Turf war: Players who had begun legal action over the use of artificial surfaces at this year’s Women’s World Cup have dropped their case, their lawyers said yesterday. A group of elite women’s players had sued FIFA, arguing that artificial turf surfaces for the tournament, which takes place in Canada from June 6 to July 5, were unsafe and that it was discriminatory for women to play on such surfaces. Dr Hampton Dellinger accused FIFA of delaying tactics and making threats of suspension against the players.
Casteels: Hoffenheim have confirmed that goalkeeper Koen Casteels has been sold to Wolfsburg. The 22-year-old has been out of action since last April when he broke his leg. He made a total of 39 appearances for Hoffenheim prior to that injury.
Gabriel: Arsenal are expected to press ahead with their interest in Villarreal centre-back Gabriel Paulista. Reports said, however, the Gunners are likely to have to overcome a work permit hearing before the uncapped Brazilian would be allowed to play in England. Villarreal want to see the €20m release clause activated, with manager Marcelino admitting earlier this week that might prove “impossible to turn down”.
Routledge: Swansea winger Wayne Routledge has been ruled out for four weeks with a calf strain. Routledge, who has featured in 19 of the club’s 22 Premier League fixtures this campaign and scored three times, came off after only 32 minutes of last weekend’s 5-0 home defeat to Chelsea. But there was better news for manager Garry Monk yesterday as Ecuador international Jefferson Montero re-turned to full training for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in the 1-0 victory against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Hoedt: Lazio have announced AZ Alkmaar defender Wesley Hoedt will be joining the club this summer. Hoedt had a medical in the Italian capital yesterday before signing for the Serie A outfit, whom he will join on a free transfer when his current contract with AZ ex-pires at the end of June. The 20-year-old, a product of AZ’s youth academy, has scored one goal in 12 league appearances for the Eredivisie club this season.