Flavio Briatore

Disgraced former Renault team head Flavio Briatore is seeking one million euros in compensation from Formula One's governing body over the crash-gate scandal, according to a report. Briatore is appealing his life ban from the sport in a Paris court later this month, and will claim the FIA's World Motor Sport Council did not follow proper rules and procedures in making its decision.

The move follows former Renault driver Nelson Piquet junior's claims that he had been ordered to deliberately crash at the 2008 Singapore race to allow teammate Fernando Alonso to win. Briatore, who quit in the aftermath of the scandal, was handed a lifetime ban and chief engineer Pat Symonds was suspended for five years when the World Motor Sport Council met in Paris in September.

The two are appealing the life ban, and seeking damages, on the grounds that the World Motor Sport Council's hearings into the scandal were conducted in an improper fashion.

Cristiano Ronaldo fantastic

Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004, the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup, and the quarter-finals at Euro 2008, but they have struggled in qualification for next year's World Cup and face a play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in November to secure their place. Star player Cristiano Ronald told Bild, "It is a dream. The greatest feeling is for a player to be world champion. Portugal has a good team, but not fantastic. Only with a fantastic performance can you win this title."



Meanwhile the shortlist for FIFA world player of the year has been announced. The country of Spain has six nominees – goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defender Carles Puyol, midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi and a pair of strikers in Fernando Torres and David Villa. England have four players on the shortlist – Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and John Terry. But the favorites to win the title are the last two winners of the World Player of the Year award, Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Kaka.

Yelena Isinbayeva Asturias Award

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva received the prestigious Prince of Asturias Awards for her achievements in sports during the last year. In addition to a diploma Yelena Isinbayeva received a check for 50,000 Euros, and a sculpture by Spanish sculptor Joan Miró. Isinbayeva was selected for the award over Spanish athletes Rafael Nadal, last year's winner, and NBA champion Pau Gasol.



Meanwhile the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Monday ratified Yelena Isinbayeva’s world record of 5.06m, set earlier this year.