Ibrahimovic doubtful

MADRID: Barcelona’s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is doubtful for Saturday’s Primera Liga tie at Malaga and next week’s Champions League clash against Dynama Kiev because of an ankle sprain. “Tests carried out Wednesday morning confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suffering from a sprain,” the team said in a statement. Local media reported the player is expected to be sidelined for 10 days. The 27-year-old picked up the injury during Tuesday’s 4-1 win at Racing Santander during which he scored the opening goal. — AFP

‘Fans will spend $3.6b’

BRASILIA: Organisers of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup said on Wednesday that visitors to the event are expected to spend about $3.6 billion during the monthlong tournament. Mauro Cezar Nogueira, a director in the national Planning and Budget office, made the estimate speaking to Brazilan legislators. To prepare for the event, Brazil are spending billions on infrastructure, new hotels and the upgrading of airports in the 12 cities slated to host matches. Brazilian officials hope the World Cup infrastructure and planning will help Rio De Janeiro’s bid for the 2016 Olympics. — Agencies

Shahar Peer advances

TASHKENT: Second-seeded Shahar Peer of Israel beat Kathrin Woerle of Germany 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the Tashkent Open. The 46th-ranked Peer is looking for her second straight title after winning the Guangzhou Open last weekend. Peer will face Russian qualifier Alexandra Panova, who advanced by beating seventh-seeded Patricia Mayr of Austria 7-5, 6-1. Fourth-seeded Olga Govortsova of Belarus and Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan also advanced to the quarters. Govortsova defeated Vesna Manasieva of Russia 6-2, 6-3, and Amanmuradova rallied to oust Ekaterina Bychkova of Russia 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4). — Agencies

Fiorentina prez quits

FLORENCE: The president of Fiorentina has submitted his resignation at a board meeting for the Italian soccer club. The club said it would issue a statement later explaining the reasons behind Andrea Della Valle’s decision. Mario Cognini will temporarily move up from vice president to take over the club. Della Valle’s brother Diego bought Fiorentina in 2002 after the club went bankrupt under former owner Vittorio Cecchi Gori. The Della Valle brothers guided the club up from the fourth division to a spot in the Champions League this season and last. Fiorentina is also attempting to make plans with the city of Florence for a new stadium and “Viola village.” — Agencies