■ Local
Asian refs fall by wayside
Asian referees could be excluded from the next World Cup if FIFA proceeds with its decision to choose only teams of referees who have previously worked together in their native countries, Asia's soccer governing body warned yesterday. The Asian Football Confederation said it opposed the decision, because no Asian country can assemble a full team of World Cup-caliber referees. ``We can't find all the quality referees and assistant referees from the same country, but it is possible to find them from the same region,'' AFC Referees Committee Chairman Farouk Bouzo said in a statement released in Kuala Lumpur. FIFA made the decision in October in response to widespread criticism of the quality of officiating at the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
■ Soccer
Rooney signs up for Toffees
Teenage striking sensation Wayne Rooney finally ended months of speculation on Friday when he put pen to paper on his first professional contract with English Premiership side Everton. Negotiations have been ongoing to secure the player's signature ever since he turned 17 in October but the talks hit a rough patch when the local youngster changed his agent. News of the deal, which covers the rest of this season plus three further years, was announced at the club's Goodison Park ground where the player was joined by manager David Moyes and deputy chairman Bill Kenwright. "It was always going to be Everton," said Rooney who until Friday had been banned by his club from talking to the media.
■ Local
Hoogenband makes a splash
Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands easily won the 100m freestyle in a World Cup shortcourse meet in Paris, while Australian rival Ian Thorpe finished fifth. The Dutchman clocked a time of 47.41 seconds, followed by Jason Lezak of the US in second and Argentina's Jose in third. "It was difficult," van den Hoogenband said, adding that the competition was tough. "I got off to a really good start. Usually that's my weak point, but I'm getting better." Thorpe, world champion in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle, lagged from the start and finished in 48.31 seconds. "I did the best that I could," Thorpe said, acknowledging that he wasn't in his best form. "I have to train more, swim more." Thorpe decided to compete over the sprint distance in order to help his training for the World Championships later this year in Barcelona.Agencies
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely