It was a week where controversies dominated the proceedings. Commonwealth Games were in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and so was Michael Schumacher, overshadowing the build up to the soccer season and some sober cricket for the gentlemen. Nonetheless, we bring you all the transfer news, the drama, the adrenaline, the obvious and the not so obvious.
During the last week, there have been various stories regarding the irregularities in the orders of QBR Launch Function at London Overlays and association of M/S Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM) in obtaining the Sponsorship for the games. The controversy emerged over charges that a UK-based firm AM Films is being used as a channel for siphoning off crores of rupees that have been sanctioned by the government for the smooth conduct of the games. It is alleged that the money trail leading to UK is key proof of the rampant corruption in the Commonwealth Games 2010.Investigation reports are yet to follow.
Moving on to Formula 1, last week’s Hungarian Grand Prix was clinched by Red Bull’s Mark Webber who also went on top of the standings with 161 points closely followed by Hamilton(157), Vettel (151), Button (147) and Alonso (141). But Michael Schumacher’s comeback season went from bad to worse .He was battling with Barrichello down the main straight when he pushed his former team-mate to within inches of the wall. Barrichello said it was the “most dangerous incident” of his career. Schumacher said he was sorry but will be penalized 10 places on the grid in the next race .Also Ferrari will appear before the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month following their controversial one-two result at the previous German Grand Prix. The Italian team was fined US$100,000 by the Hockenheim race stewards for breaching sporting regulations after Felipe Massa, who had been leading the event, moved aside to allow team mate Fernando Alonso past when such maneuvers are not allowed.
On to cricket, the countdown to the next year’s Cricket World Cup in the subcontinent has already begun with organizers launching the mascot ‘Stumpy’- a baby elephant during the ongoing test match series between India and Sri Lanka. Speaking of which, India drew with Sri Lanka on a dead pitch in the second test match. Also, Pakistan were drubbed by England by 354 runs in the first Test match in the 4 match series being played in England.
In football, transfer rumours are doing the rounds with Cesc Fabregas’s future still undecided. Inter Milan striker, Mario Balotelli is inching closer to a move towards Manchester City. Manchester United are being linked with a move for Villareal and ex-United striker Giuseppe Rossi and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. EPL Champions Chelsea expect to complete the signing of Ramires from Benfica before the end of the week, with the fee believed to be £17million. Meanwhile, there is good news for Liverpool fans where Fernando Torres has followed in Gerard’s footsteps by committing himself to the club. Also there has been news of a takeover of the club with Chinese businessman Kenny Huang among the favorites. The EPL season kicks off on August 14. Let’s hope for more action on the field rather than off it.