MENA

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has come out against the Chelsea players who missed a UEFA Cup match in Israel because of worries about their safety, saying the "god of football" was watching as they lost to Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The Wegmans Rochester International LPGA Tournament has signed a deal with Jay Advertising.

The Football Association of Ireland says it will not take out special insurance for the Republic of Ireland’s crunch World Cup qualifier play-off in Iran.

The much-hyped return of Michael Jordan to the NBA scored a solid TV rating for host broadcaster Turner Network Television (TNT).

Michael Jordan's comeback ended in defeat after he missed a 3-pointer in the dying seconds for the Washington Wizards who went down 93-91 to the New York Knicks.

Formula One team McLaren has confirmed it will use Michelin tyres in 2002, after a four-year association with Japanese firm Bridgestone.

Basketball and baseball are set for one of its most crucial days in New York later tonight with the dream double of Michael Jordan's NBA return at Madison Square Garden and the Yankees at home in the World Series.

Turner Sports has further extended its window of exclusivity in the ongoing talks for the renewal of the TV rights deal for the NBA.

The Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) will start a five-year development programme from 2002 targeted for the 2006, when the Asian Games will be held in Qatar.

Podia has acquired the licensing and merchandising rights for two leading Formula One teams.

England have withdrawn from the International Rugby Board's World Sevens tournament in Dubai next month.

UK terrestrial broadcaster the BBC is to show live coverage of Michael Jordan's return to the NBA on October 30 - the first time it has ever carried NBA content.

Formula One teams have met Kirch Group directors in a quest for more cash from the company, which owns 58.4 percent of F1 holding company SLEC.

Alain Prost has held talks with French Minister of Youth and Sports, Marie-George Buffet as the fight to rescue his ailing Formula One team continues.

Honda has confirmed it is to supply both British American Racing (BAR) and Jordan with engines next season, after a report in a German magazine said that Volkswagen could tie-up with Jordan for 2002.

Within two weeks, Alain Prost’s Formula One team could become the first F1 team to cease trading, according to close sources.