SOCCER
No magic formula: Infantino
FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday said that he has “no magic formula” to overcome the damage caused by the corruption crisis which has rocked soccer’s world governing body. Swiss-Italian lawyer Infantino succeeded the suspended Sepp Blatter in February as the president of FIFA, which was sent reeling by a series of arrests of leading officials, as well as clouds over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively. “There is no magic formula. The formula is work, passion and joy,” Infantino said. “That is what we have to do — work in a very transparent manner, very open, very serious and very professional.” Infantino is on a tour of South America, taking in Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia. On Thursday, he played in a friendly game between a team representing Bolivian President Evo Morales and another featuring retired stars Cafu of Brazil and Fernando Hierro of Spain.
SOCCER
Black Cats scrap Eboue deal
Sunderland said on Thursday they intended to terminate the contract of Emmanuel Eboue before he had even kicked a ball after FIFA ordered the defender to serve a one-year ban over fees owed to a former agent. However, the Ivory Coast international can automatically end the ban if he pays the money to his former agent Sebastien Boisseau, the world governing body said. FIFA, announcing the suspension earlier on Thursday, said the ban covers “any football-related activity that will last for one year or until he pays the total outstanding amount owed to his former agent.” In response, Premier League strugglers Sunderland said they had given the 32-year-old former Arsenal player, who joined the northeast side in a short-term deal earlier this month, two weeks’ notice. Eboue has the right of appeal, but it now looks as if his Sunderland career could end without him making a single first-team appearance.
FORMULA ONE
Alonso out of Bahrain GP
McLaren driver Fernando Alonso is to miss tomorrow’s Bahrain Grand Prix, and possibly the following race in China, as a result of broken ribs and other injuries sustained during a crash in the season opener last month. Alonso arrived in Bahrain hoping to prove his fitness, but after consultation with FIA medical officers, he was ruled out on Thursday and he is to be replaced by Belgian rookie Stefan Vandoorne, who will make his Formula One debut. Alonso said he would undergo further FIA tests late next week to determine if he is fit enough to race in China on April 17. The Spanish two-time world champion walked away from the accident at the Australian Grand Prix, despite his car being launched into the air by a collision with the Haas of Esteban Gutierrez, hitting a concrete barrier and flipping over twice, before coming to rest in a smoking wreck.
CRICKET
Khawaja earns contract
Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges and Joe Burns are among those on the list of Cricket Australia’s contracted players for next season after a number of key retirements. Cricket Australia said yesterday the list of 20 players reflected performances since July last year. Khawaja was recovering from a left-knee reconstruction at this time last year, but the opener has since become one of the form players in the world, scoring centuries in four consecutive Tests and two tons in Twenty20 matches. Nathan Coulter-Nile, John Hastings, Peter Nevill and Peter Siddle have also earned contracts after being left out last year.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and