Best of the Rest
Stars protest Israel hosting event: Dozens of footballers have signed a statement protesting UEFA’s decision to stage the European under-21 championship in Israel next year following the country’s recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
A statement signed by 62 players, including Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Arsenal’s Abou Diaby, claims that Israel hosting the tournament will be “seen as a reward for actions that are contrary to sporting values.”
The statement was released by the Palestinian Campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. Israel launched the offensive in Gaza earlier this month in response to months of intensifying Palestinian rocket fire. (AP) Ferrari end pursuit of Vettel case: Sebastian Vettel’s status as the youngest triple champion in Formula One history was confirmed on Friday when Ferrari dropped its probe into the German driver’s conduct at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Italian giants wanted clarification into a contentious overtaking manoeuvre performed by the Red Bull driver on the fourth lap of the rain-lashed, seasonending race at Interlagos last weekend.
Vettel finished sixth while title rival Fernando Alonso was second as the German claimed the title by just three points.
World governing body, the FIA, said Friday that out of courtesy to Ferrari, they had looked into the overtaking move and had declared Vettel to have acted within the rules.
“The FIA has replied to Scuderia Ferrari stating that as the overtaking manoeuvre was not in breach of the regulations, and therefore there was no infringement to investigate, it was not reported to the Stewards by Race Control,” said an FIA statement.
Ferrari then declared that they would no longer pursue their query. (AFP) Sharapove aims for top spot: Maria Sharapova is looking to return to the No. 1 spot in the world rankings after returning to top form this year.
Sharapova has endured a difficult few years after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of 2008, but has come back brilliantly and briefly reached No. 1 after winning the French Open to complete a Career Grand Slam.
On Friday she says, “Obviously the goal is always to shoot for top spot and that’s always where you want to be and stay. It’s one thing to reach the No. 1 ranking, another to keep it.” (AP)