At least six of Brazil’s World Cup arenas, including the Maracana stadium where the final was staged in 2014, are under scrutiny in a wave of new political corruption investigations launched by the country’s Supreme Court last week.
Newly unsealed plea bargain testimony from engineering group Odebrecht cited irregularities at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, the National Stadium in Brasilia, the Pernambuco Arena in Recife, the Castelao Arena in Fortaleza and the Amazonia Arena in Manaus, along with the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Evidence that builders and politicians collaborated to fix contracts reinforces suspicions that many of the 12 stadiums built or renovated for the 2014 World Cup were overpriced.
Torino want to keep Hart
Torino would like Joe Hart to remain with the Serie A club next season – but head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic admits the Italians cannot afford to sign the England goalkeeper permanently.
Hart, 29, is on loan with Torino from Man. City and has enjoyed a largely decent season at the Stadio Olimpico yet Torino say they could not meet the £15m valuation City would demand in the summer.
Mihajlovic said: “Hart wants to stay at Torino but we are all aware, both him and the club, that we can’t buy him.
“At the most we could take him on loan for another year but that depends on both Manchester City and him.”
Ronaldo allegations dismissed
The management company of Cristiano Ronaldo Gestifute issued a statement refuting a report that the Portugal star paid $375,000 to settle an allegation of rape.
Citing documents from an out-of-court agreement, German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that Ronaldo’s lawyer agreed to a settlement in 2010 after an alleged incident in Las Vegas a year earlier.
But Gestifute, founded by Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, called the story “a piece of journalistic fiction” and said Ronaldo would “do everything in his power” to protect his reputation.
Lyon, Besiktas charged by UEFA
UEFA has begun disciplinary action against French club Olympique Lyon and Turkish side Besiktas after crowd trouble delayed the start of their Europa League clash on Thursday.
Ugly scenes in the crowd delayed kickoff at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais by 45 minutes and both teams have been charged with multiple offences, UEFA said.
Lyon have been charged with insufficient organisation and a breach of safety regulations as their fans blocked stairways, set off fireworks and finally invaded the pitch after the home team’s second goal completed a comeback 2-1 win.
Visiting Besiktas have been charged with setting off fireworks, throwing objects and crowd disturbances.
Arsenal won’t break bank for Sanchez
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will not break the bank to keep Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium.
The Chile forward has a little over a year remaining on his current contract and his form this season has seen the likes of Paris SG, Chelsea and Man. City linked with his signature.
“Some people tell me ‘just give him what he wants’, but then you cannot respect anymore any wages structure and you put the club in trouble as well,” Wenger said.
“That is why you have to make the decision in an objective way. Always the club has to be the priority.”
Emery pleased with gritty PSG
Unai Emery praised his Paris St Germain side’s resilience after they ground out a 2-0 win at Angers.
PSG kept the pressure on Ligue 1 leaders Monaco thanks to Angel di Maria’s brace, although the hosts created plenty of chances and saw a Cheick N’Doye effort chalked off.
“It was a difficult game here in Angers,” Emery said. “I think my team was very fierce, with a good pressing.
“We are happy for the three points, we are happy with the game that the team did.”