Germany – FIFA’s decision to ban Chelsea on registering new signings until 2011 was a setback for the club, Blues midfielder Michael Ballack said Friday.

“It’s a blow for us. It’s a drastic punishment,” Ballack said at a news conference in Cologne ahead of Germany’s friendly international against South Africa on Saturday.

The Germany captain said it remained to be seen whether the sanction on Chelsea, who have filed an appeal, would remain.

“It’s not a pleasant situation for the club,” he said.

Ballack, 32, has a one-year contract which keeps him at Chelsea until 2010, and could possibly benefit from the ban, but said he did not want to link his personal situation with the club’s predicament.

World governing body FIFA imposed the ban on Chelsea for inducing French teenager Gael Kakuta to break a contract with Lens.

Kakuta, who is now 18, joined Chelsea from Lens two years ago, prompting the French club to report them to FIFA.

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will have an arthroscopy on his injured right knee on Tuesday to determine whether major reconstructive surgery will be required.

The close to the all-rounder as suggesting that a major operation remained “the worst-case scenario”.

But if he goes under the knife again, the chances of Flintoff figuring in England’s one-day commitments over the winter appear low.

Cincinnati, Ohio – Sunday’s Montreal finalist Juan Del Potro withdrew Monday from the Cincinnati Masters, citing fatigue and handing his place in the draw to Frenchman Julien Benneteau.

The world number six, who lost the Canadian final to Scot Andy Murray, had hinted in defeat that he might be worn out after playing long matches over two weeks with a title at Washington and runner-up finish in Montreal.

“I don’t feel too good with my body. I feel tired,” said the 20- year-old, who was reportedly flying home to Argentina recuperate before the August 31 start of the US Open.

Sri Lankan team will play against New Zealand in the first test match at Galle tomorrow. Sri Lankan team will be eyeing to capture second spot in the ICC test rankings by winning this match and taking lead in the test series.

Sri Lankan team had defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the recently concluded series and they will try to continue their brilliant performance against New Zealand also.

Angelo Mathews impressed with his performance in the recent matches but mystery spinner A Mendis might be dropped from the squad.

This will be main issue when Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara will decide final composition of their team for the test match.

Spinners will be a key to success for Sri Lankan team against New Zealand. Kiwi batsmen will have to watch out for M Muralitharan.

Muralitharan missed test series against Pakistan due to injury and he will be looking to make a strong comeback.

Lewis Hamilton has established himself as the UK’s premier sporting brand ambassador,” the Daily Star quoted pollster Niall McKinney of U talk marketing as saying.

“Being leader of the celeb pack will earn him tens of millions in endorsements and advertising over his career”. Lewis Hamilton has been voted as the celebrity whom customers trust most when it comes to choosing products.

Anna Kournikova took the tennis world by storm with her stunning looks and sexy moves on the court. The Russian-born beauty attended a renowned tennis academy in Florida and, in her early teens, was signed to a management deal with coach Nick Bolletierri, who the young talent to tennis pro John McEnroe. At 15, Kournikova made it to the fourth round at the U.S. Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon. Due to injuries, however, Kournikova stopped playing competitively in 2003, at the age of 22.  She is frequently cited on sexiest women lists and continues to be one of the most searched celebrities on the Internet. Kournikova’s relationship with singer Enrique Iglesias and her romantic ties to a string of popular hockey players have aided her ascent to mainstream stardom.