■ Soccer
Zidane penalty `measured'
The president of France's soccer federation was satisfied with the punishment given to Zinedine Zidane on Thursday for his head-butt in the World Cup final. Zidane was banned by FIFA for three games on Thursday for attacking Italy defender Marco Materazzi. He was also fined 7,500 Swiss francs (US$6,000). "It was intelligent, measured and reasonable. It shows knowledge of the world of football," Jean-Pierre Escalettes told a news conference. Now retired, the former France captain will serve his punishment by doing community work. "His way of paying this penalty is perhaps the best that we could imagine," Escalettes said. The governing body also suspended Materazzi for two matches and fined him 5,000 francs after a disciplinary committee heard Zidane's account of the provocation that led to the incident. "It's a verdict that satisfies me. The provoker of the incident has been punished," Escalettes said.
■ Soccer
Parreira eyes South Africa
Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira could be handed the job of leading South Africa at the 2010 World Cup finals, a Brazilian newspaper reported on Thursday. "The business with South Africa is serious, very serious," he told the O Estado newspaper, adding that he could take up the reins at the start of next year. Parreira resigned as Brazil coach on Wednesday following the team's disappointing quarter-finals exit at the hands of France at the World Cup in Germany.
■ Golf
Tschudin makes hole-in-one
Australia's Andrew Tschudin made a hole-in-one on the 326m, par-four 15th hole en route to a 9-under 63 and the first-round lead on Thursday in the Hooters Tour's Thunder Bayou Classic. Tschudin also had an eagle on the par-five fifth hole and added four birdies in his bogey-free round on the Thunder Bayou course. Sal Spallone of the US was a stroke back after a 64.
■ Soccer
Jokes used as punishment
Sleeping in has become a laughing matter at German first division side Wolfsburg since narrowly escaping relegation last season, says the team's coach. Players who arrive late at training are obliged to entertain their colleagues by cracking jokes and singing to make up for the time they have been kept waiting, popular daily Bild reported on Thursday. "It hurts them more than a 10 euro (US$12.60) fine. Some hardly ever sleep in," said coach Klaus Augenthaler. The Lower Saxony club finished 15th in the Bundesliga last season.
■ Soccer
Wolves appoint McCarthy
Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday appointed Mick McCarthy as manager. The 47-year-old signed a 12-month rolling contract, the terms of which were not released. He takes over at the League Championship club from Glenn Hoddle, who resigned on July 1. "I'm delighted to be joining Wolves. There's a big job to do at Molineux and I'm relishing the challenge. It's going to be a busy but exciting time," McCarthy said. He was fired by Sunderland in March and the club went on to be relegated in last place in the Premier League with a record-low 15 points.
He joined Sunderland in 2003 after leaving the manager's post with Ireland and guided Sunderland to promotion as the League Championship winner last year.
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