COLOMBIA
Bedoya heads to US, resigns
Colombian Football Federation president Luis Bedoya on Monday resigned unexpectedly, saying he was stepping down for “personal reasons.” Bedoya had headed the federation since 2006 and was also one of the 11 members of the South American Football Confederation’s (CONMEBOL) executive committee. His resignation comes two weeks after the federation’s accountant resigned and with South American soccer reeling from the FIFA corruption scandal. CONMEBOL, an influential grouping that includes traditional soccer powers like Brazil and Argentina, is heavily embroiled in the corruption probe led by the US’ FBI. A government source said Bedoya had flown to the US on Wednesday last week. The attorney general’s office said they had opened an investigation into Bedoya and were sharing information with US authorities.
LA LIGA
Real Sociedad fire Moyes
Former Manchester United manager David Moyes on Monday was sacked by Real Sociedad after a turbulent year in charge during which he failed to turn around the Basque side’s fortunes. “Real Sociedad have decided to cancel the contract of first team coach David Moyes,” a club statement said. “The club wish to thank him ... for all he brought to the club, his professionalism and his dedication in carrying out his duties.” A 2-0 defeat on Friday last week at newly promoted UD Las Palmas left Sociedad above the relegation zone only on goal difference. Spanish media reports indicate that former Barcelona reserve team coach Eusebio Sacristan is favored to succeed Moyes.
UNITED STATES
Vieira to coach New York
Former France international Patrick Vieira has joined New York City FC as head coach on a three-year deal from parent club Manchester City, the club announced on Monday. Vieira, who had been head of Manchester City’s elite development squad and had been talked of as a possible candidate to take the top job at the Etihad, replaced Jason Kreis. The move follows a disappointing season in the MLS for New York City, who invested heavily in star names such as Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo, yet failed to make the post-season playoffs. Former France and Arsenal captain Vieira, a member of Les Bleus victorious 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning squads, said he was looking forward to starting his new job. “This established football set up, together with a passionate and loyal fan base, located in a special city, which I know well, makes for an unparalleled opportunity that I am delighted to seize with both hands,” he said in a statement. “I cannot wait to get started.”
UNITED STATES
Parents drop concussion suit
A group of parents who sued several soccer organizations, including international governing body FIFA, is no longer pursuing legal claims because of steps taken to address the issue of concussions suffered by youth players, a lawyer for the group said on Monday. The lawsuit, filed last year in a federal court in California, said FIFA and other groups such as the American Youth Soccer Organization have not done enough to reduce preventable injuries from repetitive ball heading. Earlier this year, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, but gave the plaintiff a chance to refile it with additional detail on some claims. Meanwhile, the US Soccer Federation and other groups developed a new initiative to limit heading for children less than 14 years of age and implement other concussion awareness efforts, according to a joint statement.
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