TRIPOLI: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi hit out at world governing body FIFA for operating what he called a soccer “slave market” that deprived poor nations of talented players and fostered racism among supporters. In a message on his personal website, Gaddafi said instead of promoting international friendship, “what happened is the spread and deepening of hatred”, he said. “Then it shifted to being a slave market . by buying players and selling them from one state to another and from one club to another. FIFA reactivated the system of slavery and enslavement and trading in human beings from Africa to Europe and America.”Roy Keane announces his retirementGlasgow: Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane retired from soccer Monday because of nagging injuries that have plagued him the last year. The 35-year-old Irish midfielder, who played with Celtic this season, said he was quitting based on medical advice from his surgeon and Celtic doctor. “I feel my only option is to retire,” Keane said in a statement on the Celtic website. Question mark over Shevchenko fitness POTSDAM: Captain AndriyShevchenko’s fitness for Ukraine’s opener against Spain remained in doubt even though he trained, a team spokesman said.Coach Oleg Blokhin may delay a decision on whether he plays in Wednesday’s game until as late as one hour before kickoff, spokesman Igor Miroshnichenko said. “Shevchenko took part in heading, jumping and stretching exercises during the first 15 minutes of Sunday’s training and did not appear in any discomfort from his knee injury. (Agencies)
