LONDON: The former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay will not face action over discriminatory text messages because he had a reasonable expectation that they would remain private, the FA announced on Thursday. Mackay and Iain Moody, Cardiff’s former head of recruitment, exchanged texts and emails that were then made public by the club, leading to accusations of anti-semitism, sexism and homophobia. As a result, Moody resigned as Crystal Palace’s technical director and Mackay’s widely expected appointment as manager at the London club was abandoned. A statement from the FA said its policy was “to not bring charges in respect of private communications sent with a legitimate expectation of privacy”.

Robinho joins Scolari

GUANGZHOU: Brazil forward Robinho has joined former Selecao coach Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande on a six-month deal, the club said on Thursday. The former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan attacker, known for his elaborate stepovers, was also heavily linked with Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira after the 31-year-old ended his third spell at Santos recently. Robinho was part of the Brazil side that exited the recent Copa America tournament following a quarter-final penalty shootout defeat by Paraguay. He will join the four-time reigning Chinese champions, who appointed 2002 World Cup winning coach Scolari last month after sacking Italian Fabio Cannavaro after less than half a season in charge.

Boro to sign Stuani

BARCELONA: Espanyol striker Cristhian Stuani will join English Championship side Middlesbrough in a reported three million euro ($3.27 million) deal, the La Liga club said on Thursday. The Uruguayan international hit 15 goals for the Catalan side last season who finished 10th. “Cristhian Stuani will leave RCD Espanyol in the next few days after the basis of an agreement has been reached for his transfer,” Espanyol said in a statement on their website. Stuani joined Espanyol in 2012 from Reggina who retained part ownership of the player and will receive half of the transfer fee. Espanyol have also lost striker Sergio Garcia who joined Qatar side Al-Rayyan last month. Middlesbrough, managed by Aitor Karanka, missed out in a place in the Premier League after losing to Norwich City in the playoff final.