LIONEL MESSI's financial situation "has become increasingly murky" following claims that his charitable organization "has hidden tens of millions of euros from the authorities." Spanish newspaper ABC reported on Monday that the Leo Messi Foundation "has created a framework to hide millions of euros of income generated from sponsors that has not been declared and, as such, it can't be confirmed that it has been spent on social projects to help children with problems." ABC added that at least €10M ($11.2M) "has not been declared to the Spanish or Argentine authorities" (AS, 6/26). ... Tottenham and Kenyan midfielder VICTOR WANYAMA was honored in Tanzania on Saturday by "having a street named after him in Dar es Salaam." The gesture "looks to have been short-lived as local websites showed a picture of the street sign being taken away the following day." A statement from the local Ubungo Council said that procedures to rename a street "had not been observed" (BBC, 6/26). ... MARK CAVENDISH is "one of three Britons who will be racing for Team Dimension Data at the Tour de France." The 30-time Tour de France stage winner "will be joined by compatriots STEVE CUMMINGS and SCOTT THWAITES." Cavendish, 32, "recently returned to racing after three months out with glandular fever" (BBC, 6/26). ... A hotel inspired by former Northern Irish footballer GEORGE BEST is "set to open its doors in Belfast," thanks to Signature Living. Negotiated by IMG on behalf of the George Best Company, owned by Best's sister and brother-in-law BARBARA and NORMAN MCNARRY, the hotel will "celebrate" the career and lifestyle of the football player (LICENSING, 6/26). ... After 11 seasons, 220 National Rugby League games -- including 182 straight at Manly -- three grand finals, two premierships, one State of Origin cap for Queensland and 7,931 tackles, MATT BALLIN retired on Monday. NRL side Wests Tigers announced he was "hanging up his boots immediately after succumbing to persistent knee injuries which had dogged him over the last three years" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 6/26). ... Mercedes Formula 1 team driver LEWIS HAMILTON called title rival SEBASTIAN VETTEL "a disgrace" after the Ferrari driver drove into his car in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The two clashed before one of three restarts in a "chaotic race," with Vettel hitting the back of Hamilton's Mercedes and then "swerving sideways into him." Vettel said that Hamilton had deliberately slowed -- or "brake-tested" -- him. Hamilton denied that (BBC, 6/25).
