Exclusives

A new series of one-mile runs in 24 cities around the world to celebrate Global Running Day on June 6 and tagged “Run 24:1” has been unveiled by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Partnering with sports ministries, city governments, race organisers and member-federations around the world, the IAAF initiative incorporates races to be held in cities across 15 time zones.

Man U Legend, Rio Ferdinand, Refused Professional Boxing Licence

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand says he is "disappointed" after being refused a professional boxing licence.

The 39-year-old, who retired from football in 2015, launched his new career in September.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) said they would not be reviewing his application, Ferdinand said.

New rules for female athletes with high natural testosterone levels coming into effect from Nov. 1, the IAAF will limit entry for all international events from 400 meters through the mile to women with testosterone levels below a specified level. Women with elevated testosterone must reduce their level for "six months (e.g., by use of hormonal contraceptives)" before being eligible to run, and maintain that lowered level.

FCT SWAN Gets New Excos

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter, Thursday, elected new executives, with Chidoka Ndubueze of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) emerging its new Chairman.

Ndubueze, who was the Vice-Chairman since 2012, was elected unopposed at an elective congress held in Abuja and will lead the Association for the next three years.

Brazilian soccer official Marco Polo del Nero was banned for life for bribery and corruption by FIFA's ethics committee on Friday, associated press reports. FIFA said Del Nero, the former Brazilian Football Confederation president and one-time FIFA executive committee member, was also fined 1 million Swiss francs ($1 million).

Andres Iniesta has received an apology from France Football, for never awarding the Barcelona midfielder the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the world’s best player, provokes endless debate among football fans and pundits each year. The weekly French magazine published an editorial on Tuesday in tribute to Spain international Iniesta, who is this week expected to announce his departure from Barcelona after a trophy-laden 16 years in order to move to China.