French midfield wizard Zinedine Zidane was named FIFA world footballer of the year yesterday as a row over who should be "Player of the Century" ended with Brazil's Pele and Argentina's Diego Maradona both receiving awards.
Zidane scooped his second world footballer of the year crown in three years ahead of the most expensive footballer on the planet, Portugal's Luis Figo, and last year's winner Rivaldo.
"I'm very lucky to have won again after winning this award two years ago," a delighted Zidane said. Elsewhere red-faced FIFA officials got themselves off the hook in the "Player of the Century" row by handing awards to both the legendary Pele and Argentina's enfant terrible Diego Maradona.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter had on Sunday moved to head off the potentially embarrassing scenario of three-time World Cup winner Pele being left empty-handed by announcing the decision to split up the awards.
The decision was taken amid reports that a cyber-blitz by Maradona fans had the self-confessed cocaine addict leading with 78,000 votes ahead of Pele on 26,000.
With Maradona reportedly way ahead, the awards were split up into an "Internet Player of the Century" and a "FIFA jury Player of the Century", paving the way for both men to get an award.
In the women's category, the United States' Michelle Akers was crowned "Player of the Century", scuppering Chinese hopes that their star striker Sun Wen would be given the accolade.
In other awards, Spanish giants Real Madrid were named "Team of the Century", with their amazing record in Europe helping them to the crown. Madrid have won the European Cup eight times in 11 appearances.
The Netherlands were named team of the year while Leeds United's Lucas Radebe was given FIFA's fair play award for 2000. Radebe received the award for his fight against racism in football.
The 31-year-old Radebe is generally known to put in a great deal of time working with children in the Soweto township, near Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, the English FA are to investigate an incident surrounding the sending-off of Southampton's Hassan Kachloul during the 1-0 win over Leeds at The Dell on Saturday.
The Moroccan international appeared to aim a head-butt at Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer after the Southampton player was sent off by referee Paul Durkin.
Redknapp Eyeing Southgate Swoop
West Ham boss Harry Redknapp has declared an interest in taking Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate to Upton Park.
West Ham have money to spend following the £18 million sterling sale of Rio Ferdinand to Leeds and England international Southgate is Redknapp's number one target.
New ssetback for Van Bronckhorst
Rangers have been rocked by the news that midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be sidelined for a further three months. The Dutch international has played just once in the last 10 weeks after picking up a groin injury on World Cup duty against Cyprus.
However, Rangers are optimistic that striker Tore Andre Flo will be available for the game at Dundee United on Sunday.
