Serena slams Russian chief for “William brothers” statement

World number one Serena Williams slammed Shamil Tarpishchev for using “extremely sexist, racist and bullying” comments after theRussian Tennis Federation (RTF) president described her and sister Venus as the “Williams brothers”

Women not ‘sufficiently competitive’ as Saudi Arabia selects all-male team

By Julian Linden SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia has failed to include a single female athlete in its 199-strong team for the upcoming Asian Games in South Korea, saying its women are not sufficiently competitive. The Saudi stance sparked criticism from Human Rights Watch, which condemned its all-male line-up, saying the ultra-conservative state was shutting … Read more

Blatter confirm bid to stand for FIFA presidency

Sepp Blatter will run for a fifth, four-year term as FIFA president. Buoyed by a successful World Cup in Brazil and UEFA President Michel Platini opting not to stand in next year’s election, the 78-year-old Blatter believes he has the backing to win again. “I will make an official declaration definitely in September now when … Read more

Athletes from Ebola-hit nations barred from Youth Olympics events

Genève, Suisse | AFP | Athletes from Ebola-hit countries in west Africa have been barred from competing in some sports in the Youth Olympics that open in China at the weekend, the International Olympic Committee and Chinese organisers said Friday. “Athletes from affected areas will not compete in combat sports” and “it was also decided … Read more

Fifa rejects calls to strip Russia of World Cup

FIFA has rejected calls to move the 2018 World Cup from Russia, saying the tournament “can achieve positive change.” Russia’s alleged involvement in shooting down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine last week prompted calls from some lawmakers in Germany to review the country’s hosting rights. FIFA says it supports “any peaceful and democratic debate” … Read more

Blatter, Emir of Qatar meet for labor rights talks

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has met with the Emir of Qatar to discuss improving migrant workers’ rights in the 2022 World Cup host nation. In a statement published late Wednesday, FIFA says they discussed “ongoing reforms of labor rights” at a one-hour meeting. Unions and rights groups have campaigned to highlight unsafe conditions in Qatar, … Read more

England FA wants Garcia corruption file published

England’s Football Association wants FIFA prosecutor Michael Garcia’s ongoing confidential report into alleged World Cup bidding corruption to be published. FA chairman Greg Dyke tells a British parliamentary panel that “we as the FA will ask for it.” Dyke says if FIFA and Garcia refuse “then I hope the Sunday Times gets hold of it.” … Read more

Blatter casts doubt on Russia 2018 plans

By Mike Collett RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – FIFA president Sepp Blatter threw an unexpected seed of doubt into Russia’s preparations for the 2018 World Cup on Monday when he said that FIFA will discuss the possibility of reducing the number of stadiums to be used there in four years time. Two days after Russian … Read more