A Turkish Football Federation source said that Ivorian footballer DIDIER DROGBA "has been given the go-ahead to play for Galatasary," after his former Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua disputed his move. The TFF source said, "FIFA's authorization arrived yesterday. There's no problem. Drogba will be able to play on Friday" (AFP, 2/13). ... French footballer YANN M'VILA is "at the center" of an investigation after his phone number was discovered in the cell phone of an underage prostitute (LE MONDE, 2/13). ... New Ligue 1 Paris St. Germain player DAVID BECKHAM has opted for a Bristol hotel as his home during his five-month spell in the capital (SPORTUNE, 2/13). ... Sky Sports News presenters were "forced into an apology" after Dermot Gallagher used the word "Holocaust" live on TV in reference to the incompetence of the fifth official during Juventus’ first goal Tuesday night (London DAILY MAIL, 2/13). ... KHODER NASSER, the manager of boxer SONNY BILL WILLIAMS, has accused FRANCOIS BOTHA of "sour grapes" after the South African boxer claimed he was offered A$150,000 ($155,000) to throw Friday's fight. Nasser "strongly denied Botha's allegation that he offered him that sum seven days ago in a Brisbane park, ahead of the World Boxing Association title fight, which Williams won on points" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 2/13). ... Sri Lanka Cricket suspended player CHARITH SENANAYAKE from service with immediate effect without remuneration, pending an inquiry into three charges against him (SLC). ... Real Madrid player CRISTIANO RONALDO presented a €100,000 ($135,000) check from UEFA to the Int'l Committee of the Red Cross Wednesday night to support the rehabilitation of landmine victims in Afghanistan (UEFA).
