Former New Zealand forward SIONE LAUAKI died, aged 35. The Tonga-born player won 17 Test caps for the All Blacks between '05 and '08. In '12, it was reported Lauaki had been suffering from heart and kidney problems (BBC, 2/12). ... London 2012 Gold Medalist MARIYA SAVINOVA has been "stripped" of her 800m title and banned until '19 after "being found guilty of doping." She has had her results from July '10 to Aug. '13 annulled but has 45 days to appeal the decision (BBC, 2/10). ... DIEGO MARADONA has "been given an ambassador role by FIFA." Maradona, 56, led Argentina to a World Cup title in '86 but has been a "harsh critic of of the game's governing body over the years." He announced his new role with the organization via his Facebook page. Maradona is also set to be offered a "similar role" with former club Napoli "once he has settled his tax affairs with the Italian authorities" (ESPN.com, 2/10). ... The Council of Southern African FAs "unanimously endorsed AHMAD AHMAD as a presidential candidate in upcoming Confederation of African Football elections." Ahmad, currently the head of Madagascar's FA, "already outlined his intention to challenge" long-standing CAF President ISSA HAYATOU in March's elections in Ethiopia (BBC, 2/12). ... Pakistan int'l cricketers SHARJEEL KHAN and KHALID LATIF have been "provisionally suspended form the Pakistan Super League as part of an ongoing anti-corruption investigation." The Pakistan Cricket Board said that it was investigating "an international syndicate which is believed to be attempting to corrupt the PSL." The pair play for Islamabad United (BBC, 2/10).
