■ Soccer
Petit under investigation
The former head of Nike France, Jean-Claude Petit, has been placed under formal investigation by Paris magistrates investigating possible tax fraud at soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, a judicial official said Friday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because French law bars the disclosure of information from ongoing investigations, said Petit was facing charges of forgery and the use of forgeries, as well as using bonuses to players to avoid certain government-levied fees. His placement under investigation Thursday is one step short of a formal indictment. Nike France, PSG's official sponsor since 1989, has been accused of having made bogus royalty payments to players, enabling the club to dodge social charges on part of its wage bill between 1998 and 2003.
■ Soccer
Hooliganism declines
British police increased banning orders for disruptive fans by 21 percent last season and saw an 11 percent decrease in arrests. The statistics published by the Home Office yesterday show that arrests for soccer-related offenses fell from 4,067 to 3,628 over the 2004-2005 season, building on a 10 percent decline for the season before. The research showed more than 29 million people watched soccer last season, with an arrest rate of one per 10,732 spectators. Police have now banned 3,153 people from attending domestic and international football matches. Banning orders are given to people who cause or contribute to violence or disorder at soccer matches. "These statistics show that banning orders work and they also have a deterrent effect on others," said David Swift, a deputy chief constable with Staffordshire Police who is the police spokesman on soccer issues. Home Office minister Paul Goggins launched a new Britain-wide Football Policing Unit yesterday.
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