South Africa says it did not bribe FIFA to win the right to host the World Cup 2010. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula made the comments following football’s governing body’s claim that the country paid it $10 million (AED 37 million) to host the tournament. Mbalula also called on FIFA to retract its statement. The body sought compensation from its former executive committee members it said had accepted bribes in the awarding of World Cup hosting rights. Mbalula added that South Africa paid money to a legacy project in the African Diaspora in the Caribbean.

Messi suffers muscle strain, Miami reschedule preseason finale
Man City and Villa close gap on Arsenal, Liverpool edge Sunderland
Djokovic withdraws from Doha with fatigue
Rutherford and Motie shine as West Indies sink England
Australia begin T20 World Cup with win over Ireland
