FRANCE
Ribery, Benzema acquitted
Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema were on Thursday acquitted of charges of having sex with an under-age prostitute that have been hanging over the two France stars for four years. The decision by a Paris court ends legal proceedings that had threatened to end in prison terms that could have prevented one or both of them from playing in this year’s World Cup in Brazil. Ribery’s brother-in-law was also cleared of the charges against him in what had become known as the “Zahia affair” after the former prostitute involved, Zahia Dehar. However, the judge convicted five other men linked to Ribery and Benzema of pimping, handing down prison sentences to four of them.
ITALY
Taarabt signs for AC Milan
AC Milan have signed Morocco midfielder Adel Taarabt on loan from English second-tier club Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season, British media reported. “I’m very happy to be here and it’s an honor to play for the strongest team in Italy,” the 24-year-old told the Milan TV Channel after leaving Premier League side Fulham, where he had also been on loan. “I already spoke to [AC Milan manager Clarence] Seedorf and he told me what he expects of me. I can’t wait to start playing.” Milan are having a poor season by their standards and are currently languishing in ninth place and a massive 28 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus.
ITALY
Lazio take Postiga on loan
SS Lazio on Thursday announced the loan signing of former Tottenham Hotspur flop Helder Postiga from Spanish side Valencia. The 31-year-old Portuguese striker joins the Serie A side until the end of the season with an option to buy. “Lazio have reached agreement with the Spanish club Valencia for the temporary transfer, with an option to buy, of Helder Postiga,” a statement on Lazio’s Web site said. Postiga began his career at Porto before joining Spurs, where he spent an ill-fated 2003-2004 season. He returned to Porto in 2004, but was loaned to AS Saint-Etienne in 2006, then to Panathinaikos in 2008, before his shock signing for Portugal’s Sporting in 2008. He signed for Real Zaragoza in 2011, spending a promising season with the La Liga outfit, before joining Valencia at the start of this season.
ITALY
Juventus eyeing Osvaldo
Southampton striker Dani Osvaldo is on the verge of signing for Serie A champions Juventus, according to reports on Thursday. Sky Sport Italia reported that Osvaldo would arrive in Turin on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy. The report added the deal includes clauses relating to appearances and goals that would benefit the Premier League side. Osvaldo’s return to Serie A would come as little surprise given his turbulent season in England. Southampton, who signed Osvaldo from AS Roma on a four-year deal in the summer, recently suspended him for two weeks after a reported training ground clash with teammate Jose Fonte.
GERMANY
Leverkusen sign Guardado
Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Thursday signed Mexico left winger Andres Guardado on loan until the end of the season from Spanish club Valencia. The 27-year-old has made 99 appearances for Mexico and can play at leftback or on the left wing. Leverkusen, who are second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich, retain the option to buy Guardado when the loan deal finishes.
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