■ FIFA
Blatter gives Peru ultimatum
FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Friday gave Peru an ultimatum to solve a dispute between the government and the Peruvian Football Federation or face suspension from all international competition. Blatter said FIFA must receive by tomorrow a document in which both sides “agree to settle the problem in a 10-day period.” The original deadline was Friday but was extended to tomorrow because Friday was a holiday in Peru. “Unless we receive that document by Monday, the Peruvian federation will be immediately suspended,” Blatter told a news conference. The suspension would include the ongoing South American qualifying series for the 2010 World Cup and regional club competitions the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. Even Peruvian referees would be prohibited from officiating in international competitions, Blatter said.
■ ENGLAND
Kinnear invites Shearer
Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has invited St James’ Park legend Alan Shearer to learn the coaching ropes alongside him at the struggling Premier League club. Interim boss Kinnear told the BBC: “I have the utmost respect for Shearer. The door is always open and if he is listening to this interview, he is more than welcome to learn his trade here. I would be delighted if he wanted to come here two days a week and see for himself what football is all about. From Alan’s point of view, he will be looking more for the future than right now because right now is a difficult time to come in also in terms of injuries. Maybe he is biding his time.” Kinnear has made no secret of the fact he would like the job on a permanent basis, and still does not know how long he will remain at the club on his current month-by-month deal. However, he knows exactly where Shearer and Keegan stand in the affection’s of the club’s supporters. He said: “I have just got on with things. They are two idols that everybody loves up here, so I’m never going to be as popular as those two, and I’m not trying to be. I am aware of the situation and can handle it.”
■ ENGLAND
Donovan to join Bayern
Landon Donovan will join Bayern Munich in a loan deal similar to the one David Beckham has agreed with AC Milan, according to Bayern’s manager Uli Hoeness, but no other players will come or go from the club during the winter transfer period. “He [Donovan] will in any case now play for us until March 15,” Hoeness said in an interview posted on Friday on the Web site of the Sueddeutsche newspaper. The LA Galaxy forward has just concluded a 10-day practice stint with Bayern, ostensibly to keep fit.
■ SPAIN
Tevez to join Real: report
Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez will be a Real Madrid player next season, the Marca sports daily reported on Friday. “Tevez said ‘yes’ to Madrid ... for next season,” claimed the newspaper which added that a deal between Real and the Argentine international has already been signed. Real are desperate for reinforcements having seen striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy ruled out for at least six months with a right knee injury.
■ GERMANY
Dortmund down Karlsruhe
Borussia Dortmund beat Karlsruhe 1-0 to move into provisional fourth place in the Bundesliga on Friday. Mohamed Zidan scored in the 20th minute from a cross from Tamas Hajnal, a former Karlsruhe player, to seal Dortmund’s victory. Karlsruhe lost for the seventh time in eight games.
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