ASIAN CUP
UAE to host the 2019 finals
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) selected the United Arab Emirates over a bid from Iran to host the 2019 continental champions at its meeting on Monday in Manama, Bahrain. The Asian Cup, which was hosted and won by Australia in January, will be expanded from 16 to 24 teams in the next edition. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said there was no doubt the UAE was better equipped than Iran to host the continent’s biggest soccer event. “I could say the decision was ... not difficult,” he said. “After that we have to be realistic because the UAE’s capabilities are bigger and I wish them success, because after what we saw in Australia the championship was successful in every sense. So for sure this is a challenge for our brothers, but I hope the organizing committee put in a more successful event than the previous championship.” The UAE hosted the Asian Cup in 1996, when they lost the final on penalties to Saudi Arabia.
ITALY
Zola fired, Zeman rehired
Serie A strugglers Cagliari on Monday reappointed Zdenek Zeman as coach following the sacking of Gianfranco Zola, with the club looking to stave off relegation from the top flight. Zeman was himself sacked by Cagliari just before Christmas, but after less than three months on the sidelines the wily Czech coach is back at the helm with the job of saving the Sardinians from the drop. Zola took over from Zeman two days before Christmas, but despite a brief spell of hope the former Chelsea forward ultimately saw his side lose six of the 10 games under his leadership. Cagliari sit third from bottom, four points shy of Atalanta BC. Born and bred on Sardinia, Zola is still considered one of the island’s best soccer exports, despite having only played for Cagliari after his seven-year spell with English Premier League giants Chelsea ended. A statement by Cagliari earlier on Monday said the decision to sack Zola “was not an easy one, given the greatness of a man who has written unforgettable pages in the history of Cagliari and who has represented Sardinia with prestige on the international stage.”
ENGLAND
Eto’o honored in London
Samuel Eto’o was honored on Monday for his “inspiring” stand against racism, as the organizers behind the award warned that prejudice still stalks the game in Europe. The former Cameroon and Barcelona striker received the Medal of Tolerance from the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation at a gala dinner at London’s Kensington Palace. Eto’o, who now plays with UC Sampdoria in Italy, famously tried to walk off the pitch during a Spanish match in 2006 due to the racist abuse he was suffering. “Since that day, I decided I will stand up and fight against abuse,” he said after receiving his award. “The only path is to stand up and shout.”
SPAIN
Getafe score late winner
A late goal by Juan Rodriguez gave Getafe a 2-1 comeback win over last-placed Cordoba on Monday in La Liga. Romanian forward Florin Andone had given the hosts the lead in the 77th minute, but Getafe equalized when Cordoba defender Federico Vico scored an own-goal 10 minutes later, accidentally back-heeling the ball over goalkeeper Mikel Saizar’s head and inside the far post. Cordoba looked dispirited as the match drew to a close and Rodriguez grabbed all three points for Getafe in the second minute of stoppage-time. Cordoba remain last on 18 points, while Getafe rose to 12th place.
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