World Cup hat-trick: America's Bert Patenaude has belatedly been recognised as the first scorer of a World Cup hat-trick after FIFA cleared up a 76-year-old error. FIFA announced yesterday that Patenaude was the first man to score three goals in a World Cup match when he inspired the US to a 3-0 win over Paraguay during the inaugural 1930 tournament in Uruguay. Patenaude's second goal was originally attributed to his team-mate Tom Florie but FIFA said it had accepted evidence from "various historians and football fans" that Patenaude scored all three goals. As a result of the revision, there have now been a total of 48 hat-tricks scored at the World Cup.

Cassano: Real Madrid have lifted their training ban on Antonio Cassano for his criticisms of manager Fabio Capello after the Italian striker met with players and coaching staff yesterday. Real said the 24-year-old had cleared the air in a meeting and would resume training with the team today to prepare for this weekend's league game at Osasuna.

Ban challenge: The German FA (DFB) is considering a challenge against the two-match ban UEFA gave Aaron Hunt on Thursday for "gross unsporting conduct" in last month's U-21 play-off match against England. Hunt, a Werder Bremen striker, has denied accusations he made racist comments against England defenders Micah Richards and Anton Ferdinand. Hunt said after the England match there had been "some fierce verbal exchanges" but no racist terms.

Betis move: Primera Liga side Real Betis will play their home games at Seville's Estadio Olimpico from January 2007 while their present ground undergoes improvements. The Estadio Olimpico, which can hold up to 70,000 people, has lain idle for much of the time since its construction for a failed Olympic bid.

Marseille: Marseille will have to play one of their next home Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors after a fireman was hurt by a firebomb thrown by one of their fans. The fireman picked up the bomb during a league match late last month in Nice and lost two fingers. A Marseille fan, who admitted throwing the item, faces up to 10 years in prison.

Division Three: Luqa vs Xghajra 1-2; Fgura vs Kirkop 2-0.

Basketball: Peugeot League - Depiro vs SN Suns 77-20; Sliema Wanderers vs Hibs 29-88.

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