No action against Ronaldo: Fifa
JOHANNESBURG: FIFA will not discipline Cristiano Ronaldo for spitting as he left the field after Portugal8217;s second-round loss against Spain. FIFA says its disciplinary committee found no grounds to open a case against the Portugal captain. Ronaldo was being followed by a television cameraman filming him after the final whistle of his team8217;s 1-0 defeat in Cape Town and he appeared to stare into the lens then spit near the camera operator8217;s feet. FIFA8217;s disciplinary panel had the option to issue a warning,fine or impose a match suspension.
Injury worries for Van Persie
JOHANNESBURG: Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has gone to the hospital for a scan on an arm injury he picked up in the victory over Brazil and is a doubt for his team8217;s semifinal match against Uruguay. Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk says he did not yet know the extent of the injury. Van Persie fell on his arm during the game in Port Elizabeth. Defender Joris Mathijsen,who pulled out of the game against Brazil during the warmup with a right knee problem,is also having a scan.
SA power strike during WC?
JOHANNESBURG: A major trade union in South Africa says last ditch talks to prevent a strike by employees of the country8217;s power monopoly have adjourned without a solution. The pending strike by the 30,000 workers could affect the power supply to the World Cup stadiums,which will rely only on generators. The National Union of Mineworkers said Friday the power company,Eskom,invited all three unions to an urgent meeting to find a solution to their labor dispute. The unions are threatening the strike to pursue their demands for a 9 percent wage increase and a housing allowance for all employees. The negotiations will resume Saturday.
Bangladesh lament Brazil loss
DHAKA: Several people were injured and Bangladesh8217;s largest hospital recorded a jump in cases of sedative poisoning following Brazil8217;s shock departure from the World Cup,a doctor said. Firoz Ahmed,a doctor at the 1,700-bed state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital DMCH hospital,said among those treated Friday night were at least 15 Brazil or Argentina supporters. 8220;They fought after some Argentine supporters celebrated Brazil8217;s defeat,8221; he said. Ahmed said at least five Brazilian supporters were admitted.