Argentina FA wants Messi back in action
BUENOS AIRES • The acting head of Argentina's football association, Armando Perez, insisted he would do all he can to lure Lionel Messi out of international retirement during an upcoming meeting with the Barcelona star in Spain.
"We'll see what he tells me," Perez said. "I want to know the reasons that drove him to quit the national team and to see if I can do something to get him to come back."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Spotlight on Sam's role for betting firm
LONDON • The Football Association (FA) will discuss whether it is appropriate for Sam Allardyce to continue in his role as a brand ambassador for a sports betting firm.
The new England manager assumed the post with My Club Betting last December when in charge of Sunderland.
The FA is understood to be reasonably relaxed about his involvement but will consider the matter after being alerted to it by the Guardian.
Liverpool stopper out with broken hand
LONDON • Liverpool's new German goalkeeper Loris Karius is set to be out for up to 10 weeks with a broken hand suffered in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Chelsea during the club's US tour.
The 23-year-old, who joined them for £4.7 million (S$8.32 million) from Mainz in May, accidentally punched team-mate Dejan Lovren in Wednesday's clash.
REUTERS
Ex-Guatemala chief pleads guilty
NEW YORK • Guatemala's former football chief pleaded guilty in New York on Friday in connection with the Fifa corruption scandal, months after being extradited to the United States.
Brayan Jimenez, 62, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy in connection with bribes received in exchange for awarding media and marketing rights to Fifa World Cup qualifier matches, prosecutors said.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
