SPORTS BRIEFS

Armstrong autograph

PARIS (AP):

Lance Armstrong's biggest fans are prepared to wait for hours in the heat, and part with a small fortune, for the chance to see their hero and maybe get an autograph.

Brother and sister Colin Hackett and Erin Meloche were among those who paid out hundreds of euros to receive a pass to the guest area of the final stage of Armstrong's final Tour de France yesterday.

Hackett, a physical education teacher from Edmonton, Alberta, says "it's just about what he's done for cancer research, cancer survivors, and bringing cycling to North America."

He collected several autographs but not Armstrong's, but did get to touch his hero, and felt it was well worth the money.

Corinthians picks Batista to replace Menezes

SAO PAULO (AP):

Corinthians say it has reached a deal to sign Adilson Batista as a replacement for departing coach Mano Menezes, who has accepted an offer to take charge of Brazil.

Menezes agreed to become Brazil coach on Saturday and Corinthians later that day said Batista will take over at the four-time Brazilian champion until the end of 2011.

Corinthians say the 42-year-old Batista, who played for the club as a defender when it won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2000, is expected to be officially introduced tomorrow after signing his contract.

He has been without a club since leaving Cruzeiro earlier this year, having led the team to a runner-up finish in last year's Copa Libertadores.

JFA appoints new president

TOKYO (AP):

Junji Ogura is the new president of the Japan Football Association (JFA).

The former JFA vice president is a member of FIFA's executive committee and takes over from Motoaki Inukai.

Ogura officially takes up the post at the end of July. Inukai steps down after a two-year term, and is chairman of the bid committee trying to bring the 2022 World Cup to Japan.

The 71-year-old Ogura received the FIFA Order of Merit in June for his contribution to football.

Inukai was often critical of Japan's national team, but stood by coach Takeshi Okada in the build-up to the World Cup, where Japan surprised many by reaching the second round.

FIFA ends inspection

SEOUL, South Korea (AP):

A FIFA delegation has completed its four-day inspection of the South Korean bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

The five-member team, led by Chilean Football Federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls, has toured stadiums, communication facilities and a national training centre in South Korea during its tour of the country.

Mayne-Nicholls told reporters in Seoul yesterday that "I must say ... the passion for the game seems to be growing everyday" in South Korea.

The FIFA delegation will now travel to Australia, which is another of the countries bidding to host the World Cup in 12 years' time. Qatar, Japan and the United States are the others.

South Korea co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with neighbour Japan.