ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

From the Elvish Premier League we now turn to another high-profile tournament, the inter-division Deathless Champions League, featuring the top teams from the Elvish Premiere Leagu, the Úvanima Serie A, and the Ainu Liga.

The highlight of this game day was, surprisingly, the fact that Taniquetil's home game against Tol Sirion was played in Avallónë Arena, Tol Eressëa, and not in the Valmar Grand Stadium.

It seems that the ban of football matches in the Blessed Realm was not limited only to the Arda Cup.

Our correspondents managed to interview Tol Sirion midfielder Thuringwethil before the match.

'If even Mordor and Angband, supposedly strongholds of evil, manage to be safer places for football fans than the so-called Blessed Realm, then the ban is well and truly deserved,' she said.

The ban had its effects on potential investors. According to an official from the Vanyar financial group Calaquendi, Inc, who spoke under condition of anonymity: 'Even we, the strongest supporters of the Valar, are leery of investing in their teams. Ticket sales remain one of the best sources of revenue for teams, and the lack of that due to the ban will leave our investments at the mercy of the team's performance on the pitch, something that our more prudent board members aren't willing to entertain.'

Calaquendi, Inc, however, has invested in the Tirion team, according to our source.

'Tirion's more likely to advance past the group stage, since they're less prone to match-up mishaps and strategic breakdowns than the Valarin teams. Besides, there's an ongoing petition in the AFA to allow Eldamar Stadium to host games, since there have been no untoward incidents against fans of teams hosted by Tirion.'

The match, meanwhile, ended in a one-all draw, with Tol Sirion co-captain Finrod (through an assist from his co-captain Sauron) and Taniquetil forward Eönwë each scoring in the second half. A second game, this time in the Prime Minas Tirith Arena, will be played next week.

Sauron didn't stay for the post-game interview, but Finrod and Taniquetil captain Manwë stayed behind to answer questions.

'I am coming back to Nargothrond for this year's Arda Cup,' said Finrod simply before the questions could be asked. 'And so is my brother Orodreth.'

However, questions about his reticence to offer Túrin a contract, despite rumours that abounded in the months after the previous Arda Cup that Finduilas would try her best to recruit the champion and multiple Golden Boot-winning forward to the Caves of Narog, were met with a 'No comment.'

Questions were now directed at Manwë, mainly about--yes, you've guessed it--the ban of games from Valinor.

'Eru's will be done on Eä' was all that the media was able to pry from him after multiple variations of the same question.

Questions about whether he would form a team this year, and who would be in it was answered with: 'Yes, Eru has revealed to me that a team will be formed under the Valimar banner. And among those from the Uttermost West shall be those who had been to the uttermost East.' He refused to elaborate further.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

GONDOLIN- There's no doubt that the hidden realm in the Encircling Mountains loves their football, and so it's no surprise that they have moved quickly thus far in the preseason.

Team Gondolin is entirely owned by Hidden Rock Public. Some outsiders are surprised that Turgon doesn't have any private stake in the squad, but Gondolin fanatics were expecting as much. There has been some amount of strife between Turgon and fans when it comes to football matters in recent years, as Aredhel and Maeglin have found more success both in Gondolin and elsewhere, leading the people to place greater trust in their leadership.

Turgon put a brave face on things, and diplomatically stated that he wished his nephew the best, and that his impending signing with Inter Beleriand was entirely by choice, but most suspect that Maeglin didn't think he could have sufficient command with Turgon looking over his shoulder.

Aredhel, meanwhile, has stayed completely out of it, and is rumored to have signed with one of the squads from the Blessed Realm. The same thing is being reported of Turgon's wife, Elenwe, and his daughter, Idril.

Maeglin, meanwhile, wasted no time in helping to pull in a huge signing for Gondolin- Gothmog, lord of Balrogs.

Most expected to hear that Ecthelion had signed as well, as he and Gothmog have seemed inseparable in recent years, but in fact Ecthelion is working on finalizing a contract with AC Beleriand.

Gothmog: "We really enjoy playing together, but things just didn't work out this year. AC Bel didn't think they could afford to bring me on along with Ecthelion- not at a salary I'm worth, anyway. And then Maeglin offered me more than Morgoth was willing to give me, and Ecthelion encouraged me to take it. Maeglin and I worked well together on team Angfauglith last year, so it's not as if I'll be a fish out of water."

Others confirmed to have signed with Gondolin include Rog, Duilin, and Egalmoth.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

ISENGARD- After doing a joint effort with the Misty Mountains last season, Saruman is back in the cozy confines of Isengard, and is well on his way to completing his squad.

Team Isengard is owned by Orthanc Inc., but really it's just Saruman. He allows various underlings to have a teensy slice, but he calls every shot unopposed.

His first signing, which came as an absolute shock to many Misty Mts. fans, was Caradhras. The peak-spirit that kept balls out of Misty's goal last season with blinding snow and gusts of wind was expected to be back with the range. But Saruman, who was prominent in bringing Caradhras onto the pitch in the first place, convinced Big C to allow himself to be transported to Isengard.

And so the pinnacle of Caradhras now sits on the practice field just outside Isengard's rocky ring, waiting to hurl his fury at any that would dare attempt to pass him by.

Saruman also used his hypnotizing voice to win over Quickbeam and Treebeard. "He reminded us of what a fine time we had doing the whole Watch-Wood thing, and how we had once been friends, and I just couldn't find it in me to be upset," said Treebeard.

Saruman has also recruited a few of the usual suspects to bolster his roster, such as Mauhur and Ugluk.

[Nogrod]

Breaking News - Breaking Rumours - Breaking News

The rumours around the Evil House financials have flown wild the last days when it was revealed that Melkor was going to out two teams into the competition – and what more – that he was going to have a marked influence of at least one team in Beleriand. It was a well known fact that Melkor had had an aggressive financial campaign offering his plenty to many teams around, and that there had been, understandably, a general reluctance to “take the bait” by the regional investment groups. But that someone had taken it in and allowed him a foothold at the team was something unheard of.

The truth sometimes is stranger than fiction, but sometimes it’s also less so. Which one is this, the reader must decide him/herself.

According to Carcaroth, The Evil House’s spokeswolf, Morgoth has more cash he can spend and loves football. And as the salary-cap denies him the chance to build a team of his liking he has been willing to venture farther spending some capital to gain experience in sports management just for curiosity’s sake.

The main points one could draw in from that rather peculiar press conference where Carcaroth almost ate a few elven and human journalists (“a bad old habit of mine”, was Carcaroth’s excuse to his behaviour) can be summed into the following points.


* There will be a team of Angband totally owned by the Evil House. The core of the players signed as now are (the salaries in millions in brackets):

Leader of defence: Morgoth (20)
Second Assistant defender: Balrog #1 (15)
Goalkeeper: Carcaroth (12)
Forward: Tevildo (12)

The Evil House is looking forwards to at least one more top-quality player for the team Angband, most specifically to the attack. With high salaries for the top-players the rest of the team will most probably be consisting mainly of orcish and/or human servants/allies to Morgoth as they come cheap enough to fit the cap on salaries but are still able to fill their places for the real players to flourish and succeed.


* The Evil House will have a majority ownership in a team pulled up in rememberance of the Battle of the Sudden Flame. The team will probably go by name of "Anfauglith" or "Dagor Bragollach", and will have the financial support of Morgoth to the following players:

Ungoliant (18) at the goal.
Three Balrogs (13 each) to defend the goal.
(making up some 60% of the main budget for the team)

Also it was revealed that Sauron’s part in that team would be financing Thuringwethil’s salary of (12) as the Striker of the team.

Carcaroth was not confirming or denying the rumours that Hador Lórindol himself and his sons; Galdor (the father of Húrin and Huor) and Gundor would play for the team as well. So it remains to be confirmed.


* The Evil House will have a minority share in one Beleriand team. Not a big stake, but a deal made in “mutual interests” of the different parties involved. Morgoth’s part of the bargain is one Balrog to lead the defence – and “a lot more in value than his say in the team is”, like Carcaroth put it. It seems that in return the early houses of Men have invested their money and talent to the Sudden Flame –team.

Now the insistent rumours have it that the Oath & Blood Alliance would have a considerable part in that team’s finances, not to speak of some High Noldorians that might play in that team as well. To this Carcaroth was not willing to answer but suggested the questions should be pointed to the sons of Fëanor themselves.

The latest rumour has it, that Fingon would be involved as a player and individual investor – and that he would have talked his cousin and great friend Maedhros with him once again (well, Maedhros ows him anyway - and they seem to enjoy playing with each other). And with that alliance also the Oath & Blood Alliance would have gotten involved...

Anyway, if that rumour is true, the forwards of the team look formidable and with one Balrog in defence the team would only need a decent goalie to challenge the other teams in earnest. The wildest scenarios put Turgon on the goal (knowing his awkward situation with the team Gondolin, that doesn't actually sound so implausible). But as was said, that is still more or less speculation.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Most recent Arda Cup champion Doriath was, as you might expect, one of the teams hit hardest by the introduction of the salary cap mechanic. All the impressive talent of that team came with an equally impressive price tag, and Doriath was forced to change up their lineup in order to come in under budget.

They were, of course, able to keep several of their previous roster - Melian and Luthien, in particular, felt that their loyalty to their home realm superseded other, possibly more lucrative contracts offered by other teams. Interestingly enough, however, King Elwe will not be playing for Doriath! This, naturally, caused a veritable storm of requests for interviews and press appearances, as the public clamored to know why their king and captain had decided not to play in the Cup. In response, Elwe elected to hold a short press conference, in which he revealed that while he would not be playing for Doriath, that didn't necessarily mean he wasn't playing at all. He was curiously unwilling to mention exactly what team he'd be playing for, but did refer to his "oldest memories."

Also of interest is the fact that, due to conflicting loyalties, the dynamic duo of Turin and Beleg will, at least for this year, be rather more along the lines of a friendly rivalry. While Turin has left Doriath for parts unknown, Beleg has been observed hanging about Doriath in the company of Mablung and Dior, talking animatedly about their plans for the season, coming up with plays and strategies to use on the field, and generally having a good time.

[Nogrod]

From the Editor (John Bull)

What will happen to those star-filled megateams and overwhelming alliances of skill and renown, has been a centerpiece of discussion in both sports-arenas and pubs around Arda since the salary-cap was introduced. For with it teams like Formenos of 2008 (Fëanor and all his sons + Huan), Armenelos of 2009 (all the stars of Armenelos accompanied by Sauron), Mithrim of 2010 and Doriath of 2011 (Húrin, Túrin, Beleg and Huan with top quality backing – like Celegorm & Curufin and Morwen in 2010, or with the dazzling mix of Eöl, Melian, Beren, Elwë and Carcaroth in 20011) are clearly things of the past. There will be no more “Super-Teams” as last year’s team Doriath fex. would probably cost nearer 180-190 million. So which alliances hold fast, who goes to try new sow new alliances, who gets kicked out?

Whatever the press-releases say, it seems at least Turgon has been shown the door in Gondolin, like Elros in Númenor. Two great kings humiliatingly thrown out to make room for the brighter stars of the teams. Those moves will understandably be explained as their own wish to “seek out fresh challenges” or to “widen their experience with different squads and playing styles”, or maybe even to “make out new alliances”.

And if Shasta’s report is to believed, even such mates as Túrin and Beleg are going their separate ways this year because of, and this is how the AKM sees it, financial pressures. Or how about Elrond not playing for Imladris? He must be one of the MVP’s of the whole tournament… so maybe that is the reason, as anyone hiring him will have to settle with lesser quality players overall because of the price-tag Elrond comes with? A look at the mostly inexistent prospects of Angband team to hire any “over the average” players to fill the positions left over by the stars of the team are a case in point.

But even in this situation all alliances do not break – and some are even newly found. With some inside knowledge into the makings of the Blood & Oath Alliance investment group the AKM is proud to reveal a few very interesting team news.

Through the Blood & Oath Alliance the sons of Fëanor have decided to invest considerable amounts of money (and prestige) to four teams still in the making: two in Beleriand and two in Valinor. The forming of the teams in Beleriand are still in their first stages, but the AKM can make a preliminary report on the how things are working out with the Valinor-based teams.



The AKM special report on teams from Valinor

It seems nobody has the faintest on Manwë’s intentions, whether he is going to play this year or not (could there be any reason for his secretiveness in the fact that the West was banned from playing in their homeground this year?). But it seems clear Aulë and Yavanna are bringing forth a mighty team while Tulkas and Nessa are building another no less impressive one. Although there are rumours a team Valimar would also be in the making mainly financed by the Manwë and Varda led investment group Ainulindalë Enterpises ltd.


The name the AKM heard for Aulë’s and Yavanna’s team is FC Valinor, and if the rumours are true, it would be ready to spend almost 115 million to form a mighty team. At least it looks by far the highest budget any team would have that the AKM is aware of.

But the names then… Curufin (14), Celegorm (13) and Huan (18) would play together for FC Valinor! One of the hottest duos of last year’s tournament would be rejoined by their close mate and probably the most succesful player in the whole of Arda Cup’s history. Compared to Huan’s achivements in Arda Cup even Fëanor and Turin must humble themselves. Looking at Huan’s track record just makes one gasp with awe: he has tended the goal of 2008 champions, 2009 silver-medalists, 2010 bronze-medalists and led his team to championship the second time on 2011.

And that’s not all there is to FC Valinor. It is easy to figure both Aule and Yavanna will be playing, even if it seems that they would have to settle with a bit more modest wages to fit all the great players in the team, even with the total budget as high as it is. But the word is that Curufin and Celegorm have talked their older brother Maglor to join as well for 12 million. Also the silver-footed Idril has been tied closely to the team in the rumours going around, as well as Lórien himself… which might mean also his brother Mandos could be involved.

Whichever of the rumours come true, the AKM sees FC Valinor as one of the strongest teams yet to have come to the fore with even a partial squad.


But the team being raised by Tulkas and Nessa seems no less formidable. The forward trio of the team Real Valinor (pronounced "Reäl", meaning more or less: "royal") - which is the name circulating around right now – looks more or less one of the deadliest anyone could come up with. It was officially revealed yesterday, that the former team Valinor striking-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien would play for Real Valinor this year, for 14 million each.

Tilion who broke through into the minds of the footballing community in 2009 with team Valimar and as an unlikely Utumno-forward in 2010 scoring 21 phantasy points both years had a bit disappointing year on 2011 scoring only 15 pts. with team Angband. But it looks like he’s willing to turn his fortunes back this year in where he belongs to, in Valinor, with a “cheapish” price-tag of 12 million on him. The buzz about him has been lively though as it was announced that he would play in the defence this year even if everyone knows him the best as the top-scorer. The AKM’s quess is that he will be taking the role of a “libero”, the defender with a free role to go as he pleases being in the top of the attack or back down aiding the goalie – or anywhere between.

Some reports have it that Caranthir the Dark would be playing for Real Valinor, some that Nienna would – and that with her Gandalf might return to the West to play. But whoever there will be in the final team, one must not forget Tulkas himself, or Nessa, whom both it is quite safe to assume will play for the team.


So not only FC Valinor, but also Real Valinor look like formidable teams this year (having top-budgets as well) it would be stupid to not count in when making the predictions on the top teams this year.