The Malaysian Insider

LONDON, Nov 21 —A day that began with FIFA ruling out a replay of the France v Ireland World Cup playoff ended, after pleas, denials and opinions from all quarters, with the French still heading for South Africa and the Irish seething.

William Gallas’s extra-time equaliser, created with the help of Thierry Henry’s handball, in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in Paris that sent France through with a 2-1 aggregate win must already be among the most replayed of recent years.

It has also become one of the most widely discussed with both team captains, the rival federations, political figures from the two countries and a host of managers across Europe giving an opinion on the issue yesterday.

LONDON, Nov 21 — Brief news from the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s matches:

* Manchester United are still struggling defensively before their home game against Everton today (0130 Malaysian time) with Rio Ferdinand and Fabio definitely out injured, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea doubtful and Gary Neville suspended.

Manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday that Ferdinand’s long-running back problem had finally been identified but that he would still be out for a couple of weeks.

LONDON, Nov 21 — David Beckham wants to continue playing for England even after next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa, he was quoted as saying today.

“If we won the World Cup and I equalled the caps record in the final, that would be an amazing way to finish, but I’d still find it hard to walk away from playing,” the LA Galaxy midfielder told today’s edition of Britain’s The Times newspaper ahead of the MLS Cup final tomorrow.

“Even if that dream came true, I’d still make myself available to play for my country. I’d love to still be involved in some way, whether it’s actually playing a game or not.

LONDON, Nov 21 —West Ham United have launched a claret and blue lingerie outfit as worn by American singer Katy Perry at this month’s MTV Awards to sell to their fans.

The Premier League club have responded to “huge demand” by commissioning a limited run of basques, designed by Siobhan Dillon, after 25-year-old Perry stole the show in Berlin.

“Perry’s basque featured two club crests, while her hot pants were adorned with the name ‘Rusty’ in honour of her Hammers-supporting boyfriend, (comedian and presenter)  Russell Brand,” West Ham said on their website (www.whufc.co.uk).

SEATTLE, Nov 21 — LA Galaxy’s David Beckham is to have pain-killing injections for a bruised ankle bone before tomorrow’s MLS Cup final but said he would be fit for the game against Real Salt Lake.

England midfielder Beckham told a news conference after training yesterday he had not been able to train all week due to the right ankle injury he picked up in last week’s playoff win over Houston.

“Today (Friday) was the first day I trained. Unfortunately it has been frustrating ... because with bone bruising you have to be pretty careful not to get any kicks on it.