Julia Beffon: The actions of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos towards the end of Real Madrid's European Champions League game against Ajax on Tuesday has attracted the attention of Uefa - and fantasy football managers all over the world.
For those who haven't followed the story, Alonso and Ramos got themselves sent off, it appears, so that they could sit out the meaningless final group game against Auxerre and go into the knockout phase with clear disciplinary slates.
Real manager Jose Mourinho was seen giving instructions to Alonso just before the midfielder committed a second yellow-card foul, while Ramos politely shook the ref's hand after being sent for an early shower.
Uefa's have charged Mourinho and four of his players with unsportsmanlike conduct, so there might be ramifications for Real and fantasy managers.
In the US, fantasy games have a huge following and an entire industry is developing around providing information for fantasy fans. You can buy packages to improve your drafting skills and join leagues that deliver cash as well as kudos at the end of the season.
In South Africa, interest is in its infancy and most league entries are free (and the rewards in bragging rights only), but companies are beginning to realise there are marketing opportunities in fantasy games. For example, MTN is providing prizes, cellphones and PlayStations for an English Premier League fantasy game that started last week.
But there is local interest, proved by the 3500 South African managers playing the Uefa Champions League fantasy game this season.
Considering the infinite possibilities for corruption in most sports, I wonder when we'll see the first football player being bribed to do something to affect someone's fantasy league score.
- Neither Ramos nor Alonso is in my Champions League fantasy squad, in case you were wondering.
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