FACTBOX-World Cup fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Reuters.co.uk)
April 29 (Reuters) - The chaotic scene at the end of the Cricket World Cup final on Saturday when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things. ATHLETICS - The 1908 London Olympics marathon finished in disarray when officials helped the exhausted leading runner Dorando Pietri …

Soccer: World Cup winner Ball dies (The New Zealand Herald)
LONDON - Alan Ball, the youngest member of England’s 1966 soccer World Cup winning side, has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 61.

FIFA president says backup hosts available for 2010 World Cup (Canada.com)
LONDON (AP) - Several other countries are capable of hosting the 2010 World Cup if South Africa isn’t ready, FIFA president Sepp Blatter says.

Several nations willing to be backup location for World Cup (KRGV-TV Texas)
LONDON (AP) - If South Africa can’t fulfill its obligation to play host to the 2010 World Cup, the leader of international soccer says several nations are ready and willing.

Soccer: World Cup winner Ball dies (The New Zealand Herald)
LONDON - Alan Ball, the youngest member of England’s 1966 soccer World Cup winning side, has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 61.

FACTBOX-World Cup fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Reuters.co.uk)
April 29 (Reuters) - The chaotic scene at the end of the Cricket World Cup final on Saturday when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things. ATHLETICS - The 1908 London Olympics marathon finished in disarray when officials helped the exhausted leading runner Dorando Pietri …

FACTBOX-World Cup fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Reuters.co.uk)
April 29 (Reuters) - The chaotic scene at the end of the Cricket World Cup final on Saturday when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things. ATHLETICS - The 1908 London Olympics marathon finished in disarray when officials helped the exhausted leading runner Dorando Pietri …

Soccer-Owen set for Newcastle comeback at Reading (Sports Illustrated)
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen could play for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Monday’s Premier League game at Reading.

FIFA president says backup hosts available for 2010 World Cup (Canada.com)
LONDON (AP) - Several other countries are capable of hosting the 2010 World Cup if South Africa isn’t ready, FIFA president Sepp Blatter says.

Speed has grounds for World Cup optimism (AFP via Yahoo! News)
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed said an enduring legacy of the World Cup would be a series of new and rebuilt grounds across the Caribbean.

Speed has grounds for World Cup optimism (AFP via Yahoo! News)
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed said an enduring legacy of the World Cup would be a series of new and rebuilt grounds across the Caribbean.

Cup final fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Stuff)
The chaotic scene at the end of the cricket World Cup final when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things.

Alan Ball, Winner of Soccer World Cup in 1966, Dies at Age 61 (Bloomberg.com)
April 25 (Bloomberg) — Alan Ball, the youngest member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning soccer team, died last night. He was 61.

Soccer: World Cup winner Ball dies (The New Zealand Herald)
LONDON - Alan Ball, one of England’s 1966 soccer World Cup winners, has died of a heart attack at the age of 61, the UK media reported yesterday. The former Everton, Arsenal and Southampton player won 72 caps for his country, scoring eight goals before moving into management.

Blatter backs World Cup in Asia in 2018 (Fox Sports)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants the 2018 World Cup to go to Asia instead of the United States or Europe. FIFA will decide later this year whether to continue its policy of rotating continents for the soccer showcase. The 2014 World Cup will be held in South America, with Brazil the only candidate. While North America would be next in line, Blatter said he considers North and South America as …

Soccer-Owen set for Newcastle comeback at Reading (Sports Illustrated)
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen could play for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Monday’s Premier League game at Reading.

Soccer-Owen set for Newcastle comeback at Reading (Sports Illustrated)
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen could play for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Monday’s Premier League game at Reading.

German Soccer Authorities to Investigate Klose’s Bayern Meeting (Deutsche Welle)
German soccer authorities will investigate a “secret” meeting between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen’s striker Miroslav Klose to see if any of the strict rules concerning approaches to contracted players were breached.

SOCCER INSIDER (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Bruce Arena can be arrogant, condescending, entertaining and annoying, and he can also be an impressive soccer coach.

FACTBOX-World Cup fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Reuters.co.uk)
April 29 (Reuters) - The chaotic scene at the end of the Cricket World Cup final on Saturday when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things. ATHLETICS - The 1908 London Olympics marathon finished in disarray when officials helped the exhausted leading runner Dorando Pietri …

Speed has grounds for World Cup optimism (AFP via Yahoo! News)
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed said an enduring legacy of the World Cup would be a series of new and rebuilt grounds across the Caribbean.

Soccer: World Cup winner Ball dies (The New Zealand Herald)
LONDON - Alan Ball, one of England’s 1966 soccer World Cup winners, has died of a heart attack at the age of 61, the UK media reported yesterday. The former Everton, Arsenal and Southampton player won 72 caps for his country, scoring eight goals before moving into management.

Money knocks out sporting excellence (The Australian)
ALL things considered, I think it is fair to say that the cricket World Cup of 2007 really was the worst sporting event in history.

Soccer-Owen set for Newcastle comeback at Reading (Sports Illustrated)
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen could play for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Monday’s Premier League game at Reading.

FACTBOX - World Cup fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Reuters via Yahoo! India News)
REUTERS - The chaotic scene at the end of the Cricket World Cup final on Saturday when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things.

FACTBOX - World Cup fiasco joins list of sporting bungles (Reuters via Yahoo! India News)
REUTERS - The chaotic scene at the end of the Cricket World Cup final on Saturday when umpires mistakenly ordered Australia and Sri Lanka to restart the match in virtual darkness was not the first time when sports officials have made a bungle of things.