Three more years of Chang-Barca tie-up

BANGKOK • Thai brewery Chang has announced an extension of its partnership deal with Barcelona by another three years.

Its senior vice-president Prapakon Thongtheppairot said that the deal will see the beer brand continue to bring in a wide range of football-related activities and experiences to South-east Asia.

Court throws out Zorio's motion against Lim

VALENCIA (Spain) • A Spanish court has dismissed the legal complaint made by Miguel Zorio against Peter Lim, the Singaporean owner of Spanish football club Valencia.

The former club vice- president alleged that Lim paid inflated transfer fees to players managed by his associate, super agent Jorge Mendes. However, "no evidence of crime" was found, according to Valencia's provincial prosecutor.

Juve 12th in Italian league after losing again

MILAN • Juventus slumped to another surprise loss when they went down 0-1 at Sassuolo on Wednesday.

Defeat left the Serie A champions in 12th place with 12 points from 10 matches.

REUTERS

Mascherano evaded $2.3m in taxes

GAVA (Spain) • Barcelona's Javier Mascherano yesterday admitted to two counts of tax fraud totalling over €1.5 million (S$2.3 million) before a judge, who will decide whether the case proceeds to trial.

The Argentina international missed Barca's 0-0 draw with third-tier Villanovense in the first leg of their Copa del Rey round-of-32 tie on Wednesday through suspension.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

McIlroy trails leader in Turkey by 6 shots

ANTALYA (Turkey) • World No. 3 Rory McIlroy carded a five-under 67 in the opening round of golf's Turkish Airlines Open yesterday.

The Race to Dubai leader is six strokes behind leader Jaco van Zyl (61).

The South African posted the best score in relation to par on the European Tour this season.

REUTERS