SPORT IN BRIEF
Fifa reject Ireland plea
FOOTBALL: World governing body Fifa have confirmed it will not create an extra place at the 2010 World Cup for Republic of Ireland.
The Irish had asked to be allowed to play as a 33rd team in South Africa after losing their play-off to France through Thierry Henry’s infamous handball goal.
Fifa official Jerome Valcke said: “You can imagine what it having a 33rd team would mean, I would not say it is a nonsense, but it is impossible.
“There is no hope at all that there will be more than 32 teams at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.”
Sussex slam Hamilton-Brown bid
CRICKET: Sussex chairman Jim May yesterday slammed Surrey for their “unwelcome” approach for Rory Hamilton-Brown.
The Brown Caps want the talented 22-year-old all-rounder as their captain for 2010.
But May said: “The approach is unwelcome and the timing very unfortunate. We had already offered Rory a contract extension on improved terms.”
Woods ‘guilty’ of car crash
GOLF: Florida Police say world No1 Tiger Woods was to blame for the car crash outside his Florida home on Friday but he will not face criminal charges.
According to Maj Cindy Williams from Florida Highway Patrol, Woods was guilty of careless driving after his car reportedly hit a fire hydrant and tree, causing facial injuries.