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Egypt footballer Ghaly tests positive for doping (AP)

Egypt football player Hossam Ghaly reportedly tested positive for doping and could be suspended for two years. Ghaly, who plays for Saudi team Al Nasser, reportedly tested positive for a banned substance last month after his club's cup match against Al Hilal. Al Riyadh daily reported Wednesday that the Saudi Football Association's disciplinary committee has told Al Nasser to temporarily...

SAfrican politician says WCup criticism unfair (AP)

A South African politician is striking out at criticism of the nation's readiness to host the World Cup. With three months to go until kickoff, chairman of the parliament committee on sport and recreation Butana Komphela said Wednesday that the preparations have come under unfair scrutiny. Komphela said at a media briefing in Cape Town that a rail station in Germany was still being completed...

Portsmouth fires 85 staff to trim costs (AP)

Portsmouth has fired 85 staff members as part of the indebted Premier League club's attempt to avoid the threat of closure. Club administrator Andrew Andronikou said Wednesday that staff have agreed to work fewer hours and he'll attempt to negotiate salary deferrals with others. None of the cuts include players, although Andronikou said 'one or two' players have offered to take...

Barcelona candidate mulls controversial shirt deal (AP)

One of the leading candidates to become president of Barcelona this summer has said he would consider breaking the club's tradition of not selling advertising on players' shirts. Sandro Rosell, who is expected to run in elections to replace outgoing president Joan Laporta, said that financial issues must be taken into consideration with regard to shirt sponsorship.

Report: Hiddink to coach Ivory Coast at World Cup (AP)

Guus Hiddink has agreed to coach Ivory Coast at this year's World Cup, Dutch national broadcaster NOS reported Wednesday. NOS said the Dutchman will lead Ivory Coast from May 15-July 15 before taking over as Turkey coach in August. NOS said that before signing with Ivory Coast, Hiddink must confirm that his contract with Russia has been ended.

BRIEF-Soccer-Lokomotiv Moscow sign Maicon and Slovenia's Ilic (Reuters)

Lokomotiv Moscow have signedSlovenia defender Branko Ilic and Brazilian striker Maicon, theRussian Premier League club said on Wednesday.

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