Short Corner

ULAB to sponsor Khulna Titans

Sports Reporter

University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladesh Premier League side Khulna Titans to become their sponsors.

Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Habibul Bashar, ULAB VC Professor Dr. HM Jahirul Haque and Ms. Asmaul Roxana Sylvia, chief marketing officer, were present at the signing at the Titans' office in Dhanmondi.    

FIFA should expand 2022 World Cup to 48 teams: Infantino

Reuters

FIFA should if possible increase the size of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 to 48 from 32 teams, the global governing body's president Gianni Infantino said.

Last month, Infantino said a majority of national football federations were in favour of expanding the tournament and a decision was expected ahead of the qualifying draw in March. Infantino, speaking on Wednesday, also said FIFA was seeing whether it would be possible for some of Qatar's Gulf neighbours to host some of the matches.

He said last month that it would be "difficult" to stage an expanded tournament in Qatar alone.

"If you think it's a good thing to have 48 teams in the World Cup, why not try four years before, that's why we are analysing whether its possible to have 48 teams already in 2022," Infantino said on Wednesday. "The World Cup will take place in Qatar with 32 teams. Obviously, if we can increase it to 48 teams and make the world happy we should try it."   

Murray outgunned by Medvedev

AFP

Russia's Daniil Medvedev showed Andy Murray just how much work he still has to do, when he beat the former world number one in straight sets in the Brisbane International on Wednesday.

Murray is making a comeback to the sport after a disastrous 2018, during which he played just six tournaments and was out of the game for 11 months with a hip injury.

He had a comfortable first round win over James Duckworth but found the step up in class too much against Medvedev, the 22-year-old Russian cruising to a 7-5, 6-2 win in just 80 minutes.

"In the second set I made a few too many mistakes, and there was a period in the match from 5-5 where I lost six games in a row," Murray said.

"And I think when you obviously play better players, I mean he's 15 in the world or so, they will expose any errors that you make in your game or any shots that you're not hitting particularly well.

"And he did that tonight."

Medvedev will meet Canada's Milos Raonic in the quarter-finals.

The huge-serving Raonic fired down 21 aces in his 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) win over Serbian qualifier Miomir Kecmanovic to go with the 18 he served in the first round.         

Transfers a private matter, says Solari

Agencies

Santiago Solari insisted Real Madrid's transfer strategy is a private matter as he evaded questions about the continued speculation over potential incomings and outgoings at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Asked if he had requested a new signing at a press conference ahead of Thursday's trip to Villarreal, Solari said: "I have no news to tell you about that. What we are interested in is tomorrow's game, and the start of this year, which we must begin with the maximum humility and commitment. Which we have at the moment."

Pressed on whether he would understand if Keylor Navas or Isco wanted to leave, he replied: "I'm not working on any hypotheses. We're all focused on the game tomorrow.

"It's not my place to talk about transfer strategies. That's a private matter.

"They're all very happy, what we're focused on now is starting the year with the humility needed to take on these three competitions we want to try and win."  

Ole has brought the buzz back, says Shaw

Agencies

Luke Shaw believes the positivity of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has delivered a buzz back to Manchester United.

"Ole has a completely different style to his way and we are adapting to that and enjoying it and that's the main thing," Shaw told Sky Sports. "There's a great buzz around the place with Ole coming back in, there's a lot of good things to look forward to.

"Ole is a really positive and friendly guy and knows this club really well as he was here for many years and he knows what the club needs. He is here for six months and it's a massive thing for him to do an amazing job and that would be great for him.

"We all back him and want the best for him as he wants the best for us. We have to work together and keep doing the right things and keep smiles on faces and keep winning."        

Juve confirm Ramsey interest

Agencies

Juventus have confirmed their interest in signing Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who will reportedly leave the Gunners once his contract expires at the end of the season.

"Ramsey? He's a great player. We really like  him and he plays for a great team. His contract is expiring and we're always alerted to situations that the market offers, so we've also been alerted to Ramsey," Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici told Sky Sport Italia. "I repeat, for now he's an Arsenal player and we're not the only team who want Welshman."                  

Valverde hails competitive Messi

Agencies

Ernesto Valverde lauded the competitiveness of Lionel Messi as he named the Barcelona superstar's finest asset.

Messi is enjoying another prolific campaign thanks to 21 goals in all competitions, including a league-high 15 in La Liga.

Speaking to Barca TV, head coach Valverde said: "What I'd most highlight about Leo Messi is his huge sense of responsibility for the team. It shows in every game in every competition.

"What he does is not only difficult, but he does it again and again … That takes enormous mental strength. I have never known anyone with such an amazing competitive spirit."