■ Mexico
Take this job and ...
A city councilor in the city of Torreon resigned after being given an ultimatum over the World Cup by the city mayor, according to local press reports. Director of Public Services of Torreon, Alejandro Diez Bracho, has held his position since January and only had a week's holiday available to him. "He decided to go for more time. We said he could only go for one week and if he wanted to go for longer he would have to resign," Torreon Mayor Jose Angel Perez said. "I am also a football fan but I wouldn't abandon the citizens because of it," he added.
■ South Africa
Mbeki hot under the collar
South African President Thabo Mbeki accused his country on Friday of "trivializing sport," which in turn had led to the national soccer team's recent dismal performances. South Africa, who host the 2010 World Cup, failed to qualify for this year's tournament and were then humiliated in the African Nations Cup in Egypt. "We should, at last, stop trivializing sport, very wrongly treating it as frivolous and unimportant," Mbeki said in a weekly newsletter posted on the Web site of the African National Congress party.
■ RUSSIA
Too much vodka?
Russia may not have qualified this year but 6 percent of Russians are confident nonetheless that their country will emerge victorious at this year's World Cup, according to a recent poll. Asked which country they expected to win, 10 percent of those surveyed put Brazil at the top of the list, followed by 6 percent who said Russia would win the tournament. Four percent backed Germany, while England and Spain each got 1 percent, according to the nationwide survey of 1,600 adult Russians conducted from May 19 to 22 by the respected Levada Center.
■ BRAZIL
President soothes Ronaldo
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sought on Friday to heal any bad feelings over his query about the weight of the country's star striker, Ronaldo. Lula sent a letter by fax to Ronaldo in Germany, "reaffirming his affection for the player," and saying he is "cheering for him," a source in Lula's office said. The spat began on Thursday when Lula indelicately inquired of Brazil's coach Carlos Pereira via videoconference about Ronaldo's weight. Ronaldo said earlier on Friday: "Just as he says I'm fat, everybody knows he drinks too much.
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