CHILE
Ex-convict stays to play
Russian Maksim Molokoedov, who was convicted of drug trafficking, will stay in the country to play second-division soccer after finishing his three-year prison term on Friday. The 25-year-old Molokoedov will play for Santiago Morning, where he has trained since last season under a special permit. Minister of Justice Juan Ignacio Pina on Friday said that Molokoedov’s expulsion order from the country had been revoked, clearing him to play for Santiago. Molokoedov, who played for Pskov-747 in the Russian second division, was jailed after being caught by border guards carrying 6kg of cocaine. “I’m very happy. I want to thank everyone who helped me to keep going and have the chance to succeed here in Chile,” Molokoedov said. Frank Lobos, a former midfielder with first-division team Colo Colo, discovered Molokoedov while training the prison soccer team.
BUNDESLIGA
Freiburg draw with Frankurt
Eintracht Frankfurt drew 0-0 with SC Freiburg on Friday to hold off the home side’s challenge for the Bundesliga’s last Champions League place. “The draw was fair,” Frankfurt manager Armin Veh said. “We didn’t allow anything in the first half, Freiburg were better in the second.” Frankfurt’s Stefan Aigner — who had a goal ruled out for being offside early on — could only hit the side netting after racing toward goal in the 17th minute. Freiburg improved after the break and almost scored from a corner in the 64th, when Stefano Celozzi cleared Jan Rosenthal’s header off the line. One minute later, he did it again, this time from Mattias Ginter. Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp denied Max Kruse in the 76th, Johannes Flum headed over with five minutes remaining and then drew another save from Trapp. Frankfurt remained fourth while Freiburg stayed three points behind ahead of the rest of the weekend’s games.
LIGUE 1
Nice defeat Reims 2-0
OGC Nice won for the third time in the past four league games as they beat struggling Stade de Reims 2-0 on Friday to consolidate fourth place in the French league and move provisionally one point behind Olympique de Marseille. Midfielder Valentin Eysseric put Nice ahead in the 11th minute from the penalty spot and Argentine center-half Renato Civelli scored in the 85th after Reims left-back Aissa Mandi was sent off midway through the second half. Nice have lost only once in all competitions this year and are pressuring Marseille ahead of their trip to play bitter rivals Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. Second-placed Olympique Lyonnais, which are three points behind PSG and two ahead of Marseille, host Lorient today. Reims are just one point and one place above the relegation zone.
BUNDESLIGA
Hannover signing ill with TB
Hannover 96 new signing Franca is suffering from tuberculosis (TB) and will be out of action for several months, but his career is not in danger, the club said on Friday. The Brazilian midfielder joined Hannover last month and is likely to have already been infected with the virus when he traveled from his homeland, Hannover said. “We are very sorry for Franca, but the most important thing is that he recovers and returns healthy,” sports director Joerg Schmadtke said in a statement. “After treatment he will continue his career as a footballer according to the doctors. That is important and good news for him and us.” Club officials said it was “unlikely” for other players to have the virus, but there will be blood tests in the coming weeks.
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