Brazil dwell over Neymar appeal
SANTIAGO - Brazilian lawyers are considering whether to appeal against Neymar's four-match ban that has ruled the Selecao's captain out of the rest of the Copa America, coach Dunga said on Saturday.
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) reaffirmed its claim that the 23-year-old superstar, banned for head-butting a Colombian opponent, has been unfairly hunted at the tournament.
Brazil have been stunned by the punishment against their key player and the CBF is looking for ways to appeal.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
No payouts for support: JFA
TOKYO - A senior official of the Japan Football Association has denied allegations that it paid US$1.5 million (S$2 million) to the sport's South American confederation for supporting its co-hosting of the 2002 World Cup, a newspaper reported yesterday.
"It's impossible," JFA hononary president Junji Ogura told the Asahi Shimbun of the report. On Friday, Spanish sports daily Diario AS said the JFA paid the money to the South American football confederation, Conmebol, after it backed Japan's co-hosting with South Korea of the 2002 event.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
All Blacks ready for new blood
WELLINGTON - The All Blacks selectors gave their first hint of Rugby World Cup thinking yesterday, naming five new faces in an enlarged 41-man squad. A final group of 31 to defend their crown will be named in August.
The latest additions are Canterbury Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor, Wellington Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst and full-back Nehe Milner-Skudder, Otago Highlanders fly-half Lima Sopoaga and wing Waisake Naholo.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Bolt qualified but will still run
KINGSTON (Jamaica) - Usain Bolt, off to a lacklustre start to the season, will run in Jamaica this week even though he is assured of a World Championships berth as the reigning 100m and 200m champion.
Multiple sources have confirmed that the 28-year-old will contest the 100m at the Jamaican trials for Beijing. The heats of the 100m will be on Thursday, the opening day of the four-day Jamaican championships.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
