A Russian journalist has filed a formal complaint against former footballer DIEGO MARADONA accusing him of "ripping her clothes off when she went to his room to interview him." EKATERINA NADOLSKAYA, 30, said that the Argentine "took her dress off before his men carried her into the corridor in her underwear." Maradona, 56, denies the accusation, and his aides allege the reporter "started undressing herself," prompting him to call hotel security (London DAILY MAIL, 7/4). ... Former Australian Football League side Richmond player JAKE KING was charged with "making threats to kill," while Hawthorn player TYRONE VICKERY is "being investigated over extortion claims." King and Vickery were "arrested by Victoria Police on Wednesday" (AAP, 7/5). ... LIONEL MESSI "filed a civil claim against Spanish newspaper ABC," alleging that the publication "hurt his image." The suit, dated June 16, calls for a payment of €202,786 ($231,600). ABC claimed the Leo Messi Foundation created a framework to "hide millions of euros of income generated from sponsors that has not been declared" (ABC, 7/6). ... League Championship side Hull City Manager LEONID SLUTSKY believes his appointment as the first Russian manager in English football "could swell the club's overseas followers by millions." Slutsky, who is a "good friend" of Chelsea Owner ROMAN ABRAMOVICH, "enjoys a high profile in Russia." When asked if more Russians would now be supporting the club, Slutsky said, "Yes, 100 percent. ... In Russia there are 150 million people and I think 50 percent will be supporting Hull City" (PA, 7/5).
