But Leicester are two-time European champions and they confirmed their Heineken Cup pedigree as they dominated the last 30 minutes.
Ridsdale confirmed that the FA Cup finalists have not had a bid for any of their star players.
Portugal boss Scolari was interviewed for the England job before McClaren's appointment but talks broke down because the former Brazil coach did not want the appointment confirmed before the World Cup finals.
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But the Zimbabwean's future became untenable after the team were booed off the pitch on Tuesday after a humiliating defeat by South Africa confirmed their exit from the World Cup.
If Sheahan's suspension from all rugby is confirmed, he will miss the World Cup in Australia.
International soccer will take a belated step into the 21st century by introducing goal-line technology in time for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA confirmed Tuesday.
On Wednesday, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales all confirmed their interest in hosting the 2015 World Cup.
Henman was delighted with his return to the Davis Cup after three years away and confirmed he would still be avaialble for future ties.
Egypt held on for their record seventh title and their team and fans celebrated wildly on the final whistle, as the Pharoahs confirmed their status as kings of the Nations Cup tournament.
Ireland, Scotland and Wales have also confirmed their intention to bid for the 2019 World Cup.
Fifa also vowed it would ensure that no confirmed hooligans would make it to the first World Cup finals to be staged in Asia.
Earlier this month, football's global governing body FIFA confirmed it will use GLT for June's Confederations Cup in Brazil.
With a potential May date with Argentina hanging in the balance, South Africa's sole confirmed friendly in the run-up to the World Cup is a 5 June meeting with Denmark.
The venue for Great Britain's 7-9 February Davis Cup tie against Australia is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be held on a specially-constructed clay court in Sydney.
Meanwhile, Andy Roddick has confirmed he will not play for the United States in David Cup this year.
Maqsood confirmed to the commission that match-fixing rumours surrounded Pakistan's World Cup defeats.
Also on Friday, FIFA confirmed that Brazil will not be completely ready to host June's Confederations Cup -- a precursor event to next year's World Cup in the South American country.
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Grove was chosen ahead of Ben Cairns, with whom he will compete for a place with Edinburgh should his move be confirmed and who will travel with Scotland A to Romania to defend the Nations Cup.
He also confirmed the three-day Grand National Festival had benefited from the cancellation of the Cheltenham Gold Cup due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.
"Mido is only going to join the senior team in the Nations Cup, " Hany Abu Reda, the manager of all Egyptian national teams, confirmed to the BBC Sport website.
Ferdinand has been called up into the England squad for the first time since 2011, and Ferguson confirmed that the 34-year-old would be available for this month's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro despite earlier expressing fears about his fitness.
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"The executive ... confirmed that, as a matter of principle, only one association will be entitled to host a Fifa World Cup, " the global body said in a statement.
"And his name was confirmed following talks with Texeira during which he approved the renewal project decided by the CBF pertaining to the 2014 World Cup that Brazil will host, " it added.
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