FIFA ban a blow for Chelsea, says Ballack

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.

Flintoff may go under the knife

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.

Fatigued Del Potro pulls from Cincinnati Masters

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.