SOCCER
Entire Rostov team tested
Russian Premier League side Rostov had their entire team subjected to a random doping test following their match against Dinamo Moscow on Thursday, FIFA said. The world body, confirming a report by Russia’s Tass news agency, said the test was routine and there were no complaints from players or officials. Rostov, second in the league and two points behind CSKA Moscow, won the match 3-1. “We have to be unpredictable, they have to know that we can turn up anywhere at any time,” FIFA chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak told reporters by telephone. “I have to stress that the team was very co-operative, there was no resistance or complaints whatsoever; they understood what we were doing and that is very important.” FIFA later said in a statement: “The initiative was based on previous media reports regarding potential use of meldonium.” An independent World Anti-Doping Agency commission in November last year revealed widespread state-sponsored doping in Russia, which led to a ban on the country competing in international athletics competitions. Unless that ban is lifted, Russian athletics competitors will miss the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil in August.
BOXING
Browne stripped of title
The World Boxing Association has stripped Australian Lucas Browne of his heavyweight title and suspended him for six months after his B sample on a doping test also returned a positive finding. Browne became Australia’s first world heavyweight champion when he stopped Ruslan Chagaev in a 10th-round technical knockout on March 5 at Grozny in Chechnya, Russia. However, the banned drug Clenbuterol was detected in Browne’s A urine sample in a test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association after the fight. The WBA said on its Web site on Thursday that the B sample also was positive. Browne yesterday said on social media: “I’m leaving everything to my lawyer.” He had said a blood test he took six days before the fight was negative.
FORMULA ONE
Silverstone talks continue
Negotiations for Jaguar Land Rover to take over Silverstone are ongoing, but neither side is under any time pressure to do a deal, the British Grand Prix track’s managing director Patrick Allen said. Members of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), which owns the Formula One circuit and surrounding land, last month gave their board a mandate to negotiate with the automaker. Jaguar Land Rover hopes to boost its brand by building a hotel and visitor center at Silverstone, allowing tourists and families to visit and drive vehicles on the track, a source told reporters. Jaguar Land Rover has said it was “exploring potential options,” but discussions remained confidential. Allen, on a visit to the Spanish Grand Prix circuit for this weekend’s fifth race of the season, told reporters there was an exclusivity agreement in place until June 30. However, “that does not necessarily mean you have to do a deal by then,” said Allen, who runs the operational side of the circuit, but is not part of the negotiating team. “I am sure that the board have the best interests of the circuit and the BRDC at heart. They will take as long as they need to get to a deal if a deal is to be done. It’s not guaranteed.” Allen said the BRDC would remain 100 percent owners of the Silverstone Circuit’s business and continue to run the British Grand Prix whatever the outcome. “The business will carry on whether the assets are sold or not,” he said.
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