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■ Cycling
Team denied license
South Africa's Team Barloworld has been refused a license to take part in the next UCI ProTour. Cycling's governing body made the announcement on Friday without providing a reason for the decision, citing the independence of its licensing commission. The licensing commission meanwhile granted new licenses or extensions until 2010 to Caisse d'Epargne, T-Mobile, Unibet, Saunier Duval-Prodir and Gerolsteiner. Team Milram's license to take part in the ProTour was also renewed until 2009.

■ Soccer
Al Ahly clinches third place
Mohamed Aboutrika scored a pair of goals yesterday as Egypt's Al Ahly defeated Mexican side Club America 2-1 to clinch third place in the Club World Cup. Aboutrika scored the winner in the 79th minute after completing a superb give-and-go with Flavio, rifling a low shot past America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. It was an impressive performance for the African champions, who finished in last place at last year's tournament. European powerhouse Barcelona was due to face Brazil's Internacional in the final later yesterday.

■ Soccer
FIFA to lift ban on Iran
The head of soccer's world governing body said yesterday a competition ban on Iran will be lifted which will allow the country to participate in international events. "We reached an agreement with the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran," FIFA President Sepp Blatter said yesterday. "We will announce tomorrow that Iran can participate in the draw for the Asian Cup which will take place on Tuesday." Iran was suspended from international competition last month after FIFA accused it of government interference in the national soccer federation. The suspension was temporarily lifted by FIFA last month, allowing the team to defend its Asian Games title pending changes at the national federation.

■ Cricket
Bangladesh hammers Scots
Bangladesh beat Scotland by 146 runs yesterday to win the second limited-overs international match, and clinch the series 2-0. Aftab Ahmed and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza smashed half-centuries as Bangladesh reached 278 for the loss of six wickets in their 50 overs. Ahmed (52) hit 50 off 42 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, after Bangladesh lost their first two wickets for 90. After a middleorder collapse, Mortaza hit a quickfire 50 to stage a recovery. He then took two wickets as Scotland tumbled to 132 all out in 41.3 overs. Abdur Razzak claimed 4-23 from his ten over spell.

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