Albirex on top despite draw with Home
Albirex Niigata maintained their position atop the S-League table after a 0-0 draw with Home United at Jurong East Stadium last night.
The Japanese football club have 30 points after 17 matches, one more than Brunei DPMM, who have two games in hand.
In last night's other match at Bedok Stadium, Courts Young Lions beat Geylang International 3-1.
Catania demoted over match-fixing scandal
ROME • Catania have been demoted to the third tier of the Italian league over a match-fixing scandal in last season's Serie B.
The Sicilian side were also deducted 12 points this season and fined €150,000 (S$235,200) by the Italian football federation, while club president Antonio Pulvirenti was banned for five years and fined €300,000.
REUTERS
Blind will alter Dutch style only slightly
AMSTERDAM • There will be little change in the make-up and approach of the Netherlands national football team, just a little different "sauce on top", said new coach Danny Blind yesterday.
He was presented to the press ahead of the Netherlands' next Euro 2016 qualifier against Iceland in Amsterdam on Sept 3.
REUTERS
Pardew encourages Bolasie to join Spurs
LONDON • Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has said Yannick Bolasie would be "foolish" not to be tempted by the chance to join Tottenham Hotspur, the London Evening Standard reported.
Spurs are rumoured to be interested in signing the 26-year-old Congo international, who recently said it could be the right time for him to play for a top football club in England.
REUTERS
Magpies sign Thauvin and loan out Cabella
LONDON • Marseille winger Florian Thauvin has signed a five-year deal with Newcastle, the English Premier League football club announced on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old French Under-21 international committed to the club until 2020 on a deal which French media reported to be worth €17 million (S$26 million). As part of the deal his compatriot Remy Cabella heads the other way on a season-long loan after an unsuccessful spell for the French international following his €10 million move to England last year.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Little threat to Russia losing hosting rights
LONDON • American and Swiss criminal investigations into corruption in global football are unlikely to lead to any threat to Russia retaining the hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup Finals, according to sources familiar with the probes.
Prosecutors are examining whether there were irregularities in the awarding of the rights to hold that tournament and the 2022 Finals in Qatar.
REUTERS
Duncan voted NBA's best team-mate
WASHINGTON • San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan has been honoured with the 2014-15 Team-mate of the Year Award.
The award recognises the National Basketball Association player deemed the best team-mate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership and commitment and dedication to his team.
XINHUA
