Kenya Chaos: FIFA is concerned that chaos in Kenyan soccer is impeding the east African country from achieving its full potential at a time when its neighbours are making significant strides in the world's most popular sport. Jerome Champagne, the FIFA president's delegate on special affairs, said even anarchic Somalia is developing fast with the support of the world's ruling body. "We applaud and support the progress in the region, but we are sad for Kenya," Champagne told Reuters from Zurich yesterday. "FIFA has invested $5 million in building infrastructure, building stadiums ... and providing technical services in the region."
Pauleta: Paris St Germain's Portugal striker Pauleta was banned for two matches for insulting an assistant referee, the French Professional Football League (LFP) ruled yesterday. Lineswoman Corinne Lagrange said in her match report that Pauleta had called her a "cow", which the player has denied, during PSG's 1-0 Ligue 1 win over Rennes on Saturday.
Slovakia: Slovakia appointed Jan Kocian as national soccer coach yesterday after his predecessor Dusan Galis stepped down to pursue a political career. Kocian served as assistant coach for the national squad in 1993-1995 and most recently was head coach of German second league team Sportfreunde Siegen. The 48-year-old steps in at a crucial moment for Slovakia in their quest to qualify for Euro 2008. The team suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat by Germany last month, and are third in Group D, with six points from four games.
China: Former China internationals Su Maozhen and Ou Chuliang will assist new Olympic team coach Ratomir Dujkovic in his preparations for the 2008 Beijing Games, local media reported yesterday. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) have appointed 34-year-old former striker Su as the Serb's assistant manager while Ou will coach the goalkeepers, according to a report on the sina.com website.
Sammy Lee: Bolton assistant manager Sammy Lee will take temporary charge of England Under-21s in this month's friendly in Holland. Peter Taylor has guided the under-21s to the European Championship finals next year but is unavailable for the clash due to his full-time role at Crystal Palace, who are struggling in the Championship.
Horse Racing: English Melbourne Cup hopeful Wunderwood was put down after breaking his leg in a training mishap yesterday. The eight-year-old, among a powerful international contingent who have made the long trip to Australia for the country's richest and most famous horse race to be run next week, shattered his near pastern, two small bones located between the fetlock joint and the hoof.