The Uefa Champions League has begun and with it the resumption of the battle between Italy and Spain for global supremacy. It might not quite be England-Turkey, but they are starting really to dislike each other, these two. The Spaniards’ dislike of Italian football is so intense it has acquired a quality of moral outrage.

Pakistan on Monday threatened to sue South Africa for ,5-million in losses from their cricket tour cancellation, unless the International Cricket Council intervened to force a rethink by the Proteas. The Pakistan Cricket Board estimates it will lose this amount in sponsorship and television rights.

Namibia took a World Cup blow on Monday when four of their squad playing professionally in South Africa withdrew from their trip Down Under. Hooker Hugo Horn, prop Jane du Toit, lock Johannes Theron and fullback Lean van Dyk have been replaced by lock Shaun van Rooi, prop Andries Blaauw, hooker Phillipus Isaacs and fullback Vincent Dreyer.

Ireland have extended head coach Eddie O’Sullivan’s contract to 2008. ‘Sullivan, appointed in November 2001 for a two-and-a-half-year period to the end of the 2004 Six Nations championship, will carry on for a further four years.

France utility back Xavier Garbajosa is doubtful for the Rugby World Cup with a suspected torn thigh muscle. The French coaching staff said the 26-year-old, switched from outside centre to right wing this season, would undergo a scan to assess the extent of the injury.

The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) on Sunday called for an investigation into all former spies of the apartheid government. PAC president Motsoko Pheko said it was inconsistent to probe only one person for allegations of being a former spy, but cover up for others.

The Media Workers Association of South Africa and the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers Union on Saturday rejected an SABC offer of a pay increase of 8,25%. They believe their demand of an increase of 11% plus a R200 improvement on their housing benefit is fair and affordable.