Suspended FIFA President SEPP BLATTER’s book about his life at FIFA "is expected to be published within days." The website of Swiss publisher Werd & Weber said that "Sepp Blatter: Mission Football" will be available in February. Blatter previously said that it would be a "photograph-led book with anecdotes about his 40 years at FIFA," including as president since '98 (AP, 2/23). ... CUAUHTEMOC BLANCO is returning to Liga MX "to play in an official match with Club America next month." The club registered the 43-year-old Blanco with shirt No. 100 for a "special farewell inside the Estadio Azteca." He will play between 30 and 45 minutes of an official match against Morelia on March 5. Blanco is a "club legend" and was "unhappy he could not end his career" at America, blaming Sporting President RICARDO PELAEZ for not letting him return (ESPN, 2/23). ... JANET JACKSON will perform a leg of her Unbreakable world tour at the Dubai World Cup on March 26. Held on the Apron Views concert stage following the running of the 21st $10M Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, access to the concert is exclusive to Dubai World Cup day ticket holders (Dubai Racing Club).
SUNNY SIDE: "Mastizaade" actress SUNNY LEONE "is now the owner" of Box Cricket League side Chennai Swaggers in the second season of Box Cricket league. The team comprises TV names including RITHVIK DHANJANI, MOUNI ROY and SANGRAM SINGH, among others. Leone: "I love being around sports, and I’ve always enjoyed it, being a motivator, cheering them (players) up, getting them off the ground, getting them angry to want to play and win, getting them hyped up" (BUSINESS OF CINEMA, 2/23).
'GREAT THINGS': DAVID BECKHAM backed "under-fire" ManU Manager LOUIS VAN GAAL. The ex-England captain said that "critics of the Dutchman should listen to the views of those who know him best."
Beckham said, "He (Van Gaal) is an experienced manager with a great reputation in the game. Sometimes it takes time. It is not easy being manager of Man United. We have to look at results, we have to look at the way we play, we have to listen to fans -- the people that really matter at the club -- and I only hear great things about him as a person, as a manager, as a coach" (PA, 2/23).
