Pep meets Man City boss to talk transfers
LONDON • Pep Guardiola promised to focus solely on Bayern Munich in his final months in charge, but he apparently met the sporting director of future employers Manchester City on Monday.
Clad in a grey winter hat, thick sweater and carrying a rucksack, the 45-year-old looked like a tourist as he was photographed entering a luxury hotel in Amsterdam on Monday.
British tabloid The Mirror and Dutch newspaper Telegraaf claim Guardiola met City director Txiki Begiristain, who was also photographed in Amsterdam on Monday, for two hours to discuss possible transfers.
Guardiola is reported to have defender Jetro Willems, 21, of PSV Eindhoven and 19-year-old midfielder Riechedly Bazoer from Ajax Amsterdam on his wish list.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
A-League to get cash boost to draw stars in
SYDNEY • Football Federation Australia (FFA) yesterday said it will provide financial backing to help attract marquee players to the A-League as it outlined a new vision to boost the domestic game.
FFA chairman Steven Lowy said the sport had reached a critical juncture and more resources would be pumped in to promote the competition, aware that a bigger fan base will harness greater commercial revenue.
The announcement follows Socceroos star Tim Cahill blasting the FFA for its perceived lack of vision.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Japan to sack coach after Rio flop
TOKYO • Japan look set to replace coach Norio Sasaki after the former women's world champions failed to qualify for the Rio Olympic football tournament.
Even a 6-1 thumping of Vietnam in Osaka on Monday was not enough to keep Japan's qualification hopes alive after other results went against them and Sasaki now looks set to pay the ultimate price.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Fowler hits $1.39m hole-in-one
MIAMI • Rickie Fowler made a US$1 million (S$1.39 million) hole-in-one for charity at an event hosted by fellow golfer Ernie Els in Florida on Monday.
The world No. 5 aced the 113-yard "bonus" 19th hole to claim the prize money for the Els for Autism foundation. The American was immediately swamped by fans and fellow golfers, including Els and Rory McIlroy, and lifted into the air.
REUTERS
