Names In The News

Former Caribbean Football Union President GORDON DERRICK's six-year ban from football was reduced to four years by FIFA. Derrick was found guilty of a "series of bribery and conflict of interest charges" in September but appealed the decision. FIFA confirmed its appeal committee "did not concur" with all of the original findings (BBC, 7/31). ... SON HEUNG-MIN apologized for his forthcoming Tottenham absence "as he attempts to win the Asian Cup with South Korea -- and avoid national service in the process." The 26-year-old will be available for Spurs' first game of the season at Newcastle United "but will then jet off to Indonesia to play for his country." South Korean law dictates that all males "must be called up for military service before the age of 28." However, exemptions are made for "high-profile sports stars who achieve success for the nation" (London DAILY MAIL, 7/31).