Tag Archives: relevant

Liverpool settle out of court with Tom Hicks and George Gillett

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Liverpool settle out of court with ex-chiefs Hicks and Gillett over club sale claims

Hicks and
Gillett took their case against Broughton, Purslow and Ayre – and RBS –
to court, alleging that they conspired to sell the club at a reduced
price.

They claimed RBS and the Liverpool directors had deliberately blocked their attempts to refinance, allegations denied by RBS.

But after a lengthy and involved process led by Liverpool’s general counsel Natalie Wignall, a deal has been struck to bring an end to the legal action against Broughton, Purslow and Ayre.

The status of Hicks and Gillett’s case against RBS – whom the Americans claim were too actively involved in the sale process – remains unclear and no one at the bank was immediately available for comment.

Back to business: Now Liverpool can concentrate on the football

Back to business: Now Liverpool can concentrate on the football

At a High Court hearing in October Mr Justice Peter Smith said it was a matter which ought to go to trial.

'There is in my mind a question as to whether or not RBS truly distanced itself from the sale process,' he said.

'In reality, what actually happened between April 2010 and October 2010 can only be discerned by a trial when the relevant players give evidence and their evidence is tested by cross-examination in the light of the contemporaneous documents.

'In my view, it would be wrong and a denial of justice potentially at this preliminary stage to deny the former owners an opportunity to have a trial on this issue.

'This matter should be brought to a speedy conclusion. I would wish directions to be agreed if possible with a view to this action… being heard early in 2013.'

Nigel Adkins takes blame as Southampton go out of League Cup

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It's all my fault: Adkins takes blame as struggling Saints crash out of cup to Leeds

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UPDATED:

00:25 GMT, 31 October 2012

Nigel Adkins shouldered the blame for his Southampton side's Capital One Cup exit at Leeds, accepting the majority of the 11 different faces he fielded did not take their chance to shine.

Goals from Michael Tonge and El-Hadji Diouf and a Luciano Becchio penalty helped the Championship side to their second successive top-flight scalp, with their 3-0 victory earning them a first quarter-final berth since 1996.

Neil Warnock's men had the run of the park against a below-par Saints side, with Adkins' much-changed side unable to find sanctuary from their dismal Premier League form.

Finding it tough: Nigel Adkins took all the blame for Southampton crashing out

Finding it tough: Nigel Adkins took all the blame for Southampton crashing out

But having lost to Tottenham just over 48 hours ago, Adkins was of the opinion that he could not have put his first-team players through another tough workout and accepted the responsibility for tonight's collapse.

'We didn't perform anywhere near what's expected of a Southampton Football Club team,' he said.

'Forty-eight hours ago we had a high-intensity game and I made the relevant changes. I take full responsibility. We wanted to play tomorrow, but the powers that be wanted it to be tonight.

'But we gave the players who have not been in the team to the chance to show what they could do, and they did not take it.'

The players Adkins refers to are the likes of veteran goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, defender Jos Hooiveld, midfielder Richard Chaplow and forward Guly Do Prado.

In the goals: El Hadji Diouf celebrates his goal during as Leeds knocked out Southampton

In the goals: El Hadji Diouf celebrates his goal during as Leeds knocked out Southampton

None of them were able to have an impact on the game, though, with only debutant substitute Lloyd Isgrove emerging with any real credit.

'It will be good experience for the young players,' Adkins added. 'We have tried to blood them in the past and utilised them in the cup competitions but tonight, on the whole, we haven't performed.

'I have to take full responsibility. When you look at it, though, we played 48 hours ago, we use the second day as a recovery day and I didn't want to risk injury as we have a few as it is. But, when someone puts on the shirt for Southampton Football Club, you expect them to perform at the highest level.'

Happy man: Neil Warnock was pleased to see his side through against Southampton

Happy man: Neil Warnock was pleased to see his side through against Southampton

Away from Tuesday's game, Adkins refused to elaborate on the situation with Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc, with the club investigating allegations he threw a bottle at his own supporters during the Spurs game.

'There will be a full investigation. I don't know what the accusations are exactly, but we'll have an investigation and take it from there,' was all he would say.

For his part, Warnock had nothing to be concerned about, on or off the field.

The veteran tactician is trying to make daughter Amy's wish to see him manage at Wembley come true and, with his side now one of three non-Premier League teams left at the last-eight stage, thoughts are starting to turn towards a possible trip to the capital.

'Amy came tonight, she just had a word in my ear about it,' Warnock said.

'I thought that right from the off we were at it. I wanted us to enjoy it because if all the games are like our draw with Charlton last week, I would be better off fishing.

'We played some good football tonight. In the second half, when it was 1-0, I said to my assistant Ronnie Jepson that extra-time would kill us, because you thought Southampton would always have that chance.

'But we didn't sit back and we should have scored more goals.'

Having managed QPR as Premier League newcomers a year ago, Warnock was well aware of the selection quandary Adkins found himself in.

He did not believe a weakened opposition had been the reason for his side's success, though.

'I have been in Nigel's position,' he added. 'When you're in the Premier League, your position is far greater financially. But we can only beat the side we play against.'

BBC stand firm over threat to TMS coverage of England tour of India

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BBC stand firm over threat to TMS coverage of England's tour to India

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UPDATED:

22:48 GMT, 29 October 2012

The BBC are locked in talks over the cost of sending their iconic Test Match Special team to cover England’s tour of India.

An agreement has still not been reached with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with Corporation representatives reiterating that the 'unreasonable demands' being made of them by the Indian board would not be stomached.

The BCCI is reportedly charging the BBC an extra 50,000 to cover radio production costs at the four Tests in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nagpur and Kolkata, while Sky have been asked for an additional 500,000 to install television studios at each ground.

Voice of TMS: BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew (right)

Voice of TMS: BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew (right)

If the row is not resolved, Sky intend to use the voices of Sir Ian Botham, David Gower, Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain, commentating in a west London studio, over pictures fed by Indian host broadcaster Star Sports.

But TMS, which has earned a devoted following since it began in 1957, is reluctant to follow suit due to the existence of the Test Match Sofa website, whose commentators are based in south London and provide a similar service.

With the first Test in Ahmedabad less than three weeks away, a solution needs to be found quickly if hundreds of thousands of fans are not to be deprived of commentary from Jonathan Agnew, Geoffrey Boycott, Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘We are continuing talks with the relevant authorities in India about what we regard as unreasonable demands for facility fees.

‘We remain hopeful that the talks will be resolved successfully and we can broadcast Test Match Special from India for England’s Test series.’

Rio Ferdinand and Anton Ferdinand call truce with John Terry and Ashley Cole

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Shake on it! Ferdinands call truce with Cole and Terry, saying: 'It's time for us all to move on'

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UPDATED:

07:07 GMT, 25 October 2012

Rio and Anton Ferdinand have called a truce in their fight over racism — and they will even shake hands with John Terry and Ashley Cole.

In a statement, the Ferdinand family expressed their disappointment with the actions of the Football Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association during the last year.

Brothers in arms: Anton (left) and Rio Ferdinand have called for a truce

Brothers in arms: Anton (left) and Rio Ferdinand have called for a truce

But hours after PFA chief executive
Gordon Taylor responded to the threat of a breakaway black players’
union by announcing a new six-point action plan to combat racial
discrimination in the game, the Ferdinands agreed to call a halt to the
internal fighting and open discussions with the relevant bodies.

That, Sportsmail understands,
includes drawing a line under their public disputes with Terry and Cole
against the backdrop of the Terry racism controversy.

Snub: Anton Ferdinand declines to shake John Terry's hand last month

Snub: Anton Ferdinand declines to shake John Terry's hand last month

Only last month Anton Ferdinand
refused to acknowledge both Terry and Cole at Loftus Road and his older
brother was considering snubbing Cole when Manchester United meet
Chelsea on Sunday.

However, Rio will now shake the hands of Cole and Terry at Stamford Bridge in the Barclays Premier League match on Sunday.

Breakaway: Rio had considered creating a black players' union

Breakaway: Rio had considered creating a black players' union

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck issued a
public apology to the Ferdinands once Terry had decided not to appeal
against his FA ban and fine for abusing Anton Ferdinand, and Taylor’s
actions convinced them it was time to move on for ‘the betterment of the
game’.

In a statement, the Ferdinands said:
‘It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road (between Terry and
Anton Ferdinand). In that time, some of the deep divisions that exist
in football have been exposed.

Snub: Anton was among several players who did not wear anti-racism t-shirts

Snub: Anton was among several players who did not wear anti-racism t-shirts

'During the coming months there will be
ongoing discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward. We intend to
participate in these discussions with other current and
ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards.’

Last weekend, both Ferdinands joined a
number of black players in refusing to wear T-shirts supporting the
FA-sponsored Kick It Out campaign.

Snub: Rio Ferdinand declined to wear the Kick It Out T-shirt at Old Trafford

Snub: Rio Ferdinand declined to wear the Kick It Out T-shirt at Old Trafford

The statement said: ‘On the issue of
Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work
they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However,
times change and organisations need to change with them.

‘Although we have been left
disappointed by the PFA and the FA’s actions over the last year, as a
family we are committed to working with football’s existing
organisations towards the betterment of the game and to achieve
immediate action.’

Happier times (from left): Rio Ferdinand, Cole and Terry on England duty

Happier times (from left): Rio Ferdinand, Cole and Terry on England duty

Taylor welcomed the statement. ‘We’ll
be very happy to involve them in the process of talks,’ he said.

But
sources said a federation of black players remains a
possibility.

Anton and Rio Ferdinand call truce with John Terry and Ashley Cole

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Shake on it! Ferdinands call truce with Cole and Terry, saying: 'It's time for us all to move on'

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UPDATED:

21:38 GMT, 24 October 2012

Rio and Anton Ferdinand have called a truce in their fight over racism — and they will even shake hands with John Terry and Ashley Cole.

In a statement, the Ferdinand family expressed their disappointment with the actions of the Football Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association during the last year.

Brothers in arms: Anton (left) and Rio Ferdinand have called for a truce

Brothers in arms: Anton (left) and Rio Ferdinand have called for a truce

But hours after PFA chief executive
Gordon Taylor responded to the threat of a breakaway black players’
union by announcing a new six-point action plan to combat racial
discrimination in the game, the Ferdinands agreed to call a halt to the
internal fighting and open discussions with the relevant bodies.

That, Sportsmail understands,
includes drawing a line under their public disputes with Terry and Cole
against the backdrop of the Terry racism controversy.

Snub: Anton Ferdinand declines to shake John Terry's hand last month

Snub: Anton Ferdinand declines to shake John Terry's hand last month

Only last month Anton Ferdinand
refused to acknowledge both Terry and Cole at Loftus Road and his older
brother was considering snubbing Cole when Manchester United meet
Chelsea on Sunday.

However, Rio will now shake the hands of Cole and Terry at Stamford Bridge in the Barclays Premier League match on Sunday.

Breakaway: Rio had considered creating a black players' union

Breakaway: Rio had considered creating a black players' union

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck issued a
public apology to the Ferdinands once Terry had decided not to appeal
against his FA ban and fine for abusing Anton Ferdinand, and Taylor’s
actions convinced them it was time to move on for ‘the betterment of the
game’.

In a statement, the Ferdinands said:
‘It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road (between Terry and
Anton Ferdinand). In that time, some of the deep divisions that exist
in football have been exposed.

Snub: Anton was among several players who did not wear anti-racism t-shirts

Snub: Anton was among several players who did not wear anti-racism t-shirts

'During the coming months there will be
ongoing discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward. We intend to
participate in these discussions with other current and
ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards.’

Last weekend, both Ferdinands joined a
number of black players in refusing to wear T-shirts supporting the
FA-sponsored Kick It Out campaign.

Snub: Rio Ferdinand declined to wear the Kick It Out T-shirt at Old Trafford

Snub: Rio Ferdinand declined to wear the Kick It Out T-shirt at Old Trafford

The statement said: ‘On the issue of
Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work
they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However,
times change and organisations need to change with them.

‘Although we have been left
disappointed by the PFA and the FA’s actions over the last year, as a
family we are committed to working with football’s existing
organisations towards the betterment of the game and to achieve
immediate action.’

Happier times (from left): Rio Ferdinand, Cole and Terry on England duty

Happier times (from left): Rio Ferdinand, Cole and Terry on England duty

Taylor welcomed the statement. ‘We’ll
be very happy to involve them in the process of talks,’ he said.

But
sources said a federation of black players remains a
possibility.

Michel Platini: Euro 2020 would be one-off

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Platini clear over 2020 vision as UEFA chief insists tournament would be a one-off

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UPDATED:

15:43 GMT, 1 October 2012

UEFA president Michel Platini has stated that his idea of playing the Euro 2020 finals in 12 European cities across the continent would be a one-off for that tournament only.

Platini said UEFA were waiting from feedback from the 53 European member associations before making a decision – in the past the European Championships have been in just one or two countries.

The Football Association have already registered their interest in hosting the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium should the new format be brought in.

Making his point: UEFA president Michel Platini

Making his point: UEFA president Michel Platini

Platini told a news conference in St Petersburg: 'It is an idea that will be discussed by all national associations within their relevant meetings.

'It is an idea and that concerns the 60th anniversary of the Euros in 2020, and to carry the game further than just played in one country but extend it to 12 European cities.

'Sometimes it is a bit costly and some countries cannot host the Euros because of the forbidding cost.

'We are waiting for feedback to say whether they like it or not and whether in 2020 we can organise a Euro in several European cities – but only 2020 mind you.'

Looking ahead: The FA want to put Wembley forward as the host stadium for the Euro 2020 Final

Looking ahead: The FA want to put Wembley forward as the host stadium for the Euro 2020 Final

London 2012 Olympics: Philips Idowu vows to be fit

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I'm fine! Idowu vows to be fit for Olympics despite BOA demands amid injury row

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UPDATED:

12:02 GMT, 24 July 2012

Olympics 2012

Phillips Idowu has vowed to go all out for gold after revealing he will be fit to take his place on the triple jump runway at the Olympic Games.

The 33-year-old has been suffering from hip and knee injuries and this week opted out of the Team GB camp in Portugal in favour of staying with his own team of trainers.

But Idowu said: 'I'm fine, I'm ok. Things are being blown out of proportion. The season's goal is still the same – to come away with the Olympic gold medal. That's what I've been looking for since the heartbreak of Beijing.

Exit: Idowu has pulled out of the warm weather camp in Portugal

Exit: Idowu has pulled out of the warm weather camp in Portugal

'Even if the build-up to the Games
hasn't been what I wanted, I'll always come out and jump a season's
best. I'll do everything I can to make sure I'm pain free for the
competition so that I can jump to the best of my abilities. That's the
plan.'

British Olympic officials were angry at Idowu's decision to pull out of the trip abroad and spokesman Darryl Seibel told Sportsmail:
‘We have written to Phillips and his agents asking that he provides the
relevant material relating to his injury and the treatment he is
currently receiving to our chief medical adviser, Dr Ian McCurdie.’

The intervention by the BOA is also set against the ludicrous backdrop whereby he does not communicate with UK Athletics’ head coach Charles van Commenee after a public falling out last year.

No go: Idowu is not joining up with the Team GB camp in Portugal

No go: Idowu is not joining up with the Team GB camp in Portugal

As Sportsmail revealed on July 16, Idowu has moved outside the UKA medical structure and funds his own treatment.

Idowu, who won a silver medal in Beijing four years ago, hasn't performed competitively since June and pulled out of the London Grand Prix at the last minute earlier this month.

He added in the Evening Standard: 'I made the decision to stay in the UK for another week just so I can work with the physio,” he said. “We're trying to get the nerve along the hip and back just to loosen.

Long time no see: Idowu will head into the Olympics lacking practice

Long time no see: Idowu will head into the Olympics lacking practice

'Before Crystal Palace I jarred my hip
slightly doing a weights session so that was a bit irritated but going
into Crystal Palace I was in really good shape.

'I was warming up and running really
well, doing everything really well. Some of the other triple jump guys
in the warm-up area at Crystal Palace were like “it looks like you're
hitting the feeling”. I felt really sprightly.'

Rhythm is a key element of the triple jump and, anyway, Christian Taylor, the American who took his world title last year, is in ominously impressive form.

QPR to unveil plans for new 35,000-seater stadium as club looks to leave Loftus Road

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QPR to unveil plans for new 35,000-seater stadium as club looks to leave Loftus Road

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UPDATED:

12:43 GMT, 7 July 2012

QPR will reveal plans for a new 35,000-seater stadium within weeks.

The Hoops' Loftus Road home is the smallest ground in the top flight with a capacity of just 18,439 and the club have been vocal in their attempts to find a plot of land for a new stadium.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes revealed this week the club are evaluating three potential sites and posted via his Twitter account the club have made a 'great first step' in its attempts for a new stadium.

Moving on: QPR are looking to leave Loftus Road

Moving on: QPR are looking to leave Loftus Road

Moving on: QPR are looking to leave Loftus Road

It is understood that drawings are at an advanced stages and the Rs will make a stadium announcement before the start of the new season.

The plans are likely to be unveiled after QPR return from their pre-season tour in Asia rather than at a press conference on Monday, which many had expected.

The club invited the national and international media to the event in central London, where they plan to make a major announcement they believe could help turn the club into a 'global' brand.

Global brand: Fernandes

Global brand: Fernandes

There had been suggestions QPR would reveal a new stadium, although it is instead understood that Manchester United's Park Ji-sung will be unveiled.

The South Korea international will move to Loftus Road for a fee of 5million once the relevant paperwork has been completed.

Park would certainly help the Hoops achieve their aim of becoming a global 'brand' after his success at United, not only on the field but commercially as well.

The 31-year-old won four Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his time at United and is understood to have been swayed to join QPR by their ambitious plans.

London 2012 Olympics: Aaron Cook suffers setback

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Cook running out of options after taekwondo star suffers double blow

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UPDATED:

16:59 GMT, 23 June 2012

Aaron Cook's bid for a place in Great Britain's Olympic taekwondo team has suffered a double setback.

The British Olympic Association has rejected the latest evidence presented by Cook's representatives that the world No 1 should have been selected for London 2012.

Lutalo Muhammad, the world No 49, was preferred to Cook in the -80kg class following a controversial procedure which required three selection meetings.

Out of options: Aaron Cook looks set to miss out on the Olympics in London

Out of options: Aaron Cook looks set to miss out on the Olympics in London

Cook's camp warned they would take the case to the High Court or the Court of Arbitration for Sport if the BOA did not act on receipt of the pre-action letter.

The High Court now looks like the only option after the BOA declared that CAS was 'not the correct forum' because Cook had not been nominated for selection.

The BOA said in a statement: 'It is the view of the BOA that the Court of Arbitration for Sport is not the correct forum for Aaron Cook's claims to be heard, as the relevant provisions of the Olympic Charter regarding the jurisdiction of CAS and the Olympic Games relate primarily to athletes who have been nominated for selection by their National Governing Bodies.

'It is also the view of the BOA that the letter and evidence from Aaron Cook's attorneys does not provide sufficient new information for the BOA to direct GB Taekwondo to reopen its selection process.

'The BOA review was conducted by in-house and external counsel.'

Cook believes he has been 'cheated' out of his rightful place at the Olympics and that GB Taekwondo are 'bringing the sport into disrepute'.

Following advice from Michael Beloff QC, Cook's lawyers Harbottle and Lewis sent a pre-action letter to the BOA last week outlining their legal case.

That letter included fresh evidence
that Cook's camp believe showed the GB Taekwondo selection process to be
flawed, a claim the BOA have rejected.

Cook's representative Jamie Cunningham said last week: 'Until it's dead we are not giving up.

Best of the best: Cook (left) is ranked No 1 in the world

Best of the best: Cook (left) is ranked No 1 in the world

'It is a disgrace. We should be ashamed in this country that we have a world No 1 that is not going to the Olympics, particularly when UK Sport set a selection criteria about winning gold medals.

'We would prefer not to pursue any legal route. We urge the BOA to reconsider their position and their nomination.

'The BOA, we believe, knows that the British Taekwondo selection process was flawed.

'We will be writing a letter before action to the BOA. We urge the BOA not to make Aaron Cook a victim of a flawed selection process, which they may not have written but they did approve.'

Cook wrote to BOA chairman Lord Moynihan before the third GB Taekwondo selection meeting, expressing 'some worries that were all true' about the process.

That letter was copied to the sports minister Hugh Robertson.

Cook has called on the International Olympic Committee to get involved, and he has demanded UK Sport conduct their own inquiry and expressed his disappointment in the BOA.

'I feel they gave up fighting for me,' said Cook, who described the episode as the toughest experience of his life.

'I am really disappointed with UK Sport. As a UK taxpayer you expect lottery money to be involved in the correct processes.

'The reaction of the WTF has been to investigate British Taekwondo.

Chosen one: Lutalo Muhammad (right)

Chosen one: Lutalo Muhammad (right)

'This suggests UK Sport needs to urgently conduct their own full inquiry into what has happened and why. They just seem to be avoiding the whole issue.

'The sport of taekwondo needs a great Olympics given we have to reapply in 2013 to remain an Olympic sport.

'I am sure the IOC are looking at this whole situation and asking why the world's greatest taekwondo tournament does not include the world No 1.

'I would ask the IOC to consider my situation.'

Cook claimed his non-selection stemmed from his decision to leave the GB Taekwondo training programme 12 months ago to go it alone.

Since deciding to train in a home-made gym in his parents' back garden and assemble his own support team at the cost of 100,000, Cook has won nine of his last 12 tournaments and become the world No 1.

'I always thought it would be impossible for them not to pick me if I won the majority of the tournaments listed in their selection criteria, which I did,' Cook said.

'When I have put the results in I feel like I have been cheated.'

Cunningham called on the BOA and GB Taekwondo to publish the selection criteria, believing that would show their decision to be flawed.

He also urged the WTF to undertake their review into the selection process as quickly as possible.

Lance Armstrong makes public appeal in doping scandal

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Seven time Tour de France winner Armstrong makes public appeal in doping scandal

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UPDATED:

15:15 GMT, 16 June 2012

Lance Armstrong has made a public appeal to the US Anti-Doping Agency to answer his correspondence to them.

The USADA confirmed this week that it had sent Armstrong written notification regarding 'allegations of anti-doping rule violations' during his time with the United States Postal Service (USPS) cycling team.

The now-retired 40-year-old won seven Tour de France titles during that period but could be stripped of them should he be found guilty.

Fighting back: Armstrong has hit out at the USADA

Fighting back: Armstrong has hit out at the USADA

He has always denied the allegations and even released a statement in anticipating of the USADA's announcement.

He went on the offensive again on Saturday morning, challenging the USADA through his Twitter account to provide him with the information he says he needs to respond to their actions.

Speaking to them on the social networking site, the Texan said: 'Dear @usantidoping – we have now sent you THREE letters requesting all the relevant info in order for me to respond to your 'review board'.

'Until now there has been no response, not even an acknowledgement of receipt. The knife cuts both ways – it's time to play by the rules.'

Armstrong survived testicular cancer early in his career and went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005 while competing for the US Postal Service team and the Discovery Channel team.

He retired after the 2005 Tour de France, but returned in 2009, riding for Astana Cycling and RadioShack before retiring for a second time in February 2011, taking up triathlon earlier this year.

USADA could not be contacted and had yet to issue a response to Armstrong's Twitter question.