Mascherano joins Chinese side Hebei
SHANGHAI • Argentina international footballer Javier Mascherano was unveiled as the Chinese Super League's most high-profile signing in a year yesterday, as he joined Hebei China Fortune from Barcelona for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The 33-year-old is the biggest name to head to China since his compatriot Carlos Tevez 12 months ago. He will team up with another Argentina international, Ezequiel Lavezzi, at Hebei, who are coached by former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
O'Neill extends Irish national team stint
LONDON• Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has signed a contract extension through to 2020, the country's Football Association (FAI) said on Tuesday, ending speculation he could return to the club game.
O'Neill was linked with the Stoke City job when Mark Hughes was sacked this month, but rejected the chance to return to Premier League management, according to British media reports.
REUTERS
Force India owner mulls over team name change
LONDON • Force India could have a new name before Formula One's pre-season testing starts in Spain next month.
A spokesman for the Formula One team said that plans had yet to be finalised, however. Co-owner Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya has previously said that a name change would make the team, who joined the sport in 2008, more attractive to potential sponsors.
REUTERS
