adminRescue helicopter crashes, kills eight flood victims
RUDRAPRAYAG. — A helicopter helping victims of devastating floods in northern India crashed near a pilgrimage site yesterday, killing all eight people on board, as fresh rains hampered the bid to rescue thousands still stranded.
Mandela’s family holds crucial indaba
QUNU. — Nelson Mandela’s close family gathered yesterday at his rural homestead to discuss the failing health of the South African anti-apartheid icon who was fighting for his life in hospital.
Fellaini eyes Gunners
LONDON. — Marouane Fellaini wants to join Arsenal’s £100 000-per-week club as the Gunners contemplate another big-money summer swoop.With Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain on the verge of joining in a £22 million move, the Gunners will now focus on strengthening their midfield.
Cruyff raises a stink
BARCELONA. — Johan Cruyff raised eyebrows yesterday by saying that Spanish soccer champions Barcelona — for whom he was captain, then coach — should consider selling idol Lionel Messi, now that they have signed Brazilian starlet Neymar.Injury outs Balotelli
RIO DE JANEIRO. — Italy striker Mario Balotelli will play no further part in the Confederations Cup and is to return home to receive treatment on a thigh injury, team doctor Enrico Castellacci announced on Monday.Fat Joe jailed for tax evasion
RAPPER Fat Joe (real name Joseph Cartagena) has been sentenced to four months in jail for failing to pay taxes on more than US$1 million in income, Associated Press reported.The 42-year-old, whose sentence was delivered on Monday, pleaded guilty in December of 2012 to failing to pay taxes, for income between 2007-2008.
Defeat wasn’t a tragedy, says Nadal
LONDON. — Rafael Nadal said his shock first-round defeat by Steve Darcis at Wimbledon was “not a tragedy” and refused to blame his exit on his persistent knee injury.While Darcis, the world number 135, played some inspired tennis, Spain’s two-time champion was clearly hampered.
Heads roll in Ethiopia Football Federation
ADDIS ABABA. — The Ethiopian Football Federation sacked its general secretary on Monday after the African nation admitted fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier, a gaffe likely to cost the team three points.Coaches in merry-go-round
PARIS. — Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, David Moyes, Manuel Pellegrini and Carlo Ancelotti are the stars in the biggest coaching merry-go-round in living football memory which is stealing all the attention from the players.
Real Madrid turn to Ancelotti
MADRID. — Real Madrid have appointed Italian Carlo Ancelotti as their new coach on a three-year contract, the Spanish soccer giants said yesterday. The former Paris St Germain manager will be presented today and will replace Jose Mourinho who left at the end of last season to join Chelsea.