Spain top rankings

ZURICH: Spain retained top spot in football’s latest world rankings released on Wednesday, while Portugal and England both improved their positions in the top 10. European champions Spain lead Brazil and the third-place Netherlands, while Portugal are fourth after climbing two places in FIFA’s monthly rankings table. World champion Italy dropped to fifth, Germany are sixth and England rise one spot to No 7, trading places with France. Egypt are the best African nation at No 14, while the United States climbed two places to No 16, one ahead of Mexico.

Younis told to appeal

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says former Test captain Younis Khan has the right to appeal against his indefinite ban. PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said that the PCB had received a letter from Younis’ lawyer seeking clarifications on the ban. Rizvi said the PCB has responded by saying that the player can file an appeal to the tribunal. The PCB banned Younis for an indefinite period due to indiscipline on the recommendation of an inquiry committee formed to investigate Pakistan’s lopsided defeats in Australia.