FIFA suspends Iraq

FIFA has suspended Iraq from world football because of political interference in the national federation. Football’s world governing body says it was “unacceptable” for Iraq’s Olympic committee to disband the federation this week for alleged financial and administrative irregularities. FIFA’s emergency committee led by president Sepp Blatter imposed the suspension on Friday after Iraq missed an overnight deadline to reinstate the federation. Iraq’s national teams now cannot take part in international matches, and FIFA funding has been stopped. However, Iraq’s U-16 girl’s team can play in a week-long tournament in Jordan starting Sunday.

Harinder beats top seed

Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu upstaged top seed Andrew Wagih Shoukry of Egypt to reach the final of the Indian PSA Challenger Series number five squash tournament. Harinder, ranked 102nd, beat Shoukry 11-5 11-8 12-10 in 29 minutes. In the other semi-final, second seed James Snell of England beat Egyptian fifth seed Ahmed Hawas 11-3 11-6 11-7.

Bhutia advised two-week rest

Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been advised two weeks’s rest to recover from his calf-muscle stretch he suffered at the national camp in Goa. The AIFF has released Bhaichung from the camp after an MRI revealed a the injury. Dempo’s Mahesh Gawli and Samir Naik are also recovering from injuries and hence not at the camp.

Mankad-Huey make semi-final

Harsh Mankad and Phillipines’s Treat Conard Huey rallied from a set down to advance to the semi-finals of the ATP Challenger event in Champaign,USA. The second seeds overcame Dominic Inglot of Britain and American Rylan Rizza 3-6 7-6 (5) 10-7. They next face fourth seeds Martin Emmrich of Germany and Andreas Siljetsrom of Sweden.

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