Blatter honoured

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has awarded the country’s Grand Cross of the Order Merit to FIFA president Sepp Blatter for his role in the football World Cup. Blatter said he was ‘moved’ by the award which he said he was receiving on behalf of all members of the FIFA. “But the honour really belongs to Germany,” he added.

Poborsky quits

PRAGUE: Czech Republic midfielder Karel Poborsky announced on Friday that he has retired from international football. The 34-year-old former Manchester United and Lazio star won a Czech-record 118 caps, but decided to retire after his country’s disappointing exit from the World Cup. The Ceske Budejovice player wants to concentrate on helping his club, where he is also general manager and executive president.