Atiba Hutchinson most notable absence from Canadian roster for World Cup warmups
Canada will be without talismanic captain Atiba Hutchinson for World Cup warm-ups later this month against Qatar and Uruguay.
Cup Sport News
FIFA quash appeal to kick Ecuador out of World Cup
The complaint centred around Byron Castillo, a defender who played in eight of Ecuador's qualifiers for the World Cup. The Chilean football federation (FFCH) said there was evidence that Castillo, who plays for Leon in Mexico, was born in Colombia in July 1995 and not in Playas, Ecuador in November 1998. The FFCH alleged "use of a falsified birth certificate, false declaration of age and false nationality". Following a hearing on Thursday, FIFA's Appeal Committee confirmed an earlier ruling by the Disciplinary Committee. "On the basis of the documents presented, the player was to be considered as holding permanent Ecuadorian nationality," FIFA said. The FFCH reacted with fury, saying that Castillo had refused to appear at the hearing. "This is a dark day for football and for the credibility of the system. The footballing world heard a player who helped Ecuador qualify for the FIFA World Cup admit he was born in Colombia and that he gained an Ecuadorian passport using false information. No wonder he refused to participate in the FIFA hearing," said Jorge Yunge, the FFCH general secretary. With just over nine weeks until the opening game on November 20, Chile or Peru can still appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. "I have never seen in my entire life as a lawyer an injustice like this one," said Eduardo Carlezzo, the lawyer for the FFCH. "Sad day for football and for fair play. The message is clear: cheating is allowed. We will appeal to CAS." Ecuador finished fourth in South American World Cup qualifying to secure the last automatic regional berth.
Jos Buttler Wants England Battle-Hardened For T20 World Cup From Pakistan Tour
England skipper Jos Buttler said Thursday he hopes his injury-hit Twenty20 side embrace the challenge of facing a strong Pakistan team on their first tour of the country in 17 years. Security issues have meant Pakistan has struggled to attract visiting sides since an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, but tours have slowly resumed in the past few years -- with England the latest. This seven-match series is seen as a preparation for next month's Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Australia, and Buttler hoped his young side build up well for the mega event.
SA U19 women to face India in World Cup opener in Benoni
South Africa are in Group D ahead of the inaugural ICC U19 Women's World Cup in South Africa set from 14-29 January.
Van Gaal trims Netherlands squad as he shows World Cup hand
AMSTERDAM: Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal on Friday (Sep 16) cut his squad down to 25 for this month’s Nations League games against Poland and Belgium as he gave a strong indication of the players he will take to the World Cup.
FIFA rejects Chile appeal over Ecuador's 2022 World Cup place
Chile has lost its appeal to FIFA to replace Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the world football governing body announced on Friday.
Novak Djokovic pens emotional tribute to retiring Roger Federer who prepares for Laver Cup farewell in London
Novak Djokovic has released an emotional tribute to his rival and friend Roger Federer after the Swiss icon announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion shared the news on social media prompting heartfelt reactions from across the tennis community. The likes of Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams have congratulated Federer on his achievements, and now, Djokovic has spoken for the first time since the news broke.
Ecuador set for World Cup opener, Chile appeal rejected
Ecuador look set to hold on to their place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year after FIFA's appeals committee dismissed a claim of ineligibility against one of their players.