Laden may target Olympics
]SYDNEY: Alleged terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden could target the 2000 Olympic Games because of Australia’s close links to the United States, US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Chief Louis Freeh warned today.Freeh, who is visiting Australia to advise on law and order to the government and Olympic organisers, said Sydney would be at risk of an attack because of the large contingent of American athletes and spectators at the event.
Freeh told Australia’s Channel Nine: “His (Bin Laden’s) threat, or fatwah, (is) against not only Americans but the friends of America who we believe are clearly most of the world, and certainly our very close friends here in this part of the world.”
Asiad profits
BANGKOK: The 13th Asian Games held here in December last had generated 3.9 billion baht ($108.3 million) in income, a senior official from the Bangkok Asian Games organising committee (BAGOC) today said.
Santiparb Tejavanija, president of BAGOC’s finance andprivilege committee, confirmed that the 13th Asiad had made some 3.9 billion baht, among them 2.8 billion baht ($77.8 million) in cash and one billion baht ($ 27.8 million) in the form of products and services, Xinhua reported.
Fan loses eye
BERGAMO, ITALY: A 27-year-old Napoli fan lost an eye here yesterday after being hit in the face by a bottle thrown through the windscreen of his car by rival supporters.
Michele Alloca was rushed to hospital after being hit by the bottle but surgery failed to save his left eye.
Symcox in trouble
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s veteran off-spinner Pat Symcox has landed in hot water for allegedly misbehaving on a flight home from Australia last week, according to media reports today.
Flight manager Bossie Bossert alleged that Symcox and a woman sitting next to him had made a racket on the flight, causing other passengers to complain.
Walsh, Ambrose fit
PORT-OF-SPAIN: Veteran pace bowlers Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose have beendeclared fit for the first Test against Australia starting on Friday.Steve Camacho, chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), said the pair were `available for selection’.