Tens of thousands of people jammed the streets of Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, yesterday for the burial with full national honours of midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed and died during the Confederations Cup.
Some climbed on roofs or up trees to get a view of the coffin as it was borne through Yaounde. Many wore copies of his number 17 shirt. A second autopsy revealed that Foe died of a heart problem when he collapsed during Cameroon's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Confederations Cup semi-final in France on June 26th. "He fought like a real lion, sought perfection, and loved his game, and whatever he earned he shared with all," said Bishop Joseph Akounga Essomba in his tribute during a nearly three-hour requiem mass.
Sepp Blatter, president of World soccer body FIFA, joined Cameroon's President Paul Biya and other important figures from the central African country for the mass. Work came to a standstill in Yaounde as the presidential guard fought back crowds trying to get a closer peep.
Before Foe was buried, he was knighted as a Commander of the Order of National Valour. Foe leaves behind a wife and three children, the youngest just two months old.
Zola says farewells
Gianfranco Zola (37) was at Stamford Bridge yesterday to say his farewells to Chelsea staff but he revealed he would still be a Chelsea player had the club made their increased contract offer just 48 hours earlier.
On Wednesday he rejected an increased pay-packet from the Londoners - financed by new owner Roman Abramovich's takeover the night before - and moved home to Sardinia to join Cagliari. Zola disclosed yesterday he would have taken up the offer had it come before his contract expired the previous day.
That was the day he had enough of delays over his possible 12-month contract extension and told Cagliari he would join them.
Ruling against Bosnich
A Premier League board has ruled against Mark Bosnich on four of the five punishments imposed on him by Chelsea which he had appealed against. The Australian goalkeeper appealed against Chelsea's decision to fine him for failing a drugs test.
The board sat to hear the case last week but adjourned a decision until yesterday.
The three-man panel found in favour of Bosnich in respect of one penalty, but dismissed his appeal in respect of the remaining four penalties. One further penalty was withdrawn by Chelsea prior to the appeal hearing. Both parties have been given seven days in which to appeal.
Bosnich, who is serving a nine-month Football Association suspension from the sport, had an appeal against his dismissal from Stamford Bridge upheld by the Football League appeals committee on June 13. His FA ban has three months to run - stretching until September 23rd - and his appeal against the suspension is also still ongoing.
Chelsea eye Henry
Billionaire Roman Abramovich, Chelsea's new owner, is preparing to pump a further £50million into the club - above and beyond the initial £150million it cost to buy Chelsea Village and clear its debts.
The oil tycoon revealed yesterday he "likes" Thierry Henry and it was claimed yesterday he wants to spend the extra £50million in one go - in a sensational world-record transfer swoop for the Gunners' striker.
Bruce convinces Dunn
David Dunn was convinced to swap home-town heroes Blackburn for Birmingham after Steve Bruce promised to make him a better player, the England midfielder has revealed. Dunn completed his protracted £5.5million move to St Andrews yesterday after six years as a professional with Rovers. The 23-year-old admitted the move had been difficult, but after being publicly criticised by Blackburn manager Graeme Souness he wants a new challenge at Birmingham.
Lambert delays decision
Paul Lambert has delayed a decision on his international future but his agent admits there is a "good chance" he will carry on. The Celtic and Scotland captain initially said he would make up his mind early in the summer after speaking with manager Berti Vogts. The former European Cup-winning midfielder could now meet the German after the new season has started on August 9th.
But his agent Gordon Smith has hinted he will decide to continue through the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign which will see him make an emotional return to Dortmund to face Germany in September.
Rooney 'not at risk'
Everton have insisted Wayne Rooney is in no danger after meeting with police in the wake of an apparent threat from local gangsters. Rooney's agent Paul Stretford told the News of the World that the striker was a target of gangsters looking to take a cut of his earnings. Everton responded by meeting local police, after which their head of corporate affairs Ian Ross issued a statement denying Rooney was at any risk.
Armstrong returns
Chris Armstrong has finally put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Wrexham after a 12-year absence from the Racecourse Ground.
The 32-year-old has spent time with Millwall, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Bolton Wanderers in his time away, accumulating fees in excess of £5.5million in the process, but completed the formalities of his return to Wrexham after successfully passing his medical.
Armstrong's arrival comes just 24 hours after the Dragons completed the signing of former Norwich City forward Chris Llewellyn.
