WICB denies approach made to `A’ team players
ST JOHN'S, Antigua, (CMC) - A report carried on leading cricket website Cricinfo says that the West Indies ‘A’ team has turned down an offer by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to replace those senior team players who have refused to sign their match/tour contracts for the imminent Sri Lanka tour.
But Leonard Robertson, the WICB's Corporate Communications Manager, told CMC Sports yesterday he was not aware of such a development.
"As far as I am aware, the selectors have not met," Robertson explained.
He also indicated that according to his knowledge, only three players had signed the contracts and that the Board had made no attempt to secure the services of another batch of players.
If that action became necessary, Robertson explained, the selectors would have to convene in order to choose respective players.
The Cricinfo.com website said that the West Indies ‘A’ team had been summoned to a meeting where the tour manager approached them on behalf of the WICB to see if they were willing to replace their senior counterparts.
According to the report, "the players unanimously refused to discuss the matter, and subsequently contacted the Board to advise it that they would not do anything until negotiations between WICB and WIPA were completed."
The WICB and the players' union, the West Indies Players Association, remained locked in a dispute yesterday over the terms and conditions of match/tour contracts for the Sri Lanka tour.
With the players due to leave soon for Sri Lanka, the impasse threatens to derail the series that comprises two Tests and a tri-nations One-Day International tournament involving India.
Guyana XI whip Canadians despite Nandu's heroics
... Chattergoon takes MVP award
By Frederick Halley
TORONTO, Canada - A five-wicket haul from former Guyana Under-19 leg-spinner Arjune Nandu failed to earn the Guyana-based Canadian side victory over the Guyana Select XI in their annual Western Union-sponsored Celebrity cricket match, held as part of Guyana's 39th Independence anniversary.
The match, played before a bumper crowd at the L'Amoreaux Park, Scarborough, on Sunday, and which formed part of the annual Guyana Festival, organised by the Guyana Consulate here, saw the Guyana Select XI batting first and registering 189 for eight in their allotted 40 overs. In reply, the locals were bowled out for 117 in 35.3 overs, thereby giving the Guyana XI victory by the wide margin of 72.
The victory was sweet revenge for the Guyana side who were beaten by their counterparts in last year's game, played at the same venue.
The Guyana XI were given a solid opening stand of 85 in 17.3 overs by skipper Sewnarine Chattergoon and Troy Gobin before the former departed for a delightful top score of 46, an innings that included five fours off 57 balls in 80 minutes.
Gobin, a former National Under-19 batsman, who also performed the duties of wicketkeeper quite competently, hit 36 while there were useful contributions from Esaun Crandon (22), and Vishal Arjune (20).
The stocky Nandu grabbed five for 38 off his eight overs to be the most outstanding bowler for the hosts while R. Zulfikar took one for 30 and last year's hero Eion Katchay claimed one for 26.
The locals were never up to the challenge, staggering behind the required run rate for most of their innings before succumbing to the Guyana pace/spin combination.
Former Canadian bastman Abdool Samad hit a top score of 31 off 54 balls with two massive sixes while Paul Prashad, who also represented Canada, scored 25.
Off-spinner Zaheer Mohamed bagged three for eight off 3.3 overs, guest player G.Beharry two for six, Imran Jafferally two for 20 off eight while Crandon crowned a fine all-round performance, capturing two for 22 off six overs.
Guyana's captain Chattergoon was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his side for his top score of 46 while Nandu took the award for the Canadian side.
The match climaxed a month of activities to commemorate Guyana's 39th Independence anniversary which was organised by the Guyana Independence Festival Committee in conjunction with the Guyana Consulate in Toronto and was being held for the tenth consecutive year.
Among those who have participated in the annual feature over the years are former Guyana and West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, legendary off-spinner Lance Gibbs, Joe Solomon, Faoud Bacchus, Leonard Baichan and the late Roy Fredericks.
The Festival however saw a switch in dates from May to June in 2004 to capitalise on better weather conditions.
The change of date locates the Festival in much warmer weather conditions, thereby removing the uncertainty that has surrounded the event in previous year.
Campbell completes Jamaica double, Bolt wins 200
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) - Olympic champion Veronica Campbell completed a fine sprint double and world junior record holder Usain Bolt won his 200-metre sprint with authority as Jamaica’s National Track & Field Championship ended Sunday night.
Campbell clocked 22.53 seconds in her victory and Bolt logged a solid 20.27 seconds on an evening that saw Olivia McKoy set a new national mark of 60.49 metres in the women’s javelin at the National Stadium.
Campbell outran last month’s US Collegiate champion Sheri-Ann Brooks (22.80) in her half-lap victory, with Aleen Bailey third in 23.00.
Bolt shrugged off a strong early race challenge from 2001 World Championship silver medallist Chris Williams (20.37), and Omar Brown was third in 20.49 seconds.
McKoy’s javelin mark bettered her previous record of 59.87 metres. Lesser known athletes in the 400-metre races toppled some big names as
Lansford Spence lifted the men’s crown and the 19-year-old Shackira Williams captured the women’s equivalent.
Spence clocked a career-best 44.77 seconds to beat two of last year's Olympic finalists -- defending champion Brandon Simpson (44.83) and reigning Commonwealth champion Michael Blackwood (44.97). Fourth-placer Sanjay Ayre (44.97) also produced a sub-45 clocking.
Fenton, coming back from injury, chased Williams (50.97) in the women’s race to take second in 51.24, ahead of Ronetta Smith (51.45).
The usually competitive women’s sprint hurdles lived up to its billing and produced a dead-heat finish between Pan American Games champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton and Central American and Caribbean (CAC) champion Delloreen Ennis-London, each recording season’s best times of 12.60 seconds.
Vonette Dixon was third in 12.67 seconds.
Maurice Wignall, fourth at the Athens Olympics last summer, predictably landed the men's 110-metre hurdles in 13.54 seconds, topping Chris Pinnock (13.72) and decathlete Decosma Wright (13.81).
Former CARIFTA champion Sheree Francis cleared a personal best 1.89 metres to take the high jump, beating Karen Beautle (1.86 metres) and James Beckford, a former Olympic silver medallist, won the long jump at 7.63 metres, ahead of Herbert McGregor (7.51).
Women’s 800-metre favourite Kenia Sinclair ran two minutes 00.37 seconds to capture the two-lap event, beating US Collegiate champion Aneita Denton (2:01.91) and Kayann Thompson (2:02.64).
Russians, Federer and Roddick run riot
By Bill Barclay
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova and a troika of Russian compatriots blazed a record-breaking trail at Wimbledon tennis yesterday while leading men's contenders Roger Federer and Andy Roddick were just as dominant.
On a day when all 16 fourth-round matches were crammed into the schedule, women's top seed Lindsay Davenport won a three-set battle with Belgian Kim Clijsters and U.S. compatriot Venus Williams tasted some sweet sisterly revenge.
Defending champion Sharapova was joined by Anastasia Myskina, Nadia Petrova and Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight - a record representation for a single nation at that stage of a grand slam women's singles.
Second seed Sharapova dispatched Nathalie Dechy of France 6-4, 6-2 victory on Court One.
"I'm playing better and better," said the 18-year-old after her fourth consecutive straight-sets win of a so far flawless title defence.
Defending men's champion Roger Federer displayed similar authority in beating 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.
Despite recording his 33rd consecutive win on grass, the perfectionist Swiss, who is seeking a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles, was not overly impressed.
"Today I thought it was extremely slow somehow," he said. "It was very hard to overpower him, whereas normally this is my strength.
"I wish I could serve and volley a bit more."
Second seed Roddick cowed Argentine claycourter Guillermo Coria 6-3, 7-6, 6-4.
The American, who lost in last year's final to Federer, ventured to the net more than usual against Coria but said he could not yet afford to plan a rematch with the Swiss.
"It's close, but it's far," the 22-year-old said. "I'm not good enough to overlook the next two matches and look ahead."
Roddick next faces French practice partner Sebastian Grosjean. The ninth seed, a losing semi-finalist at Wimbledon in each of the last two years, needed all his resolve to beat Russian Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 yesterday.
Australian third seed Lleyton Hewitt had to fight a little harder, losing a third-set tiebreak before beating American Taylor Dent 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.
GUTSY MYSKINA
Clijsters lost to Davenport in three sets at this year's French Open and the 15th seed battled gamely on Centre Court to force a third set but double-faulted on match point to hand the 29-year-old American a 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 win.
"I was really bummed about not winning the second set but I felt like I did really well up until the very end stages," said the American, who is seeking to add to her 1999 Wimbledon title.
Awaiting Sharapova in the quarter-finals is eighth seed Petrova, who saved two match points before beating Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.
Gutsy ninth seed Myskina came through her third dramatic three-setter in four matches 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 against compatriot Elena Dementieva, the sixth seed whom she beat in the 2004 French Open final.
U.S. Open champion Kuznetsova, on her 20th birthday, completed the Russian quartet by overpowering experienced Bulgarian Magdalena Maleeva 6-4, 6-3.
She will face Davenport next while Myskina's quarter-final opponent is third seed Amelie Mauresmo.
A semi-finalist on her last two Wimbledon visits, the French number one overcame a wobbly start to beat yet another Russian Elena Likhovtseva 6-4, 6-0.
Her compatriot Mary Pierce brushed aside Italian Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 6-1 to reach her first Wimbledon quarter-final since 1996.
She will next face Venus, who avenged her sister Serena's shock third-round loss to fellow American Jill Craybas by thrashing the 30-year-old 6-0, 6-2, on court two - the scene of Craybas's upset - in dwindling light on Saturday.
ANCIC OUT
Spain's Feliciano Lopez will play Hewitt next after upsetting last year's semi-finalist Mario Ancic of Croatia, the 10th seed, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the last eight at a grand slam for the first time.
He became the first Spaniard in 33 years to reach the men's quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
Fernando Gonzalez, meanwhile, became the first Chilean to reach the last eight at Wimbledon since 1985 with his 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory over Russia's Mikhail Youzhny.
The only man yet to drop a set, his dubious reward is a quarter-final with Federer.
French 19-year-old Richard Gasquet was swept aside 6-4, 7-6, 6-0 by 18th seed and 2002 runner-up David Nalbandian of Argentina.
In the last eight the Argentine faces 12th seed and 2002 Australian Open Thomas Johansson. The Swede beat Belarussian Max Mirnyi 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
Demerara inflict double victories over Essequibo in tape-ball competition
SPLENDID bowling performance from Demerara’s captain and pacer, Garfield Morris, propelled his team to a magnificent victory over Essequibo on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac in the inaugural 25 overs Inter-county tape ball cricket competition.
Demerara won the toss and took first strike, only to be bowled out for a meagre total of 97 off 17.5 overs.
Only Rawle Allicock showed any sort of defiance to the improved Essequibo bowling attack, scoring a patient 22.
Former Guyana Under-19 cricketer Shivanandan Madholall snarled four for 16 off five overs and received good support from Orin Belfield Junior and L. Narine with two for 12 and two for 17 respectively.
Essequibo, after doing the hard work of bowling out the opposition cheaply, were unable to compete with the strong Demerara bowling attack and were embarrassingly skittled out for 60.
Morris finished with five wickets for 12 runs from his five mandatory overs, while A. Ifill took two for 16 and D. Fingand two for 17.
Davendra Parsram who scored 19 and opening batsman Dinesh Joseph 14 were the only batsmen to reach double figures for Essequibo.
In the first match on Saturday, Demerara whipped Essequibo by 164 runs. Batting first Demerara, led by an opening stand of 163 between centurion Trevor Henry (107) and Rawle Allicock, who scored 96, reached a huge 273 for four off their allotted 25 overs, while in reply Essequibo were restricted to 109 for eight off their allotted overs.
For the victories, Demerara received the Carry Cargo Transportation Services champion trophy.
Morris, for his five-wicket haul, finished with the Most Valuable Player award, which was sponsored by Dhanson Trading, while David Dick copped the Demerara Crystal best fielder award and Rawle Allicock the Regal Station and Office Supply for the most sixes.
Hatton chasing Mayweather fight
RICKY Hatton says he wants to take on American Floyd Mayweather in Madison Square Garden in November or December.
Mayweather destroyed Arturo Gatti to win the WBC light welterweight crown on Saturday and IBF champion Hatton is eager to boost his profile in the US.
Manchester boxer Hatton told BBC Sport: "Madison Square Garden is the mecca of boxing and I've never topped the bill there. That would be an absolute dream.
"But the show is put on where the money goes so he may have to come over here."
Hatton, who took the IBF belt from Kostya Tszyu in Manchester on June 5, added on BBC Radio Five Live: "I want one more fight before the end of the year around November-December.
"I'm taking a break now and when we find out who we are fighting I'll get back in training."
Asked if he thought Mayweather would be a dangerous opponent, Hatton said: "Yes, very much so.
"But not more dangerous than Kostya Tszyu.
"He doesn't hit as hard as Kostya Tszyu but he makes up for it with speed and sheer boxing ability. Maybe that would give me advantage but who knows.
"I'd like to fight him next. You have to say that (what he did against Gatti) was absolutely masterful. Gatti's no mug, but that's how Mayweather made him look.
"I've said all along I'm scared of nobody and that's not changed.
"And there is no reason that Mayweather should fear me with performances like that.
"(US lightweight) Diego Corrales has also been mentioned, but I just have to sit down with my team and see what we can work out."
Hatton was ringside to watch Mayweather crush Gatti in Atlantic City and the British boxer admitted his Stateside value has gone up following his win over Tszyu.
"A lot of people were quick to admit they got it wrong and are starting to believe in me," he said.
Meanwhile, Hatton's promoter Frank Warren said television commitments were no obstacle to the fight being made.
Warren said: "We don't have any contractual commitments to any television networks and I will sit down with Ricky and his dad soon to discuss where we go from here."
The 26-year-old Mayweather - a previous world champion at super featherweight and lightweight - stepped up to the heavier division in 2004.
A devastating performance has put him in with the chance of a shot against Hatton, and the fighter said he would be interested in facing the Briton.
Hatton added: "Being a boxing fan, you have to say that he may do a lot of talking and a lot of bad-mouthing.
"But he's pure class and that's why he's one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
"He just seemed in a completely different league."
Hatton's trainer Billy Graham also said a meeting between two of the biggest names in boxing could be on the cards.
"We have talked about Floyd Mayweather for the last couple of years and nothing has changed," said Graham.
"Ricky Hatton isn't Arturo Gatti. I know what to do to beat Mayweather.
"Ricky has got the tools. He needs educated pressure. Mayweather has got wicked balance but Hatton has fantastic balance as well. (BBC Sport)
Mexico learn valuable lessons for World Cup finals
By Mike Collett
HANOVER, Germany, (Reuters) - Mexico should return to Germany next year with a realistic chance of matching their best ever performance in the World Cup.
Mexico reached the quarter-finals when they hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986 and their performances in this month's Confederations Cup football, including a 1-0 win over world champions Brazil, hint that under Argentine coach Ricardo La Volpe they may pose a major threat to the leading contenders.
They were only defeated on penalties by Argentina in Sunday's semi-final following a 1-1 draw after extra time, ending a 20-match unbeaten run.
A point clear at the top of the final group stage in the CONCACAF qualifiers, Mexico will almost certainly clinch their place in the finals and return to Germany a more knowledgeable and confident side.
"This experience will stand us in good stead for next year," said defender Gonzalo Pineda. "We now have 12 months to keep learning."
Despite their relative success in reaching the semifinals, Mexico's campaign was overshadowed by a doping case involving Aaron Galindo and Salvador Carmona. Both were expelled from the camp after testing positive in controls held before the start of the tournament.
LITTLE CREDIT
Mexico gained little credit for the way they handled the situation.
Their officials initially played down the incident, saying the players had been sent home for disciplinary reasons. La Volpe implied the pair had been punished for going out partying.
Only later did the Mexico Football Association confirm the case was doping related, with the players now facing sanctions that could jeopardise their hopes of playing in next year's finals.
Even before the tournament started, Mexico incurred FIFA's wrath by releasing four Guadalajara Chivas players in their squad to compete in the Libertadores Cup. FIFA ordered their reinstatement in the squad.
By contrast, their on-field progress was remarkably smooth.
La Volpe employed similar tactics to those used by Otto Rehhagel last year to lead Greece to a surprise victory at Euro 2004, often playing with seven or eight men in defence, and launching swift counter-attacking moves.
They were helped by a goalkeeper in Oswaldo Sanchez who had an outstanding tournament and was named man-of-the-match in the 1-0 win over Brazil and a goalless draw with Greece.
With the inventive, Brazilian-born midfielder Zinha always causing the opposition problems and Jared Borgetti a threat up front, Mexico looked strong in all areas.
"I have been able to play so well because I have very good defenders in front of me, who make it very hard for the opposition," said goalkeeper Sanchez.
Mexico, who proved their resilience by coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their opening match, fully deserved their victory over world champions Brazil and, with their place in the semifinals assured, played out a low-key draw with Greece.
They were just 10 minutes from a place in the final before conceding only their second goal of the tournament against Argentina, who went on to take the penalty shoot-out 6-5.
After facing hosts Germany in the third-place match in Leipzig tomorrow, La Volpe will turn his attention to their remaining World Cup qualifiers and a return to the main event in 2006.
Best likely to be fit for second A-Team `test’
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) - Barbadian fast bowler Tino Best, who missed the final day’s play of the West Indies ‘A’ team’s victory over Sri Lanka on Sunday because of hamstring trouble, is likely to be fit for the second game starting this week.
Team coach Ian Allen said the 23-year-old pacer suffered only cramps and should be able to take his place in the side for the second unofficial four-day ‘Test’ starting tomorrow.
“It was a very hot four days and we didn’t want to risk it that much, so he came off and got some precautionary treatment,” Allen told CMC Sport.
Best had taken two quick wickets on Saturday evening to set back the Sri Lankans as they chased 316 for victory but did not bowl on the final day when the home side collapsed badly and lost by 57 runs.
“Hopefully he should be alright and we should have him back for tomorrow’s match,” Allen added.
With three wickets in the first innings, and two scalps in the second innings, Best finished with a match haul of five for 94 to be the most successful bowler for the West Indies reserves in the game.
He has played 10 Tests and six one-day international (ODI) matches for the West Indies and is one of the players fancied to stay on in Sri Lanka for the West Indies tour starting next month.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) had named 13 players for the tour and announced that two players from the current ‘A’ team in the country would be added to the party for the series of two Tests next month and a tri-nation series also involving India, from July 30 to August 9.
Gatting on the Ashes
By Saj Chowdhury BBC Sport
ALMOST 20 years on from leading England to their most recent Ashes glory, Mike Gatting is en route to another triumph.
That said, it will be an arguably more arduous task than winning the 1986-87 series Down Under, the last time England held the Ashes.
The former Middlesex batsman is in the middle of a 1 200-mile walk in which he will attempt to visit all 18 first-class counties in 38 days, all in aid of the Ashes Walk charity.
For someone whose weight is routinely commented on in cricket circles, it will be quite an achievement.
But although he is firmly focused on completing the epic task, the 48-year-old told BBC Sport that thoughts of the forthcoming Ashes series have been simmering in the back of his mind.
"England do have a very, very good squad," said Gatting.
"They're still young and they've got a bit to learn, but they've played very well over the last two years.
"I know captain Michael Vaughan loves playing against the Aussies.
"You've also got the firepower of Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff - who I believe is going to be England's main guy. There's also Andrew Strauss, who had a wonderful summer (in 2004).
"But as a group they're pretty strong mentally and have proved themselves in the Test cricket arena.
"The great thing is we haven't just got the bare 11, we have people who can come in to replace other people. I'm cautiously hopeful."
As for the debate surrounding who should be picked in England's middle-order, Gatting had no hesitation in putting across his view.
"Definitely Graham Thorpe and Ian Bell," he added.
"Kevin Pietersen played well in the one-day games, but Test cricket is very different.
"It would be a bit unfair to leave out Bell who made 150 in the last Test and you need someone like Thorpey who has that bit of experience.”
Kahn reluctantly accepts German keeper-rotation
BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has reluctantly accepted coach Juergen Klinsmann's plan to rotate the number one shirt between himself and rival Jens Lehmann until next year's World Cup.
Asked when he would settle the issue, Klinsmann told German television on Saturday: "Just before the World Cup in May 2006."
Kahn, 36, made it clear in a news conference yesterday he would prefer the matter to be resolved well ahead of Germany's hosting of the World Cup next year, but said he would go along with the management.
"If it's going to be another year, then so be it," Kahn said. "I feel I have raised myself to a level where I would like to see myself. The two titles at Bayern have shown that. I don't view it as negative. I will take this challenge gladly."
Kahn, who won the league and German Cup with Bayern Munich last season, indicated he would have preferred a more settled side, particularly in light of Germany's defensive problems -- they have let in 10 goals in their past five matches.
"It would certainly not be a disadvantage if a back four could get used to a goalkeeper. But that's not a criticism, it is just my view," Kahn said.
Kahn played in Germany's first match in the Confederations Cup, against Australia, with Arsenal's Lehmann getting the nod twice ahead of tomorrow's third-place playoff against Mexico, for which Kahn will again be in goal for his 80th cap.
NUMBER ONE
Kahn was Germany's undisputed number one keeper and captain under previous coach Rudi Voeller to the annoyance of Lehmann, who argued he had made fewer blunders than his rival.
However, Klinsmann stripped Kahn of the captaincy after taking over in July 2004 and said the keepers would have to prove who was Germany's best.
The pair have taken turns in goal in matches since.
Kahn added that keepers could build confidence and rhythm by knowing they would play.
"These are things that one has to consider and for a goalkeeper are very important. It's not about what I think, but is a question of philosophy ... Juergen Klinsmann and the training team don't think so, and I have to accept that."
Kahn said he and the team were disappointed to have missed out on the Confederations Cup final after their 3-2 loss to Brazil in Saturday's semifinal in Nuremburg, but said they were fired up for the Mexico match.
"It's less about a place but a chance to see where we are or to see what we have to do. So we see this match as a step towards the World Cup. We don't see it as a necessary evil or senseless match for third or fourth place.”
Albion, Young Warriors in semi-final replay Friday
THE Competitions Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) have ruled a replay in the second Berbice Zone semi-final cricket match between Albion Community Centre and Young Warriors in the 2005 Neal and Massy National 40- overs first division cricket competition.
Albion had claimed that the match should be awarded to them, in a letter sent to the Board after they felt that hosts Young Warriors did not make a serious attempt to have the pitch ready for play after a shower of rain last Wednesday, the day the match was originally set for at the Cumberland ground in Canje.
Chairman of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) Competitions Committee Carl Moore told Chronicle Sport yesterday that his committee at a hearing of the matter held last Sunday at the Board’s Office in New Amsterdam found that there was not enough clear evidence that Young Warriors deliberately did not do their best to have the pitch dry off.
Further to that, Moore stated that umpire Clement Brusche, one of the two umpires appointed to officiate in the match and who was also present at the hearing indicated that after the mid-morning rain, it didn’t look as if play would have been possible for the day but Albion opted to wait until 14:20 h, the latest time play could have been possible.
The winner of Friday’s match will go forward to meet Rose Hall Town Courts who defeated West Berbice in the first semifinal in the Berbice Zone final on Sunday at the Port Mourant Community Centre ground. (Vemen Walter).
FIFA considering permanent memorial to Foe - Blatter
By Mike Collett
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - FIFA is considering a permanent memorial to honour Marc-Vivien Foe, the Cameroon international footballer who collapsed on the pitch and died during the last Confederations Cup competition in France two years ago.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, speaking two years and a day after the death of the 28-year-old whose clubs included Olympique Lyon, West Ham United and Manchester City, told a news conference that FIFA's Ethics Committee would be considering the matter today.
Blatter said it was possible FIFA would name a trophy after him to be awarded to the outstanding player in the Confederations Cup.
"There was a suggestion to name the Confederations Cup competition after him, but in the end the African confederation thought it was better for the competition to have a neutral name.
"Now one of the things the Ethics Committee will discuss is a trophy for the best player of the tournament named after him.
"It is right that we should never forget what happened and maintain the memory of this player.
"Many people linked to football die all the time but his death was a very emotional one. We have already established a foundation of one million Swiss francs ($789 900) to provide for his family and for the education of his three young children."
HEART PROBLEM
Foe, with no-one around him, suddenly fell to the ground in the 72nd minute of Cameroon's semifinal with Colombia in Lyon on June 26, 2003 and never regained consciousness. A heart problem was later diagnosed as the probable cause of death.
FIFA dedicated Sunday's semifinal between Argentina and Mexico in Hanover to his memory and is also putting in place plans to prevent a repetition of the tragedy.
All 32 teams at next year's World Cup finals will be required to present evidence that their players' hearts are in good condition in an effort to prevent further cases of sudden cardiac arrest in footballers.
"The aim is to identify problems in advance, using special sports-cardiological diagnostics," said FIFA medical coordinator Professor Toni Graf-Baumann of Germany.
There have been an alarming number of similar cases recently, including those of Hungary international Miklos Feher of Benfica, who died after collapsing from a heart attack in January 2004, and Sae Caetano defender Serginho, who died in a Brazilian championship match in October the same year.
Hugo Cunha, a midfielder with Portuguese club Uniao Leiria, collapsed and died during a game with friends on Saturday, according to a report by Lusa news agency.
Greene says he would run relay if asked
By Gene Cherry
CARSON, California, (Reuters) - Injured three-time 100 metres world champion Maurice Greene said on Sunday he would run on the U.S. 4x100 metres relay team at the Helsinki world athletics championships in August if asked.
Greene crashed out of the 100 metres final at U.S. championships on Saturday after injuring his left hamstring 70 metres into the race.
That made the former world record holder ineligible for the 100 metres team for Helsinki, but because he ran in the U.S championships, he could compete on the 4x100 metres relay.
"If Justin (Gatlin) and Shawn (Crawford) ask me, I will run the relay," Greene told Reuters in an interview at the championships.
Olympic 100 metres champion Gatlin won both sprints at the U.S. championships while Crawford, the 200 metres gold medallist in Athens, finished second in the shorter race and third in the 200.
Gatlin said later he would welcome Greene on the relay team.
"It would not be a great relay without Maurice," Gatlin said. "He's a great runner, he has a lot of heart and I know he would get the job done."
Greene said he was told by officials he "was eligible to run the relay".
"My hamstring is still tight, still painful, but I will be OK," Greene added. "I hope to be ready to run in three weeks."
The 30-year-old Greene was in tears after the injury on Saturday.
"I felt like I could have won it (the U.S. title)," Greene told reporters. "I wanted to go and get my world title back."
Greene won the last of his three world titles in 2001. He was the Olympic bronze medallist in the 100 metres at Athens and anchored the U.S. 4x100 metres relay team to a silver medal.
Clement races to hurdles glory, Gatlin doubles up
By Gene Cherry
CARSON, California, (Reuters) - Kerron Clement ran the seventh-fastest 400 metres hurdles in history and Olympic 100 metres gold medallist Justin Gatlin completed a sprint double on the final day of action at the U.S. athletics championships on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Clement, who broke Michael Johnson's indoor 400 metres world record in March, pulled away from Bershawn Jackson approaching the final hurdle to cross the line in 47.24 seconds.
The time was the fastest in the event in seven years.
"It was perfect," the Trinidad-born Clement said.
"It was the first time this year I didn't chop my steps."
Jackson finished second in 47.80 seconds and James Carter claimed third in 48.03 seconds in the meeting, which served as the American trials for August's world championships in Helsinki.
Gatlin clocked 20.04 seconds into a headwind to win the 200 metres and become the first man to complete the sprint double at the U.S. championships in 20 years.
"I want to continue to do the same thing in Helsinki," said Gatlin, who predicted a U.S. sweep in the event at the world’s.
Gatlin had won the 100 metres in 10.08 seconds on Saturday, one day after officials reinstated him in the event following his disqualification for a false start in the preliminaries.
ANGRY CRAWFORD
Tyson Gay took second in 20.06 seconds and Olympic champion Shawn Crawford, who is experiencing foot problems, grabbed the final U.S. team berth with a third-place finish in 20.12 seconds.
The top three finishers in each event qualify for the world championships.
"This whole track meet has been like a disaster for me," said Crawford, who took second in the 100 metres.
"I lost both of my events, and I hate losing," he added. "And I don't feel fine."
Olympic silver medallist Allyson Felix won the women's 200 metres in a life-time best of 22.13 seconds, also the fastest time in the world this year.
Rachelle Smith was almost a tenth of a second behind in 22.22 seconds and U.S. Olympic trials 100 metres champion LaTasha Colander was third in 22.34 seconds.
Michelle Perry, a heptathlete who turned to the hurdles, defeated Olympic champion Joanna Hayes in the women's 100 metres hurdles. Perry clocked 12.66 seconds for the victory with Hayes taking second in 12.77 seconds.
Perry had run even faster in the semi-finals, clocking a season-leading 12.43 seconds.
Christian Cantwell won the shot put at 21.64 metres with Olympic silver medallist Adam Nelson second in 21.52 metres.
Weary Argentina gear up for Brazil showdown
By Noah Barkin
HANOVER, Germany, (Reuters) - After eking out a win over Mexico, a relieved but weary Argentina are hoping they can recharge their batteries for the Confederations Cup football final against arch-rivals Brazil.
"We knew it wouldn't be easy because they're very quick and knock the ball around well," Argentine striker Javier Saviola said after his side battled a lively Mexican team for two hours under a blazing sun before snatching victory 6-5 on penalties.
"Now we've got to recover and get ready to face Brazil. We'll just have to wait and see if they can make their extra rest day count," he added.
Brazil, inspired by the attacking quartet of Adriano, Kaka, Robinho and Ronaldinho, outclassed Germany in Nuremberg on Saturday with a 3-2 win that left little doubt about who were the better side.
Their top players will take the pitch for the final tomorrow, while Argentina will have to make do without the darting Saviola, who picked up a red card for a late kick on Mexican midfielder Gonzalo Pineda.
"What we need to do now is to sleep, eat and get a good rest," said Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who scored the winning penalty against Mexico.
"I think we showed a lot of character out there. Now we've got to be positive for the Brazil game."
Argentina will need to be more convincing if they want to repeat their victory over world champions Brazil in a World Cup qualifier three weeks ago.
Jose Pekerman's side struggled to penetrate a swarming Mexican defence in the first half on Sunday and looked tired as the match moved towards extra time.
It took a scruffy close-range finish in the 110th minute from joint tournament top scorer Luciano Figueroa to save the match for Argentina and send it to penalties.
"It was a close game and we really struggled, but I'm happy we're in the final and that we've got Brazil," said Argentine defender Gabriel Milito. "That more than makes up for the tiredness.”
Ponte Preta move top in Brazil as fans stay at home
By Brian Homewood
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Unfancied Ponte Preta moved top of the Brazilian soccer championship after a bleak weekend where two games were played behind closed doors and several others in front of small attendances.
Ponte Preta won 3-1 at Juventude while Fluminense beat Corinthians 1-0 away in a deserted stadium in Mogi Mirim as both sides moved onto 20 points from nine games, overhauling former leaders Botafogo, who crashed 1-0 at home to lowly Figueirense.
Ponte lead the standings on goal difference.
Corinthians and Atletico Paranaense were both ordered to play in alternative venues because of crowd trouble at previous home games while Flamengo, who claim to have more than 25 million fans, were jeered and insulted by a crowd of 1 600 as they lost 4-3 to struggling Brasiliense.
Ponte striker Kahe scored the first and third goals and midfielder Everton scored in between after Ze Carlos had given Juventude a 12th minute lead.
Fluminense bounced back from Wednesday's disappointment, when they lost the Copa Brasil final 2-0 on aggregate to second division Paulista, to beat Corinthians with a second-half goal by fullback Gabriel.
Corinthians, who had won their last five games and were without Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, were serving the second of a two-match home ban after several of their fans invaded the pitch to protest at the team's performance in a 5-1 defeat by Sao Paulo.
Ponte Preta and Fluminense are two points ahead of Botafogo who fell to a second half goal scored by Marquinhos Parana.
PEGGED BACK
Defending champions Santos ended a five-match winless run as they beat Sao Caetano 3-1 to go fourth with 17 points.
Santos went ahead when Deivid scored after 22 seconds, the championship's fastest goal, but were pegged back by Alessandro's equaliser midway through the first half.
Pele's former team regained the lead when Ricardinho converted a penalty in first-half injury-time and former Barcelona and Olympiakos midfielder Giovanni scored the third in the 78th minute.
Disgruntled Flamengo fans jeered several of their players from the kickoff against Brasiliense and when the visitors went 4-2 ahead during the second half, they chanted 'ole' as Brasiliense passed the ball around.
The first half ended 2-2 as Oseas twice put Brasiliense in front and Obina hit back each time for Flamengo.
The Alligators took control with second half goals from former Flamengo midfielder Iranildo and Marcio Careca before Leonardo Moura reduced the deficit.
Flamengo's morale took another blow when defender Henrique criticised his team mates in a touchline interview.
"There are players who hide when the pressure's on," he said. "They have to face up to it like men."
Paranaense, last year's runners-up, stayed bottom after being held 0-0 at home by Fortaleza.
Paranaense rested several players for Thursday's Libertadores Cup semi-final second leg away to Guadalajara of Mexico, where they defend a 3-0 lead.