■SOCCER
FIFA send Serbia warning
FIFA has warned Serbia they could have points deducted in their World Cup qualifying campaign if their fans keep causing trouble, the Serbian FA said on its Web site on Thursday. It said Serbia had been fined for fan misbehavior during the team’s qualifiers in Austria and Romania, as well as last month’s home game against France. “We have received a very worrying note from the FIFA disciplinary committee saying that we could have points deducted if our fans keep repeating these forbidden acts,” the Serbian FA said. Serbian fans lit dozens of flares and threw them on the pitch in matches with Austria and Romania, having also clashed with security in the latter game. They also lit flares and set off firecrackers during the game with France. The Serbian FA and players have appealed to fans to behave during today’s Group 7 home qualifier with Romania.
■OLYMPICS
Rogge re-elected president
He has presided over four Olympics, led a determined fight against doping and steadied the ship after the worst ethics crisis in the movement’s history. After an eight-year term in office, Jacques Rogge is about to embark on a second — and final — four-year mandate as president of the International Olympic Committee. He goes forward with the Olympic brand in remarkably sound shape despite the economic downturn and other challenges. The 67-year-old Belgian and former orthopedic surgeon is up for re-election on the final day of the IOC session in Copenhagen. The election is a formality as Rogge is the only candidate.
■OLYMPICS
Madrid reveals price tag
Madrid’s candidature for the 2016 Olympics cost 37.8 million euros (US$55.6 million), said the city’s mayor, who confirmed that any decision on whether to launch a third successive bid would be taken in 2011. Madrid was beaten by Rio de Janeiro last week in the final round of voting by the International Olympic Committee to decide the hosts of the 2016 Games. Four years ago, it lost to London for the 2012 Olympics. Of the 37.8 million euros invested, 16.8 million euros came from the city budget and the rest from private businessman, Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon told a news conference on Thursday.
■HORSE RACING
Mine That Bird stars on Web
Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird will be available for fans to see around the clock via security Web cam installed above his stall at Santa Anita. Track officials said on Wednesday that trainer Chip Woolley Jr agreed to have his star horse appear on video while eating, sleeping and standing around his stall. Mine That Bird is set to run in today’s Goodwood Stakes in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 7 at Santa Anita. Fans can view live video streaming of Mine That Bird at www.oaktreeracing.com.
■GOLF
Jordan breaks smoking ban
Michael Jordan, pal of Tiger Woods and an honorary assistant to the US Presidents Cup team for this week’s match play clash against the Internationals, has already provided a spark — an unwelcome one. The San Francisco Chronicle published a photograph of Jordan puffing a cigar during a practice round at Harding Park golf course — a violation of San Francisco’s smoking ban on public courses. Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg told the newspaper that he had asked US PGA Tour officials to remind Jordan of the no-smoking rule.
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