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Rediff.com  » Sports » World Cup chit-chat: Unwell Van Persie doubtful for semis
This article was first published 10 years ago

World Cup chit-chat: Unwell Van Persie doubtful for semis

July 09, 2014 12:44 IST

Image: Robin van Persie looks on during the Netherlands training session at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil held at the Estadio Paulo Machado de Carvalho Pacaembu in Sao Paulo on Tuesday
Photographs: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The Netherlands have concerns over striker Robin van Persie, who was suffering from stomach problems ahead of their semi-final game against Argentina in Sao Paulo.

Van Persie has been training separately from the squad and Dutch coach Louis van Gaal said he would not be able to make a decision on his fitness until the day of the game.

"I don't know," Van Gaal said when asked if his key striker would play.

"Tomorrow I'll have to take all these decisions but I can't do that today."

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World Cup official in ticket scam released from jail

Image: Ray Whelan, left, of Switzerland-based Match Services, arrives at a police station after being arrested in Rio de Janeiro on Monday
Photographs: Reuters

Ray Whelan, chief executive of a hospitality firm arrested in connection with an investigation into VIP ticket scalping at the World Cup, was released after spending the night in custody.

Whelan was arrested as a result of Operation Jules Rimet in which 12 people have been arrested following investigations into the illegal resale of tickets for the tournament.

The investigation has further sullied the reputation of world soccer's governing body FIFA, which was already facing allegations of bribery surrounding Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

Whelan's company, MATCH, said the Englishman was released in Rio de Janeiro and that he will assist police with further enquiries.

"MATCH have complete faith that the facts will establish that he has not violated any laws," it said in a statement, adding that Whelan would continue working at the World Cup.

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