The Malaysian Insider

LONDON, Nov 21 —A day that began with FIFA ruling out a replay of the France v Ireland World Cup playoff ended, after pleas, denials and opinions from all quarters, with the French still heading for South Africa and the Irish seething.

William Gallas’s extra-time equaliser, created with the help of Thierry Henry’s handball, in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in Paris that sent France through with a 2-1 aggregate win must already be among the most replayed of recent years.

It has also become one of the most widely discussed with both team captains, the rival federations, political figures from the two countries and a host of managers across Europe giving an opinion on the issue yesterday.

LONDON, Nov 21 — Brief news from the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s matches:

* Manchester United are still struggling defensively before their home game against Everton today (0130 Malaysian time) with Rio Ferdinand and Fabio definitely out injured, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea doubtful and Gary Neville suspended.

Manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday that Ferdinand’s long-running back problem had finally been identified but that he would still be out for a couple of weeks.

SEATTLE, Nov 21 — LA Galaxy’s David Beckham is to have pain-killing injections for a bruised ankle bone before tomorrow’s MLS Cup final but said he would be fit for the game against Real Salt Lake.

England midfielder Beckham told a news conference after training yesterday he had not been able to train all week due to the right ankle injury he picked up in last week’s playoff win over Houston.

“Today (Friday) was the first day I trained. Unfortunately it has been frustrating ... because with bone bruising you have to be pretty careful not to get any kicks on it.

LONDON, Nov 21 — Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini was discharged from hospital yesterday following surgery after a motorcycle crash but the Italian is unlikely to play again this season, his club manager said yesterday.

“I think he will be out for the rest of the season,” Harry Redknapp told reporters. “I’ve never thought about letting a player ride a bike. I didn’t even know he had one. We don’t let them do it. I’m sure he won’t be riding it again.”

The 36-year-old keeper had successful operations last Friday on his right wrist and pelvis and is already mobile with the assistance of crutches, Spurs said in a statement.

MONTE CARLO, Nov 20 — The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is still seeking a resolution to South African runner Caster Semenya’s gender case, spokesman Nick Davies said today.

Semenya, 18, underwent gender verification tests in South Africa and Germany after winning the women’s 800 metres at the Berlin world championships last August. A panel of experts convened by the IAAF has been studying the results.

In an interview with Reuters, Davies said it had also yet to be decided under what circumstances the 18-year-old would be allowed to compete as a woman.

South Africa’s sports ministry said in a statement yesterday that the IAAF had agreed to allow Semenya to retain her gold medal and prize money.