The 41-year-old former Soviet Air Force pilot dubbed the 'merchant of death', is accused of supplying weapons to rebels in Colombia and warring sides in several countries reeling under civil conflict in Africa and Central Asia, using the cover of his air cargo business.
Brazil gave beleaguered coach Dunga some respite on Wednesday by thumping Portugal 6-2 in a friendly, helped by a hat-trick from striker Luis Fabiano. The five-times world champions had been held to 0-0 draws in their last three home games, against Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia, and had not scored in front of their own fans since last November.
Belgium go into Monday's World Cup last 16 match against Japan full of confidence but wary that relying on individual talent against similarly well-organised but less fancied teams has cost them dear in the past.
Panama and Tunisia have been the fall-guys in the two top-scoring matches of World Cup 2018, but both teams will hope to show they have learnt some lessons from their efforts in Russia before they head home after their Group G match on Thursday.
England and Belgium face a World Cup conundrum ahead of Thursday's crunch in Kaliningrad
It was perhaps fitting that the World Cup match between Senegal and Japan - whose fans have received international acclaim for their cleanliness in the stadium - ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday in Yekaterinburg.
Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Senegal in their World Cup Group H encounter on Sunday.
A round-up of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers played on Thursday
Peru's entertaining team and their colourful army of joyous fans will be sorely missed at the World Cup after the South Americans fell victim to their old failing in front of goal.
Canada beat USA to enter quarters, Argentina overpower Chile in opening tie
Atletico Madrid's faint hopes of chasing down runaway Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a fresh blow on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Girona, meaning they could fall 11 points behind the Catalans by the end of the weekend.
Indian boxer Sumit Sangwan (81kg) advanced to the pre-quarterfinal of the AIBA World Olympic qualification tournament after notching up a hard-fought win over eighth seed Juan Carlos Carrillo of Colombia in Baku.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said he believes Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with the Spanish champions despite reports the five times World Player of the Year is stalling over a new deal.
Rediff.com's Norma Godinho captures classic moments from the planet's greatest sports competition: The FIFA World Cup.
The Indian ace overcame an injury scare and a spirited challenge from unseeded Catalina Castano of Colombia in her opening match at Wimbledon.
Arch-rivals Brazil and Argentina drew 0-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday but moved closer to leaders Paraguay who lost 4-2 in Bolivia. The top four teams qualify directly for South Africa in 2010 and the fifth plays off against the fourth team from the CONCACAF region.
World champions Germany survived a late scare to see off Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Friday and claim a first victory this year, putting a five-game winless run behind them as they finalised their World Cup preparations.
Meena Barot, an Indian businesswoman has been chosen among eight foreigners to carry the Olympic torch on Chinese soil in August next year.
The nomination of Patterson will have to be approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee headed by Joseph Biden.
The 21-year-old is the latest youngster to join Atletico who have also brought in Argentine forward Luciano Vietto from Villarreal since the end of last season.
'India is still hierarchical, but not as much as Japan and people appreciate a flat working culture,' Charles Frump, managing director, Volvo Cars India, tells Pavan Lall.
There was no place for AC Milan's Ronaldo in the team for the South American World Cup qualifiers next month.
Naomi Broady was branded the 'bad girl' of British tennis.
Here's a look at some of the weirdest photos from out there!
Brazil was officially named the only bidder to stage the 2014 World Cup after handing over a bidding agreement form at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich on Friday
Driver line-ups and race numbers for the 2006 season after the governing International\nAutomobile Federation issued the official entry list.
Brazil have decided not to appeal against the four-game ban that will keep Neymar out of the Copa America but the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) hit out at CONMEBOL for their harsh treatment of the forward.
Tell us who is the hottest of them all! Vote for your favourite!
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to hit 30 La Liga goals in six consecutive seasons as he inspired Real Madrid to a 4-0 thrashing of Eibar on Saturday.
Brazil are the only country bidding to host the tournament following the withdrawal of Colombia in April.
The Indian trio of Sarvesh Pareek, Sandeep Kumar and Isaiah Rajender Sanam, who were seeded sixth, beat a higher ranked Venezuela 231-222 in a one-sided bronze playoff.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has opened the door to out-of-favour midfielder James Rodriguez leaving the club by admitting the player's lack of appearances could become a problem.
Bopanna being the highest-ranked doubles player in the country is automatic choice for the doubles rubber.
Brazil and Paraguay share second place in the World Cup qualifying standings with four points, behind Argentina on six.
Brazil coach Dunga has told his team not to get involved in gamesmanship and petty arguments during the World Cup qualifiers.
Here's your weekly digest of photographs that prove that it's a odd, crazy world out there!
World No 1 Novak Djokovic and the man who can dislodge him from the top spot by next week, Rafael Nadal, kicked off their China Open campaign with straight set victories on Tuesday.
Brazil got off to a winning start in their home Olympics on Wednesday when the women's soccer team beat China 3-0 in host city Rio de Janeiro. Although the opening ceremony takes place on Friday, the soccer competitions began ahead of time with six women's matches on Wednesday and another eight men's games on Thursday.
Sports events produce a multitude of highly amusing and crazy celebrations. Individual and team players have various way of celebrating victory, a goal or point. Some do it with a high-five, blow a kiss, cartwheel or dance. And on the soccer field, it's a soccer ball baby!
The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances