■SOCCER
Ex-international convicted
A Stockholm court on Tuesday convicted retired Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman of doping after police tests revealed traces of anabolic steroids in his blood. The Solna district court sentenced Hedman, who played for British clubs Chelsea, Coventry and Celtic, to a fine of 5,400 Swedish kronor (US$757). Anabolic steroid-use for non-medical purposes is illegal in Sweden. Hedman was tested for drug use by police in May after they found suspected illegal substances in his car. However no charges related to drug possession were filed. The 36-year-old has denied deliberately taking steroids. In an interview with Swedish tabloid Expressen he suggested the drug might have been included in a nutritional supplement he believed was vitamins. “I find it very difficult to assess when I made my mistake. I was unaware of it myself,’’ he was quoted as saying. Hedman played 58 games for Sweden and represented his country in the 1994 and 2002 World Cups.
■CRICKET
Twenty20 game washed out
The second Twenty20 international between England and Australia in Manchester was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Tuesday because of a wet outfield. The first match of the series, also at Old Trafford, was abandoned just past the halfway mark because of heavy rain on Saturday. A large crowd waited patiently inside the ground but both captains agreed with the decision. “We wanted to get out there and play but you have to be realistic. There’s an area of concern in the run-ups and it’s unfit for international cricket,” England skipper Paul Collingwood said. Australia’s Michael Clarke said he felt sorry for the fans. “It’s very difficult because there’s such a good crowd in and both teams wanted to play, but even for me, 75 kilos, walking on it, it doesn’t feel safe, so I can’t imagine, Brett Lee running in, it’s going to be safe for him. Every game we play we want to satisfy the audience but safety has to come first.”
■SOCCER
Brazil still top FIFA rankings
Brazil stayed top of the FIFA world rankings as the top three remained unchanged last month while Mexico continued their climb up the table as they enjoy a revival under coach Javier Aguirre. Brazil, who beat Estonia 1-0 in a friendly last month to extend their unbeaten run to 17 matches and notch their ninth successive win, are followed by Spain in second place and Netherlands in third. Mexico moved up six places to 24th after beating the US 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, their second win over their neighbors in as many months. The US are 11th and remain the CONCACAF region’s highest-ranked team. Australia, the best-placed team from the Asian confederation, climbed two places to 14th, their highest-ever position. Ivory Coast, Africa’s top team, dropped two places to 20th.
■SOCCER
Fluminense name fifth coach
Crisis-ridden Fluminense have named Alexis “Cuca” Stival as the Brazilian club’s fifth coach this year in a bid to avoid relegation. Cuca, who also coached the Rio-based outfit last year, took over after the sacking of Renato Gaucho, who was only in charge for 40 days after taking over from Carlos Alberto Parreira. Cuca himself was sacked as Flamengo coach in July and will now bid to lead. Fluminese away from the bottom of the Brazilian league, which they prop up with 16 points after 22 games.
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