AIFF, states to discuss U-17 WC selection
NEW DELHI: Keeping in mind the selection procedure of the Indian national team for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup from the 2014 Coca Cola Cup, the All India Football Federation has invited all State Associations to a workshop with the AIFF technical team here on July 1. It is compulsory for all the secretaries and coaches of the member associations to attend the workshop. AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das told the-aiff.com that the “intention of the workshop is to ensure that the Coca Cola Cup, the primary source of scouting for 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup, is held and conducted in a manner that allows the AIFF spotters to pick the best talent in the Country and strengthen the U-17 academies.” The Cola Cola Cup kicks off in July with the final phase scheduled to be held in November 2014. Meghalaya are the defending champions. (Agencies)
Mohun Bagan rope in Nigerian player
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan roped in their second foreign recruit – Fatai Adisa Alao – for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old Nigerian represented Al-Oruba Club in the Yemen Football League since 2009 and played in the AFC Cup in 2012. He has also played for Al-Ittihad Club, the Mariners stated in a release. (PTI)
Dimitrov thrives on Sharapova work ethic
London: Grigor Dimitrov praised the work ethic of superstar girlfriend Maria Sharapova on Wednesday but stopped short of shining a light on his relationship with sport’s richest woman. Dimitrov and Sharapova, who have been dating for 18 months, are Wimbledon’s most high-profile power couple. But the Bulgarian 11th seed, often touted as a Grand Slam champion in the making, is far happier talking about the influence of veteran Australian coach Roger Rasheed than the impact of Sharapova. “Well, we’re competing in the same sport, but not in the same category,” said the 23-year-old Dimitrov. “All I can say is that I think Maria’s one of the best workers that can be out there, one of the best students of the game. She’s just the best at what she does. “I’m just different towards my preparation and how I like things to be done. I mean, I’m also a workaholic. I think you can learn a lot in a way. But I think in the end it’s not about what I’m going to learn from her. It’s about what I want to learn from myself and for the game. I’m trying to find all the ways possible on my own. Of course, it’s great to have support like hers.” But do the lovebirds find a perfect balance between work and play while they are chasing Wimbledon titles? “I think that’s more of a private thing, so I don’t feel comfortable commentating on that,” said Dimitrov in reponse. (Reuters)
‘Hothead’ Fognini fined at Wimbledon
LONDON: Fabio Fognini of Italy was fined a total of $27,500 (Rs 16.55 lakh) by Wimbledon on Wednesday for outbursts during his first-round victory earlier in the week. Fognini, who is seeded 16th at the Grand Slam tournament, was docked twice for unsportsmanlike conduct – one penalty carrying a $20,000 price tag, the other $5,000 – and lost another $2,500 for what was termed a visible obscenity. The punishment was announced two days after Fognini’s first-round match. Fognini can appeal. ”They have rules here, different from other (tournaments), that need to be followed,” Fognini said after beating Tim Puetz of Germany 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the second round on Wednesday. He spoke at a news conference that was held before the fines were announced. When the subject of Fognini’s behavior Monday was first broached with him on Wednesday, he said he didn’t want to talk about it. Fognini has a reputation for being volatile on court, and an Italian reporter asked whether he feels as if he is under special scrutiny from officials. ”I am kept track of, the way (top-10 player Ernests) Gulbis is, because we’re two hotheads,” Fognini said. On Monday, Fognini was assessed a point penalty for throwing his racket, directed anger at the chair umpire and got into an argument with another tournament official who was at the match. Eventually, Fognini came back from two sets down to beat Alex Kuznetsov 2-6, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, 9-7. The fines will come out of Fognini’s prize money. He is already assured of earning at least 71,000 pounds – which is about $120,000 – by getting to the third round. (AP)