SPORTS Friday, May 12, 2017 23

Manama Infantino said his organisation was a “world women’s league”, but gave ianni Infantino slammed “fake now different. no further details. news” and “alternative facts” “Nunca mas -- never again,” And there could potentially be new Gsurrounding FIFA and insisted Infantino added in reference to regulations placed on transfers, he football’s scandal-ridden governing corruption once more rearing its speculated, following news earlier this body had changed in an impassioned ugly head. “If there is anyone in this week that FIFA is investigating the speech to its annual congress in room or outside of this room who £89.3 million ($111m, 105.2m euros) Bahrain yesterday. still thinks he can enrich himself, he transfer of Paul Pogba to Manchester Fifteen months after being elected can abuse football, I have one clear United from Juventus. (AFP) as president to bring forward and strong message to tell him: leave, wholesale change to a disgraced leave football and leave football now,” organisation, Infantino also claimed added Infantino. FIFA’s corruption crisis was over and Getting into his stride, he also would never happen again. reaffirmed his belief that FIFA’s The Congress confirmed that the finances were healthy, saying: two men responsible for rooting “We don’t have to bullshit with out corruption in the world game alternative figures.” -- Hans-Joachim Eckert and Cornel Infantino also criticised “highly- Borbely -- would be replaced. paid experts” who did little to help The meeting backed the reform. recommendation of the all-powerful FIFA Council, chaired by Infantino, ‘Little change since Blatter’ to replace them with the former Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein president of the European Court of said that things hadn’t moved on Justice Vassilios Skouris of Greece from Infantino’s predecessor, Sepp and Colombia’s Maria Claudia Rojas. Blatter. “I think it is fairly obvious that But Infantino denied this had put a lot of things have not changed,” said back any anti-corruption agenda. Prince Ali. “FIFA has changed now, this is Also on Thursday, a decision a new FIFA and we are new people on Israeli clubs playing in the here and we act with facts, not with West Bank was pushed back until words,” he told Congress. October. “We will take responsibility Invoking Donald Trump and we will take a decision on this Infantino then invoked American matter,” said Infantino. President Donald Trump: “Fake The Palestine Football news, alternative facts, these terms Association (PFA) argues that the Infantino did not exist until some time ago, they presence of six Israeli clubs on have become en vogue. its territory is in breach of FIFA “There’s a lot of fake news and statutes, but Israel argues the alternative facts about FIFA rules are unenforceable as there circulating -- FIFA-bashing has is no permanent border. become a national sport, especially in The Congress, meanwhile, slams FIFA some countries.” ratified a decision to open up Asked afterwards to give an the bidding process for the example of fake news, Infantino 2026 World Cup to any responded: “Generally, it’s my federation except those CONMEBOL player Diego Maradona (R) and feeling.” from Asia and Europe. Carlos Valderrama (L) celebrate a goal dur- But, alternating between English, Infantino also ing a FIFA Legends football game on May 10, ‘fake news’ French, German and Spanish, raised the prospect of 2017 in Manama, Bahrain. Cycle safe Bahrain launched Football Scores as of closing Europa League: Semi-final second leg,

Officials during the launch Manama in the roads is the key. We are which is the official pilot car of “We have received ycle Safe Bahrain was very excited and very grateful the cycling activities mentioned overwhelming support from Cofficially launched that everybody is on board with their participation in this great the cycling community and the yesterday at the Westin Bahrain us,” Shaikh Khalid explained. cause, “Nissan fully supports partners who has given their Manchester Utd 1 Celta Vigo 1 City Centre. The initiative by Abdulmohsen Algosaibi, the sports community as well long term commitment for this Man United win 2-1 on aggregate PowerUp and TriLife was to co-owner of TriLife discussed as the safety of the people on project and we are very grateful Europa League: Semi-final second leg spread awareness to cyclists the mission of Cycle Safe the roads.” for their support.” and motorists on how to share Bahrain, “Cycle Safe aims to Anna Dowling, General May Al Haji, Secretary the road safely was led by raise awareness of the dangers Manager of The Westin General of the Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al faced by cyclists on the road. Bahrain City Centre, “We Triathlon Association in return Khalifa, president of Bahrain It is designed to educate the are really delighted for this thanked Cycle Safe organizers. Cycling Association. general public on road safety ground breaking initiative that “Thank you for making our “It’s about time that we and sharing roads with supports Westin’s ‘well-being’ lives easier.” start this initiative in Bahrain. cyclists. Ultimately, it intends philosophy.” Weekly bike rides will be Generally, people in Bahrain to improve infrastructure Redia Castillo, General scheduled to promote the are good drivers but this to include cycle safe lanes in Manager of PowerUp brand and get everybody on project will spread more collaboration with the Ministry expressed her gratitude to board. The first soft launch of awareness on sharing the roads of Transportation.” all the supporters especially the bike ride will take place on safely not only to cyclists but Robert Beaty, General the clubs, associations and Saturday and the main bike Lyon 3 Ajax 1 Ajax win 5-4 on aggregate the motorist as well. Respect Manager of Nissan Bahrain federations. ride will be announced soon.