WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2014 SPORTS Ronaldo and Romario go at it again in Brazil

SAO PAULO: In the latest chapter of a spat between things that are out of my hands,” Ronaldo said in a headquarters three years ago. He wrote: “This photo and improve conditions for Brazilians with disabili- past Brazil football greats, Ronaldo is publicly criti- statement published on his social media accounts. was taken in 2011, when Ronaldo publicly promised ties. He has been attacking World Cup organizers cizing former teammate Romario for making anoth- “Opportunism or ignorance, I don’t know. What I do the tickets for people with disabilities. So far, noth- and Brazilian authorities since he took office in er attack on him, this time over an alleged broken know is that instead of wasting time and energy try- ing!!!” Ronaldo said he was there to support the 2010, criticizing FIFA’s influence in Brazil and the promise to provide free tickets for people with dis- ing to disparage me, the congressman should dedi- cause, just like Romario. He said he also hopes that costs of hosting the tournament. He always made it abilities during the World Cup. cate himself to challenging the right people/institu- the federation comes through with its promise, and clear that he was not fond of Ronaldo’s decision to Romario, now an outspoken lawmaker, is blam- tions. We would all benefit from that.” told Romario to go talk to federation officials to find join the local organizing committee. ing Ronaldo for making the promise and not com- Ronaldo said the promise to donate 32,000 out what happened. Ronaldo reiterated on Monday that he is a volun- ing through with it. Ronaldo, a member of the local World Cup tickets to people with disabilities was “I’m anxiously waiting for answers, like every- teer on the organizing committee and is not being World Cup organizing committee, says it was the made by the Brazilian football federation, not by body else,” Ronaldo said. “If you need my support, paid. Former Brazil striker Bebeto is also a member Brazilian football federation that failed to fulfill their him. “I’m not a politician, I don’t represent (the fed- please at least be more polite next time.” of the local committee. Romario, who has also been pledge. eration), I don’t promise what I can’t fulfill,” Ronaldo Ronaldo added: “It doesn’t make sense to insist at odds with Brazil great Pele in the past, led Brazil Ronaldo on Monday lamented another attack by said, adding that he is sure that Romario knows the publicly in this ‘rivalry,’ which doesn’t exist from my to the World Cup title in 1994, when Ronaldo was a his former teammate, saying it’s not clear why promise was made by the entity and not by him. side.” The Brazilian football federation could not be young reserve in the squad. Ronaldo played in three Romario continues to take shots at him. On Friday, Romario posted a photo where he is immediately contacted for comment. other World Cups after that, winning the title in “It’s lamentable to see Romario once again com- standing by Ronaldo after a press conference held Romario has a daughter with a disability, and 2002 and becoming the tournament’s leading scor- ing out to publicly say that I’m responsible for to announce the free tickets at the federation’s one of his main causes in Congress has been to try er with 15 goals. — AP Drogba will rejoin Chelsea Qatar WCup organizers: family one day - Mourinho LONDON: Didier Drogba will be a part of Mourinho was sent to the stands in We adhered to ethics rules the Chelsea family again one day, man- stoppage time and also had Ramires, for ager Jose Mourinho predicted on the eve a horrible two-footed lunge, and fellow LONDON: Organizers of the 2022 World Cup dis- of yesterday’s Champions League last-16 Brazil midfielder Willian, for two book- tanced themselves yesterday from allegations of cor- second leg against Galatasaray. able offences, sent off. ruption involving two former high-ranking FIFA offi- Mourinho told reporters the 36-year- The Portuguese refused to talk too cials that raised new questions about Qatar’s winning old Galatasaray striker was such an much about the Villa match for fear of bid for the tournament. important part of Chelsea’s history that it bringing the game into disrepute and British newspaper The Daily Telegraph alleged yes- was inevitable that he would be a said he had no interest in accepting terday it has evidence that former FIFA vice president Stamford Bridge employee again at counterpart Roberto Mancini’s offer to Jack Warner of Trinidad & Tobago and his family were paid almost $2 million from a company controlled by some point in the future. treat him to dinner in the event Mohamed Bin Hammam, a Qatari who used to be an Drogba’s contract expires at the end Galatasaray knock Chelsea out. executive committee member of world football’s gov- of the season and media reports have “I don’t do things because I win or I erning body. linked him with a role as player-coach at lose,” said Mourinho. “After matches According to documents seen by the newspaper, a the London club. what I have in my mind to do, I do, it note from one of Warner’s companies, Jamad, to Bin At a separate news conference earlier, doesn’t matter if I win or lose. Hammam’s firm, Kemco, requested $1.2 million for the Ivorian also said he would like to “Some coaches say if we win tomor- work carried out between 2005 and 2010. The note return to Chelsea one day. “He is one of row it’s a free day for the players, with me was dated Dec. 15, 2010, two weeks after Qatar was the most important players in the history it’s not. With me it’s a free day when I awarded the World Cup. The payment was made in of this club. All we Chelsea supporters think it’s a free day. 2011. Payments totaling $750,000 were paid to Warner’s sons and a further $400,000 to one of his agree with that,” said Mourinho who “After the game tomorrow I don’t employees, the Telegraph alleged. goes into the home second leg with an have in my plans a meal with somebody The transactions were processed via a bank in New advantage after drawing the opening who has the same job as I have and the York and have come to the attention of the FBI, which match in Istanbul 1-1. “We don’t say he is only thing we have in common is we are the newspaper alleged is investigating Warner and his the most important because it’s not fair both football managers, nothing else.” links to the Qatar bid. for other people who were at the same Mourinho was not happy to be ques- Qatari organizers said yesterday the bid “strictly level and were of the same generation. tioned about Ramires’s sending-off at adhered to FIFA’s bidding regulations in compliance “His return has to happen one day, Villa Park. “Don’t you have other things to with their code of ethics.” when I don’t know. As a player, as a ask about that game other than “The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the individuals involved in the 2022 Bid PORT-OF-SPAIN: In this Thursday, June 2, 2011 file photo, suspended FIFA executive Jack coach, as an ambassador, next year, in Ramires’s tackle in minute 92?,” the Committee are unaware of any allegations surround- Warner gestures during a news conference held shortly after his arrival at the airport in Port- four or five years, 10 years, I don’t know,” Chelsea manager replied. ing business dealings between private individuals,” of-Spain, in his native Trinidad and Tobago. — AP added Mourinho. “But when a person “Do you think in that game the most the statement said. FIFA said it had no comment on tiny Gulf nation, where temperatures can hit 120 official launched his challenge against FIFA President gives so much to a club and a club repre- important thing to happen was Ramires’s the allegations. degrees F (49 C). FIFA is expected to move the tourna- Sepp Blatter three months after helping his country sents so much to a person, as in this case, tackle? In that case I don’t want to “In principle, any evidence of potential wrongdo- ment from its traditional June-July period to the win- secure the World Cup. I think he has to be back one day.” answer. “We cannot have a reaction to ing can be submitted to the investigatory chamber of ter months, with the exact dates yet to be finalized. Bin Hammam withdrew his presidential candidacy The Portuguese said it was not the what happened at Villa Park because if the independent Ethics Committee of FIFA for further Concerns have also been raised about the working just days before the vote after being suspended by right time to discuss a possible Drogba we have a reaction it will bring the game investigation,” it said in a statement. conditions, poor living standards and non-payment of FIFA’s ethics committee. He was implicated in offering return. “We know he is a free agent at the into disrepute. We just close our mouths The latest allegations will bring fresh scrutiny on wages for people helping to build the stadiums for Caribbean football federations $40,000 each in cash at end of the season but this is not the right and keep going.” the 2010 vote, which currently is under investigation the World Cup. As then-president of the CONCACAF a May 2011 campaign meeting organized by Warner by FIFA’s independent ethics prosecutor, and has put moment to speak about this,” said Mourinho suggested the challenge regional body, which includes the US Soccer in Trinidad. The World Cup bid contests for the 2018 Warner and Bin Hammam - two of the most controver- Federation, Warner would have been expected to lead and 2022 tournaments are being investigated by Mourinho. “Is he the same player at 36 from Ramires was built on frustration. “I sial figures in FIFA’s recent history - back in the spot- efforts within FIFA’s ruling board to help the American Michael Garcia, a former U.S. Attorney who was that he was at 26? I think nobody is but feel that what happened in minute 92 light. Warner and Bin Hammam are no longer FIFA bid win the 2022 contest. appointed as FIFA’s independent ethics prosecutor in he’s one of the best strikers in the world, was a consequence of the other 91 min- members. They were caught up in a corruption scan- Qatar defeated the American bid 14-8 in the final July 2012. Garcia and his investigation team have that’s for sure.” utes we played before that,” he said. dal surrounding Bin Hammam’s failed campaign for round of secret balloting by 22 FIFA board members. been conducting interviews worldwide with officials “I’m sorry if I’m wrong or you don’t the FIFA presidency in 2011. Two of the then 24-man board were suspended after from the 2018-2022 bid nations and FIFA executive WASPISH MOOD agree with me but if you want to ask you Qatar defeated bids from the United States, Japan, being implicated in a cash-for-votes sting by British committee members. Russia is to host the 2018 World The Chelsea manager was in generally should ask what led to that tackle, not South Korea and Australia to host the World Cup, newspaper The Sunday Times. Cup. Garcia is expected to submit a report later this waspish mood on Monday, perhaps as a about the tackle. “Ask about what makes allowing FIFA to take the 2022 tournament to a new Warner resigned from football duties, including his year to FIFA’s independent ethics judge, Joachim country. The decision has been marred by persistent reaction to his team’s controversial 1-0 that tackle happen. That is my opinion,” 28-year membership of FIFA’s board, in June 2011 to Eckert, who can recommend possible sanctions. allegations that the voting process was flawed as well avoid investigation in a bribery scandal linked to Bin Blatter has said the World Cup cannot be taken away defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday. said Mourinho. — Reuters as concerns over the sweltering summer heat in the Hammam’s campaign for FIFA president. The Qatari from Qatar or Russia. — AP

AVC - Kuwait Santos United AVC - Kuwait and Santos United in final

KUWAIT: In perfect climatic conditions AVC - Fernandes, President of IFRA. The match pro- rhythm. Any hopes of a comeback were extin- and President of Kerala Challengers. The Kuwait and Santos United sailed into the finals ceedings were conducted by Sarto with Julio Santos consolidated the lead when Tiago’s guished when James of Santos scored a clas- match was officiated by Nicholas with Alvaro of the inaugural edition of the ‘’KIFF Presidents’ and Christopher on the lines. perfect free kick was headed in by Alfred. The sic goal striking a powerful shot from the top and Sarto on the lines. Cup 2014’’ winning their semifinals matches The second semifinal match was between second half saw Rising Stars piling pressure of the box which flew in the top corner to The final is scheduled on March 28 with with ease on match day 5 played at the Al YRC Rising Stars and Santos United. The on Santos but their defense held firm. Santos make 4-1 for Santos and helped his team to kick off at 8.30 am sharp. At 6.45 am prior to Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on March 14. inform Santos United started the match with further consolidated their lead when Anthony march in the finals of the Presidents’ Cup 2014 the finals KIFF will conduct an open tie-break- The first semifinal saw tournament pace and took the lead when Rising Stars Rego scored to put it beyond Rising Stars. The to meet AVC - Kuwait in a mouth watering er tournament and entries will be accepted favorites AVC - Kuwait taking on inform Indian defender scored an own goal upon pressure third goal woke Rising Stars who put clash. Alfred of Santos United was declared on the spot. On March 21, Santos United will Strikers. AVC started the match with pace and from the opposition. This early goal put Rising immense pressure again on Santos defense the Man of the Match and the award was giv- conduct the 7-a-side football tournament scored the first goal through Agnel Martin in Stars on the defensive and could not strike a and reduced the margin through Kenny. en away by Shyam Kumar, Hon. KIFF Treasurer starting at 6.45am. the 8 minute of the first half. Goaded by the lead they upped the tempo further and con- solidated the lead when Agnelo Martin once again found the net to make it 2-0. Stung by the reverse Indian Strikers came back strongly in the game and reduced the margin beating AVC goalkeeper Blesson with a perfect finish. Searching for the equalizer Indian Strikers further piled more pressure on AVC’s defense and missed easy opportunities. The second half started with AVC once again dominating the proceedings and fur- ther consolidated their lead when Agnelo Martin found the net from a corner and com- pleted his hat trick. Anthony who had earlier missed scoring chances found the fourth for AVC with a superb finish. Indian Strikers never gave up and scored the second in the dying minutes of the game. The game finished 4-2 in favor of AVC which became the first team to enter the finals of the inaugural KIFF Presidents’ Cup 2014. Agnelo Martin was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his hat trick which was given away by Francis Man of the Match Agnelo Martin Of Avc Man of the Match Alfred Of Santos United