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R/£ World at a glance - November 24, 2009
November 24, 2009 Edition 4
Dope-trafficking cyclist gets 20-year ban
Italian cyclist Gianni Da Ros has been handed a record 20-year ban from the National Anti-doping Tribunal for trafficking doping substances. The 23-year-old, who used to ride for Liquigas, was arrested in March in the northern city of Padua. The investigation was ordered by the Milan state prosecutor and saw 12 people arrested as well as 64 searches of properties across the country.
Rosberg signs for Mercedes
German Formula One driver Nico Rosberg yesterday confirmed he will race for the new team Mercedes Grand Prix team next season. The 24-year-old, son of former world champion Keke Rosberg of Finland, raced for Williams between 2006 and 2009, but announced he was leaving the British team after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earlier this month where he finished ninth.
Nine arrested in Italian betting scandal
Nine people have been arrested, accused of illegal betting in Italian football, police said yesterday. Among those arrested was the president of Third Division team Potenza, Giuseppe Postiglione, and Pro Vastese sports director Luca Evangelista. They are accused of being involved in organised crime and of sporting fraud relating to a number of bets placed on matches in the second and third divisions from 2007 to 2009.
Uefa probes match-fixing
Uefa is to hold talks this week with nine national federations affected by a match-fixing investigation. The federations affected are Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, Turkey, Switzerland and Belgium. The federations have been called to Uefa's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland for the talks tomorrow. Some 200 matches are being investigated by German prosecutors in a match-fixing probe covering nine European leagues.
NFD teams battle for last 32 places
The 16 National First Division clubs will battle it out for the eight spots on offer to compete in next year's Nedbank Cup - the third edition of this hugely successful tournament. The draw was conducted at the PSL offices yesterday.
Draw: Thanda Royal Zulu v Bay United; Vasco Da Gama v United FC; African Warriors v Univ of Pretoria;
Dynamos v Nathi Lions; Ikapa Sporting v Batau FC; Black Leopards v Hanover Park; FC Cape Town v Witbank Spurs; Carara Kicks v Winners Park. Dates and venues to be confirmed
Extraordinary Fifa meeting in SA
FIFA has called an extraordinary meeting following the controversy over France striker Thierry Henry's goal against Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers and the match-fixing investigation announced last week. "Due to recent events in the world of football, namely incidents at the playoffs for the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa, match control (refereeing) and irregularities in the football betting market, the Fifa president has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee," said Fifa, adding that the meeting would be held in Cape Town on December 2.
I nearly quit the game - Westwood
New European No1 Lee Westwood said he almost quit golf during a demoralising slump in form earlier in the decade. "I've been through a lot in the last eight, nine years," the Briton told reporters after winning the season-ending Dubai World Championship by six strokes on Sunday to finish top of the European Tour money-list. "I know what it's like to play poorly. I was ready to give up the game when I shot an 81 (in the first round of the 2001 Great North Open) at Slaley Hall (in England) and missed the cut."
Palermo sack Zenga, hire Rossi
Former Italy and Inter Milan goalkeeper Walter Zenga was sacked as Palermo coach yesterday and replaced by ex-Lazio boss Delio Rossi. Zenga's fate was sealed after his side could only draw 1-1 at home to Sicilian rivals Catania at the weekend. Rossi has signed a contract up to June 30, 2011 with the club having an option to extend the deal for a further season.
Embarrassed Wigan offer refunds
Wigan Athletic's players have agreed to refund the club's travelling fans after Sunday's humiliating 9-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. "As a group of professionals we were embarrassed by the way we performed ... and this is something we feel we owe the fans," captain Mario Melchiot told the club's website yesterday.
Wigan, 15th in the Premier League, conceded eight second-half goals at White Hart Lane. - Sapa-AFP/AP/Reuters
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