Fifa refutes claims of Ballon d'Or leaks
ZURICH • Fifa has rubbished reports that football's world governing body prematurely published the results of the 2015 Ballon d'Or by accident.
A story emerged on Wednesday claiming Lionel Messi and Celia Sasic as the men's and women's World Player of the Year ahead of Sunday's gala, reported FourFourTwo.
"This afternoon, a story 1st posted online in November (false then too) has resurfaced," read a tweet from Fifa Media. "The winners of the #BallondOr have NOT been leaked."
Lacazette spurns Newcastle offer
LONDON • Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette has rejected the chance to join Newcastle this month after the relegation-threatened Premier League club made a club-record bid £19 million (S$39.8 million) bid for the France international.
Newcastle officials met their Ligue 1 counterparts last week to discuss a deal, but Lacazette, 24, is wary of moving clubs before the European Championship in his home country this summer.
THE TIMES, LONDON
Chelsea, ex-doc still at odds on settlement
LONDON • Chelsea and former first-team doctor Eva Carneiro failed to agree a settlement at an initial preliminary hearing on Wednesday into her dismissal by the English Premier League club, according to media reports.
A full hearing will be held later in the year.
REUTERS
