The Romanian champion Steaua Bucharest was stripped of its name, colors and emblem, but was "handed a reprieve
for Thursday’s Europa League match with Dynamo Kiev," according to REUTERS. Romania’s most famous club, which was founded in '47 as an army side,
had its registration canceled by Romania’s highest court on
Wednesday "after losing a battle over their trademark with the country’s
defence ministry." Playing in yellow instead of its "famous red and blue shirts," players were presented on Sunday by the stadium’s announcer as “the champions of Romania.” They appeared as “hosts” on the scoreboard and the club’s emblem "was replaced by an empty square." The name effectively became invisible, removed from all training kits and officials’ suits. The two teams’ names were missing from the teamsheet, which were presented to reporters before Sunday’s clash. The situation could change, "but only if Steaua officials reach an agreement with the defence ministry for the use of the trademark" (REUTERS, 12/8).
BCCI LOGO: The PTI reported "in a fresh diktat for players representing various teams in domestic competitions," the Board of Control for Cricket in India has instructed match referees to ensure that none of the India players -- current or discarded -- sport the Board logo on their gear "as that will be considered a violation of the association's code." Normally, the moment a player breaks into the Indian team and then subsequently comes to domestic cricket, "they have a habit of wearing India helmets, jerseys or caps." The BCCI "wants to stop that" (PTI, 12/7).
