British football player DAVID BECKHAM is "likely to become" the int'l ambassador for the coming 2013 Chinese Super League (CSL)." CSL President ZHU QILIN said that it is almost certain Beckham will be the CSL int'l ambassador "but some procedures still need to be done." Zhu "denied that Beckham will attend the opening ceremony of the new" CSL season (XINHUA, 2/21). ... The Singapore Bowling Federation named national kegler KEITH SAW as its "Bowler of the Year at its annual Chinese New Year dinner" on Thursday night (THE STRAITS TIMES, 2/21). ... Brazilian footballer NEYMAR is featured on the cover of Time Magazine's new Latin American edition for the March 4 issue (Time). ... Lions players BEN STOKES and MATT COLES have been sent home from the England Lions tour of Australia due to a "combination of drinking and late nights." The hardline stance by management "will serve as a deterrent to other young players" (LONDON TIMES, 2/21). ... Italian World Cup winner ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO has signed on for a second season in Australia's A-League as his Sydney FC side push for a play-off place. Del Piero will receive $2M. Del Piero said, "I'm very happy about this news. For sure it's a great moment for me, for Sydney FC" (AFP, 2/21).
