PSG fans want FFP overturned
Paris: A group of Paris Saint-Germain supporters is challenging UEFA's financial regulations in a French court. The fans are suing the French football federation and the league "to denounce the multiple infringements of European Union law caused by the UEFA break-even requirement." According to their lawyer, the supporters have asked the Paris court to declare UEFA's Financial Fair Play rule "null and void." PSG was among the first clubs sanctioned by UEFA for overspending on player transfers and wages last May.
no renewal for 3 FIFA sponsors
Zurich: Three second-tier World Cup sponsors opting not to renew for the 2018 tournament in Russia was normal in sports business, FIFA insisted on Friday. Castrol, Continental and Johnson & Johnson all let their World Cup commercial deals expire in December amid widespread allegations of corruption implicating FIFA executive committee members. The companies were among eight second-tier FIFA partners who collectively paid $524 million to be associated with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Advani enters National semis
Kolkata: Pankaj Advani managed to keep himself in line for a double after two tough outings as the 12-time world champion will take on qualifier Varun Madan in the summit showdown of the Senior National Snooker Championship at the Bengal Rowing Club on Saturday. The star of the day however was unfancied Varun Madan who showed exceptional shot selection to continue his giant-killing run as he ousted India No 2 and second seed Kamal Chawla 5-3 in the quarters and overcame a stiff 5-4 challenge from Manan Chandra enroute to the final. Having overcome a blip to pip Railways' Faisal Khan from the quarters this morning, Advani faced the biggest challenge of the tournament when Punjab's senior pro Dharminder lily made it 4-4 from being 1-3 down to take it to the decider frame. Having won the billiards crown last week, the heavyweight will now look to make a fourth double and first since 2009.
UAE, Iraq win qF on penalties
Canberra: United Arab Emirates knocked out defending champion Japan and Iraq outlasted a short-handed Iran on penalties as well after an epic 3-3 draw in thrilling Asian Cup quarterfinals on Friday. Shinji Kagawa missed the crucial spot kick for Japan, allowing UAE defender Ismail Ahmed to blast in the winning penalty and earn its first semifinal appearance since 1996. At Canberra, Iraq beat fierce rival Iran 7-6 in a penalty shootout, booking its semifinal against South Korea on Monday. UAE will meet Australia on Tuesday in the other semi.
Kapur tied 22nd in Doha
Doha: Two bogeys midway through the front nine saw Shiv Kapur slip out of the top-10 to be tied 22nd at the end of the third round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament here on Friday. Kapur, who was tied 10th at the midway stage on Thursday evening, carded an even par 72 with three birdies and three bogeys. Also making the cut was Jeev Milkha Singh (73) but he slipped from tied 32nd overnight to tied 45th at three-under.
‘don’t want padma issue’
Bengaluru: Seeking to steer clear of the furore that was triggered by Saina Nehwal's open displeasure at being ignored for the Padma awards, ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang said he would prefer to wait for the government to take a call on such matters. “I feel it is necessary for me to keep away from controversies, which are a better proposition for me, and see how the government decides in terms of awards,” Narang said on the sidelines of the unveiling of a new corporate identity of Bharat Fritz Werner limited (BFW), India's largest machine tool manufacturer. Replying to a query, Narang said he was too young for the Padma Bhushan. “I am still young for something like this. If not this year, next year, or year after (I may get the award),” he said.
3 more sports in 2020 oly bid
Tokyo: The list of candidates is getting longer among sports hoping to be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Squash, snooker and billiards are the latest to push their case to be added to the Tokyo sports program. The International Olympic Committee passed a resolution in December that allows Tokyo organizers to request the addition of one or more new sports. Baseball and softball, which were dropped after the 2008 Beijing Games, are considered favorites for inclusion in Tokyo. Several other sports, including karate and wushu, are also lobbying for a spot. Squash was unsuccessful in previous bids for inclusion in the 2012, 2016 and 2020. The sports previously planned to seek inclusion in the 2024 event, but decided to push for 2020 after IOC’s decision.