By: Tim Stannard 

1) FIFA prepares for brand new controversies under a brand new president 

Sports Burst is already missing cheery FIFA chappy, Sepp Blatter, and whooped and squealed like Leo Messi coming across the Micky Mouse Club on TV when it heard that his ban from all football activity had been reduced to a mere six years on appeal. After all, his constant denials of any knowledge of any kind of corruption, blaming of his downfall on an American conspiracy and amusing Cristiano Ronaldo impressions now look harmless and almost endearing considering Friday is likely to see the appointment of Sheikh Salman as new FIFA president.

The big man of Bahrain ticks all the boxes in terms of accusations of mischievious FIFA behaviour in the past, but also has human rights groups suggesting the member of his country's ruling family was involved in the jailing and torture of Bahraini athletes during the Arab Spring of 2011. Basically, he may make Sepp look like Mary Poppins in comparison. Despite this rather unfortunate alleged and denied past, Sheikh Salman is the current front-runner to win Friday's presidential poll, with Gianni Infantino in second place, a man most known for a cheeky smile and prowess at supervising balls being plucked out of pots at Champions League draws.  Tune in to the XTRA on beIN SPORTS tonight at 10PM ET for the latest news from Zurich and special bulletins throughout Friday morning and afternoon as a dramatic day in Zurich unfolds. 

2) 'Horny' United players in desperate desire to beat-off Danes

The Champions League does not return for another two weeks, three for some matches, so it's time to sweat, rock backwards and forwards next to a bucket for a final fix of European action with today's Europa League games. There are 15 of 'em today, after Sporting Braga went through against Sion yesterday. Man Utd will be hoping getting "horny" - as Louis Van Gaal put it - works to overcome Midtjylland with the Danes leading 2-1 from the first leg.

The good people of Canada are being treated to a couple of gems with Liverpool looking to move through against Augsburg - currently goalless in the tie - at 1PM ET and then Tottenham featuring in a tantalizing tie against Fiorentina at White Hart Lane with the game nicely balanced at 1-1. That clash follows at 3PM ET on beIN SPORTS. Catch the highlights and best action tonight, on the XTRA from 10PM ET. 

Although Harry Kane is set to be missing from Thursday's clash against Fiorentina, the Spurs striker will be primed and back in action for Sunday's Capital One Cup final against Manchester City, which is exclusively on beIN SPORTS on Sunday from 11AM ET. For more on that game and the other big events in a huge weekend of sport that includes the Madrid derby, the Derby d'Italia and the return of the Superbikes, here is a primer on all you need to know.

3) Iker reveals reason for Mourinho breakdown whilst Ronaldo admits Madrid derby is rather important

Iker Casillas has revealed more over a not-so-secret secret, that himself and Jose Mourinho did not really get on. And it was all over the Portuguese insistence on yelling 'Downtown Abbey' spoilers during games to mess with the then Madrid captain's head. Not really. It all apparently stemmed from an attempt from Iker to reach out to Xavi Hernandez and Carles Puyol to ease tensions when the rivalry between the two Clasico clubs was getting quite nasty and in danger of damaging the Spanish national side. 'No bueno' thought the very Portugeuse Mourinho with some skin in the game, there.

Meanwhile, another Portuguese legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, has spoken ahead of Saturday's Madrid derby. The forward admits that the title is a bit of a long shot with a nine point gap over Barcelona, which makes a win over Atletico Madrid all the more important. Turn onto beIN SPORTS on Saturday at 9.30 AM PM, pour yourself a vermosa or two and settle in for a truly epic encounter, even if Atletico build a huge wall in front of their goal. And make Madrid fans pay for it. 

4) Arturo Vidal in hot water over late night hotel exit as Banega moves Ever closer to Inter

Oh dear. There may be more trouble brewing for Arturo Vidal, who has a history of scrapes and shennanigans over his fondness of enjoying 'night-time strolls'. Reports out of Italy suggest that the Chilean left the Juve team hotel, after the 2-2 clash with Bayern on Tuesday night at nearly 2.30 in the morning. Turin is, of course, a city that is more than familiar to Vidal having being stationed at Juve. 

Meanwhile, Ever Banega has reportedly undergone a medical and penned a deal with Inter Milan, ahead of his move to Serie A over the summer. Make sure you catch the Argentinean's new team in action on Sunday for the Derby d'Italia. Coverage starts on beIN SPORTS at 1.30PM ET. 

5) Superbikes get into gear Down Under for Friday night launch

beIN SPORTS, the home of the Moto GP let's not forget is starting off its coverage of the SBK Superbikes season on Friday night, with the first of two races at the Phillip Island track in Australia. The man everyone will be watching is Jonathan Rea, the defending champions who knows the heat is on in the contest to come. Catch our preview show and then all the action on Friday from 10.30PM ET.