Vitali Klitschko quits boxing December 16, 2013 THREE-TIME world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko has relinquished his WBC title in order to concentrate on his political career. The Ukrainian, 42, an opposition leader in his homeland, has been granted “champion emeritus” status by the WBC, guaranteeing him a title shot if he returns. Klitschko, who had not defended his belt for 15 [...]
Barca and Real could face fines as state aid probe gathers pace December 16, 2013 BARCELONA and Real Madrid could be hit with financial penalties after the European Commission began disciplinary action against some of Spain’s biggest football clubs over possible state aid. Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo said the EC had begun proceedings against seven clubs over various matters, some of which it has been investigating for [...]
Arsenal renew interest in £15m Michu December 16, 2013 ARSENAL have revived their interest in signing Swansea and Spain striker Michu as they look to boost their attacking options in January, it is understood. The Gunners considered a move for the 27-year-old in the summer, after he scored 22 goals in a sensational debut season in English football. He has only netted six times [...]
Drogba set for Stamford Bridge return as English sides drawn against familiar foes December 16, 2013 FORMER Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed his joy after his new team Galatasaray were drawn against the Blues in the Champions League last 16. It is one of several reunions thrown up by the draw, which sees Arsenal face holders Bayern Munich in a repeat of last year’s tie and Manchester City, who boast [...]
Cue Card prepared for King George return December 16, 2013 Bill Esdaile pays a visit to Kempton hopeful’s stable CUE Card, a dual Cheltenham Festival winner and ante-post favourite for next week’s William Hill King George VI Chase, is certainly not alone at Venn Farm. The seven-year-old shares his small, picturesque Dorset stables with 67 other racehorses and 235 dairy cows under the watchful eye [...]
Gatland sticks with Wales til 2019 December 16, 2013 RUGBY UNION: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has signed a new contract until 2019 but will be allowed to take charge of the British and Irish Lions in 2017, as he did this year, if offered the job. Wales chief Roger Lewis said: “We will do everything we can to support as we did in [...]
Zola resigns as Watford manager December 16, 2013 FOOTBALL: Gianfranco Zola last night blamed “a variety of reasons” for his decision to resign as Watford manager. Zola, who leaves the club 13th in the Championship but had lost his last five home games, said: “I feel it’s in the best interests of the team somebody new is given the chance.”
Premier League: AVB vows to fight on after Spurs suffer another rout December 15, 2013 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 vs LIVERPOOL 5 SHELL-SHOCKED Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas insisted last night that he will not be forced to quit despite the north Londoners suffering their worst home defeat in 16 years. A brace from Luis Suarez, as well as goals from Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling, inflicted a second drubbing [...]
England suffer Broad injury blow as Australia close on Ashes glory December 15, 2013 PACEMAN Stuart Broad suffered a cruel injury blow yesterday as England hurtled towards a seemingly inevitable third Test defeat and the loss of the Ashes. Broad was struck on the foot by a Mitchell Johnson delivery, leaving him unable to bowl or field in Australia’s second innings in Perth and a fitness worry for the [...]
Wenger not happy to win title if Arsenal can’t beat big rivals December 15, 2013 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger says he would not tolerate his team losing more big clashes against key title rivals even if they were to win the Premier League by beating lower-ranked sides. The Gunners went down 6-3 at Manchester City on Saturday, their third league defeat of the season, yet remain two points clear at [...]