Fifa widens World Cup bribery probe October 18, 2010 THE CRISIS enveloping the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup deepened last night when governing body Fifa revealed it had widened its investigation into claims of corruption. Two members of Fifa’s executive committee, which will in December decide who hosts that 2018 and 2022 tournaments, are being probed over claims they offered to sell [...]
No fear: Murray reveals how to get the better of Federer October 18, 2010 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray has revealed the secret of his superb record against 16-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer: playing without fear. Murray triumphed over the Swiss superstar yet again on Sunday as he clinched his second title of the year at the Shanghai Masters. That took the Scot’s head-to-head record against Federer to 8-5 in [...]
Rovers cling on for draw despite Samba red card October 18, 2010 BLACKBURN (0) vs SUNDERLAND (()) SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce berated his toothless side after they were held by 10-man Blackburn in torrential conditions at Ewood Park. Rovers defender Christopher Samba was dismissed in first-half stoppage time for bundling over Danny Welbeck on the edge of the penalty area. But the Black Cats could not take [...]
Strachan tears up contract on Boro departure October 18, 2010 MANAGER Gordon Strachan waived a pay-off by ripping up his contract after parting company with Championship strugglers Middlesbrough yesterday. Strachan left the Riverside after a disappointing start to the season in which Boro have won just three games and slumped to 20th. “Gordon has torn up his contract and walked away without compensation because he [...]
Gatland signs up until 2015 October 18, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Wales coach Warren Gatland has extended his contract, committing himself to the job until the end of the 2015 World Cup. The New Zealander’s new deal ends speculation he could return home to Waikato Chiefs and appears to rule out any major role with the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. [...]
Carroll bailed to live with Nolan October 18, 2010 FOOTBALL: Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has been bailed on a charge of assault – on the condition that he lives with team-mate Kevin Nolan. England Under-21 star Carroll appeared in court yesterday accused of attacking an ex-girlfriend early on Sunday morning. He was granted conditional bail on the proviso he stays with captain Nolan until [...]
Merritt banned for 21 months October 18, 2010 ATHLETICS: American Olympic and world 400m champion LaShawn Merritt has been handed a 21-month ban for doping. Merritt tested positive three times for testosterone and accepted a provisional suspension earlier this year. His ban has been backdated to his first positive test in October 2009, meaning all results since than have been annulled but opening [...]
Graham named England captain October 18, 2010 RUGBY LEAGUE: St Helens prop James Graham has been named Adrian Morley’s replacement as England captain for the Four Nations. Coach Steve McNamara turned to Graham, 25, to lead the side against New Zealand on Saturday after Morley injured his bicep in the weekend warm-up match against New Zealand Maori. “When Steve offered me the [...]
Rooney tipped to quit United over row with boss Ferguson October 17, 2010 MANCHESTER United striker Wayne Rooney looks increasingly likely to leave the club amid suggestions his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson has deteriorated beyond repair. The prospect of one of the most sensational transfers in the history of British football has increased dramatically with Rooney said to have told United he will not resume contract [...]
Reds second bottom after derby defeat October 17, 2010 EVERTON (2) vs LIVERPOOL (0) LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson admits finishing in the top four might already be an unrealistic aim, just eight games into the Premier League season, after defeat in the Merseyside derby soured the feel-good factor created by the club’s takeover. Thumping strikes from midfielders Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta lifted Everton [...]