Bolt to take call on football career by month end
MELBOURNE: Usain Bolt will give himself until the end of November to take a call on whether to continue pursuing a career in professional football or not.
“I’ve got a lot of offers from a lot of other clubs out there,” Bolt said. “We’ll make a decision before the end of November if I’m going to go to another club or call it actually quits.”
The eight-time Olympic champion turned down an offer from Central Coast Mariners following a long trial with the A-league club.
Bolt took part in the club’s most recent A-league tie against Melbourne Victory despite failing to reach an agreement with the Mariners.
URUGUAY READY FOR BRAZIL SHOWDOWN
LONDON: Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira has warned Brazil that his side plan to build on their impressive World Cup campaign by claiming a famous win against their South American rivals on Friday.
Brazil are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Uruguay. The chance to upset their illustrious opponents at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium ensures Torreira and his teammates will treat the clash as more than just a friendly. It will be especially meaningful for Arsenal star Torreira, who has made a positive impression on his Premier League club since arriving from Sampdoria in the close-season.
“It will be an awesome game. It’s a friendly but it’s still such an important game,” Torreira said.
VAR TO BE USED AT 2019 ASIAN CUP
DUBAI: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be used from the quarter-finals of next year’s Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Thursday.
The regional governing body, which had initially announced its plans to introduce the system in September, confirmed that it would be employed at seven matches at the 2019 Asian Cup from the quarter-finals on.
UNITED EYE RECORD ANNUAL REVENUE
LONDON: Manchester United announced reduced quarterly revenues on Thursday but the English football giants insisted they remain on course to declare record annual income.
United’s revenue of £135 million for what is termed the first quarter of 2019 was down from £143.7 million in the same period last year. Broadcasting revenues were up £2 million to £42.8 million but commercial and matchday revenues were down.
The difference, however, has largely been attributed to a fixture schedule that has seen United play two fewer matches than in the same period last year.