Efimova suspended and may get life ban
MOSCOW • Russian four-time breaststroke world champion Yuliya Efimova has been suspended from competition over alleged doping, the country's swimming federation said yesterday.
Russian media reported that the 23-year-old, who won a bronze at the London Olympics and trains in the United States, faces a life ban for her second offence after becoming the latest athlete to test positive for meldonium, a substance banned on Jan 1.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Redknapp seen as Jordan's saviour
AMMAN • • Englishman Harry Redknapp was on Thursday hailed as the man to take Jordan to their first World Cup Finals, after his confirmation as the country's new football team manager.
He takes the post in the same week as he began another job as English Championship side Derby's managerial adviser.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Marler cleared, will start on bench
LONDON • • Joe Marler will be on the bench when England go in search of rugby's Six Nations Grand Slam against France in Paris tomorrow.
The loosehead prop was cleared for the match on Wednesday, after officials decided to take no action against him for striking Rob Evans and calling Samson Lee a "gypsy boy" during two separate incidents in England's 25-21 win over Wales at Twickenham last weekend.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Pulis has to cough up £5m for losing suit
LONDON • Football manager Tony Pulis is facing a bill of nearly £5 million (S$9.7 million), after losing a legal battle with Crystal Palace over a £2 million bonus payment he was to be paid shortly before he left the English Premier League club.
Pulis, now West Bromwich Albion manager, was ordered to pay £3.75 million plus costs after an arbitration hearing.
THE TIMES, LONDON
Hamilton keeps mum on NZ bike selfie
MELBOURNE • Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton refused to answer questions over his controversial bike selfie in New Zealand when he appeared at a press conference yesterday.
"I don't have much of an answer for you, unfortunately," he told the media, after he was let off by the New Zealand police over a lack of evidence.
THE GUARDIAN
Danny boy can drink to England call-up
LONDON • Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been called up to the England football squad for the first time for the friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.
Manager Roy Hodgson also recalled Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, who will be vying for the two likely striking roles with Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane and Theo Walcott.
THE GUARDIAN
