are they missing a trick?February 26, 2013 -- Updated 1424 GMT (2224 HKT) 
No Englishman has won the EPL title in over 20 years, while a leading manager reveals that English coaches are now "not respected abroad."May 13, 2013 -- Updated 0933 GMT (1733 HKT) 
Hardcore Italian football "ultra" Federico is a Lazio supporter who happily admits directing monkey chants at black players.March 5, 2013 -- Updated 1123 GMT (1923 HKT) 
When Jupp Heynckes made his Bundesliga debut as a player in 1965, the name of Bayern Munich was a new one for the nascent German league.February 19, 2013 -- Updated 1902 GMT (0302 HKT) 
Football's world governing body FIFA has confirmed it will use goal-line technology at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.February 19, 2013 -- Updated 1403 GMT (2203 HKT) 
Match-fixing has become a worldwide issue, with hundreds of matches under investigation -- but how do you actually fix a football game?February 18, 2013 -- Updated 1700 GMT (0100 HKT) 
U.S soccer star Robbie Rogers has "come out" as gay on the day he retired from the game, making the announcement on his blog.February 11, 2013 -- Updated 2231 GMT (0631 HKT) 
The wealth of owners like Chelsea's Roman Abramovich often fuels success, but for other clubs such backers prove a mixed blessing.January 30, 2013 -- Updated 1342 GMT (2142 HKT) 
The Secret Footballer reveals the complex issues surrounding racism in the English Premier League. 
Today's five most popular stories
No comments:
Post a Comment