SOCCER
Blatter, Platini face probe
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini are being investigated for “fraud” and “breach of trust” in Switzerland, a source with access to the probe said on Friday. The former power brokers of world soccer were originally part of a legal procedure opened in 2015 over a 2011 payment to Platini of 2 million Swiss francs (US$2.2 million). The Swiss prosecutors have changed the focus of their investigation, the same source said. Platini’s entourage on Friday said that the Swiss prosecutors were “maintaining this five-year-old case artificially by widening the accusations.”
SOCCER
Al Ahly win title
Al Ahly’s Mohamed Magdi scored a stunning goal four minutes from time as they beat bitter Cairo rivals Zamalek 2-1 to claim the CAF Champions League title and extend their record number of wins in Africa’s elite club competition to nine. The teams were locked at 1-1 at the Cairo International Stadium when midfielder Magdi collected a loose ball 30m out, showed neat control under pressure and volleyed into the corner of the net.
RUGBY LEAGUE
St Helens win after hooter
Jack Welsby scored a last-gasp try in remarkable fashion after the fulltime hooter to claim the Super League Grand Final title for St Helens with an 8-4 victory over Wigan. The scores were level at 4-4 heading into the final minute, thanks to two Lachlan Coote penalties and a Jake Bibby try for Wigan. Zak Hardaker had the chance to win it for the Warriors with a penalty from 45m at Hull’s KCOM Stadium, but the center dragged his effort wide with 50 seconds remaining and St Helens aimed to work downfield for a late drop-goal attempt. Tommy Makinson was lined up for the effort and, as the ball landed in his winger’s hands, the fulltime hooter sounded. His attempt rattled the right-hand post and landed on the turf before bouncing toward the in-goal area, with Wigan fullback Bevan French attempting to shield the loose ball to safety. However, center Welsby’s valiant chase proved valuable as he dived for the ball, grounded inches short of the deadball line and — after a lengthy look by video referee Ben Thaler — the winning try was awarded.
FOOTBALL
Woman to play in Power 5
Women’s soccer player Sarah Fuller was to don a football uniform for Vanderbilt and was poised to become the first woman to play in a Power 5 game when the Commodores visited the Missouri Tigers after press time last night. “Let’s make history,” senior Sarah Fuller wrote on Twitter on Friday with a photograph of herself wearing a football jersey with a soccer ball between her feet while holding a football in her hands. No woman has appeared in an Southeastern Conference football game or for any Power 5 gridiron team. A senior from Wylie, Texas, Fuller made three saves last weekend as Vanderbilt upset top-seeded Arkansas 3-1 in women’s soccer to capture the program’s first Southeastern Conference Tournament title since 1994. Fuller said it was an honor Vanderbilt called on her to help out. “I think it’s amazing and incredible, but I’m also trying to separate that because I know this is a job I need to do and I want to help the team out and I want to do the best that I can,” Fuller said. COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have left coach Derek Mason with a limited number of specialists available against Missouri.
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