■ SOCCER
Reo-Coker set to move
West Ham United captain Nigel Reo-Coker is to sign for Aston Villa, his agent Tony Finnigan said on Wednesday. The news comes the same day that the Hammers paid out ?7 million (US$13.9 million) to capture Newcastle's combative midfielder Scott Parker, seen as a natural replacement for Reo-Coker. "He will sign for Villa once their offer has been accepted," Finnigan told Sky Sports. Villa, managed by former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, are also interested in Scottish player of the year, Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura, of Celtic.
■ SOCCER
Kingston moves to Hearts
Controversial Ghanaian midfielder Laryea Kingston has made his loan move from Russia's Terek Grozny to Hearts permanent, his agent Alexander Fedoseev said on Wednesday. He originally joined the Edinburgh club in the January transfer window and was once suspended for three matches after accusing a referee who sent him off of being a racist. He has signed a deal until 2010.
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Olympic draw spots booked
Australia, Vietnam, Qatar and Uzbekistan have booked their places in the final crucial qualifying round for the soccer competition at the Beijing Olympics, with 12 teams set for next week's draw. Joining them are Japan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Iraq, South Korea, Syria and Bahrain. The teams will be split into three groups of four at the draw on Wednesday, with only the group toppers representing Asia in Beijing. China qualify automatically as hosts.
■ RUGBY UNION
Two Fijians denied visas
The assistant manager and a key player in Fiji's national rugby team have been barred from Australia ahead of tomorrow's test against the Wallabies because of links to the Fijian military, which took power in a coup last year. Manager Semi Rogoyawa and prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua, who serve in the Fijian navy, have been denied visas under travel sanctions imposed by Australia against members of the Fijian armed forces and their families. "That is in accordance with Australia's travel restrictions on the Fiji military and other supporters of the coup," a spokesman for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said. "Military personnel who are members of Fiji teams are covered by our policy on visas."
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Nations seek Pele's support
Andean countries appealed on Wednesday to Brazilian soccer legend Pele to support their efforts to overturn a FIFA ban on international matches played above 2,500m. Bolivian President Evo Morales -- whose presidential palace in La Paz is 3,600m above sea level -- called on Pele not to support those who he said were discriminating against high-altitude countries. "I am your admirer and I want to ask you to defend your brothers," Morales said. Pele has expressed support for the ban, recalling how he and his Brazilian teammates suffered when playing high altitude matches and questioning why soccer authorities did not issue the ban earlier. Bolivia, along with Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, agreed on Wednesday to work together against the ban, issuing a declaration saying the new FIFA policy "violates the sovereignty of our nations."
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