The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and "a galaxy of well-known faces from across sport and entertainment," including DAVID BECKHAM and SAMUEL L. JACKSON, "were heading to Wimbledon on Sunday for the men's final." WILLIAM and KATE "headed the Royal Box list," which also featured the PRINCE EDWARD, president of the All England Club. Sporting stars included former England football captain Beckham, accompanied by wife VICTORIA, cycling Olympic Gold Medalist CHRIS HOY and former Wimbledon champions ASHLEY COOPER, ROY EMERSON, NEALE FRASER, JAN KODES, ROD LAVER, MANUEL SANTANA and STAN SMITH. Actors Jackson, BRADLEY COOPER and CHRIS HEMSWORTH "were also invited to take seats in the exclusive 74-seat box" (PA, 7/6). ... British anti-racism organization Kick It Out Char HERMAN OUSELEY has described as “unacceptable” the FA’s decision to issue referees’ Chair DAVID ELLERAY "only a 'slap on the wrists' for making racist comments to another official." Ouseley accused the FA of "brushing off" Elleray's behavior and insisted "there should be a full investigation into his conduct." The FA said that "it investigated the incident but the former housemaster at Harrow School has escaped serious punishment, instead being asked to undertake an equality and diversity training course" (London TELEGRAPH, 7/4). ... The Caterham F1 Team has confirmed that JULIAN LEAL will drive its CT05 F1 car in the forthcoming Silverstone test, taking place after the 2014 British Grand Prix on July 8-9.
The Colombian driver is enjoying a successful fourth season in GP2. He is fourth in the championship with 50 points, with two visits to the podium already under his belt (Caterham F1). ... The Court of Arbitration for Sport "has dismissed the appeal" filed by VIRACH CHANPANICH against the decision taken on Oct. 17 by the FA of Thailand "to elect the controversial" WORAWI MAKUDI as its president.
Chanpanich and Makudi "were both candidates for the long-delayed, bitterly fought and continuingly acrimonious presidential election." The appeal was dismissed "considering that the irregularities alleged by Mr. Chanpanich either did not exist in the light of the facts of the case or were not supported by evidence" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 7/3). ... Former England cricketer ANDREW STRAUSS was "mortified" and "profusely sorry" after initiating a fresh row regarding KEVIN PIETERSEN "by making highly offensive comments about his old Test colleague while broadcasting."
Sky Sports commentator Strauss, "believing he was off the air in a break in play during the Lord's bicentenary match between MCC and the Rest of the World, reportedly described Pietersen as a c---" to fellow commentator NICK KNIGHT. Strauss's remarks "weren't heard by Sky viewers in the United Kingdon, they were picked up by Fox Sports viewers in Australia receiving a continuous feed of the Sky commentary" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 7/6). ... Cyclist MARK CAVENDISH "has admitted his 'devastation' that will take no further part in this year’s Tour de France after dislocating his shoulder in a heavy fall" in the final meters of Saturday's opening stage in Harrogate.
The British rider collided with SIMON GERRANS "in the sprint for the line and crashed to the tarmac" (LONDON TIMES, 7/6). ... Former Real Madrid player ALFREDO DI STEFANO "was in a coma and in serious condition following a heart attack on Saturday."
After being resuscitated on a Madrid street by paramedics, the 88-year-old Di Stefano "was taken to Madrid's Gregorio Maranon Hospital where he remains in coma."
The hospital medical report said Di Stefano was "stable" but "serious." Dubbed "La Saeta Rubia" (The Blond Arrow) for his speed, Di Stefano "is a former Argentina forward who helped Madrid win five straight European Champions Cups" from '56-60, and eight Spanish league titles. He was voted European player of the year in '57 and '59 (AP, 7/5). ... Chile national football team coach JORGE SAMPAOLI said that "he wants to stay in the job for when the country hosts next year's Copa America." Sampaoli said, "We have a commitment with Chilean football until the end of the Copa America."
He left the door open, saying his loyalty was to Chilean football federation head SERGIO JADUE. The football body "holds elections at the end of the year." Sampaoli said, "If he (Jadue) continues, there is no doubt we will continue" (AP, 7/4).
