Maradona ‘Hand of God’ WC ball sells for $2.4 mn
LONDON, Nov 17: The ball punched in by Diego Maradona for his “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup has been sold at auction for nearly $2.4 million by the referee who missed football’s most famous handball. Ali Bin Nasser, the Tunisian former match official who refereed the quarterfinal game between Argentina and England in Mexico, owned the 36-year-old Adidas ball that was sold at Graham Budd Auctions in London for 2 million pounds ($2.37 million) on Wednesday. Bin Nasser said before the auction he felt it was the right time to share the item with the world and expressed hope the buyer would put it on public display. The Maradona goal that gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in that match against England — but should not have been allowed — has become part of football legend. (AP)
Lewandowski Liga suspension increased to three games
BARCELONA, Nov 17: Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski’s suspension was increased to three games by the Spanish football federation on Wednesday. Lewandowski had received a one-game suspension when he was sent off with a second yellow card during Barcelona’s 2-1 comeback win at Osasuna on Nov. 8. The Spanish football federation’s competition committee has now added two more games to his suspension because of what it called the player’s “show of disrespect” toward the referee following his sending off. Referee Gil Manzano wrote in his match report that Lewandowski twice pointed at his nose before pointing his thumb at the referee. (AP)
Madrid expected to launch theme park in Dubai
MADRID, Nov 17: Real Madrid has plans to launch its own theme park in Dubai. The Spanish club announced a deal with Dubai Parks and Resorts on Thursday to build a Real Madrid theme park to be inaugurated “in the final quarter of 2023.” The 14-time European club champion said the park will feature “Real Madrid-related attractions,” including “a museum, amusement rides and games of footballing skill” in addition to shops. Dubai Parks and Resorts runs a Legoland park and theme parks. (AP)