SHORT CORNER
USA, Oman bag ODI status
Agencies
USA bagged the ODI status for the first time in their cricketing history as they defeated Hong Kong by 84 runs in the World Cricket League Division 2 match in Windhoek on Wednesday.
Oman, who had three wins in their first three games, were also awarded the ODI status.
The win was USA’s third in the tournament, in four games, and ensured they will finish in the top four in the table. The top four teams from Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Namibia, Canada, Oman and USA will join Scotland, the UAE and Nepal in Cricket World Cup League 2.
FA Cup winners to be served non-alcoholic champagne
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The winners of next month’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Watford will for the first time celebrate with non-alcoholic champagne to accommodate those who do not drink.
The FA said in a statement that they had taken note of those players who do not drink for religious reasons, are tee-total or too young to consume alcohol.
“Winning teams will be awarded with non-alcoholic ‘champagne’ for their celebrations in all FA competitions, starting from this year’s FA Cup Final,” read a statement cited by Sky Sports.
“This is to ensure that we are as inclusive as possible to players and communities who may be prohibited from alcohol, as well as any players who are under 18.”
Spanish court acquits Rosell
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A Spanish court on Wednesday acquitted former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, who spent nearly two years in pre-trial custody, for money laundering.
Rosell, his wife and four others, were accused of “large-scale money laundering” of close to 20 million euros ($23 million) since 2006, relating to television rights and sponsorship deals in Brazil.
The National Court, which handles major criminal cases, said it had acquitted all six accused because “after evaluating the evidence presented during the trial, the accusations were not proven”.
“As such, given the doubts that were raised, the principle of ‘in dubio pro reo’ must apply,” said the court, using the Latin for ‘when in doubt favour the accused’, referring to the presumption of innocence.
Liverpool reveal pre-season tour to United States
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Premier League title contenders Liverpool will head to the United States for their pre-season tour ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, the club announced on Tuesday.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League by two points, have announced three friendlies in the US to fine-tune their preparations for next season.
The Reds will take on manager Jurgen Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund in the first competitive soccer match in the University of Notre Dame’s 77,000-capacity stadium in Indiana, on July 19.
Liverpool then fly to Boston where they will play Sevilla on July 21 at Fenway Park -- home of the Boston Red Sox, the other prized asset in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group’s portfolio.
Their final match of the tour is against Sporting Lisbon on July 24 at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Long breaks fastest goal record
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Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history on Tuesday after netting just 7.69 seconds into his side’s 1-1 draw at Watford, who snatched a point thanks to Andre Gray’s late equaliser.
Long’s record-breaking goal came immediately after the kick-off when he blocked a clearance from Watford defender Craig Cathcart, allowing the Republic of Ireland international to dink a cool finish over Ben Foster.
The 32-year-old’s effort surpassed the previous fastest Premier League goal, scored by Tottenham defender Ledley King in 9.9 seconds against Bradford in December 2000.
“It’s a record, is it?” Long told Sky Sports News with a grin after the game. It’s nice to have a record like that, but it would have been nicer if it was the winning goal.”
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