The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 15 November 2011

Tevez and City discussing absence

Carlos Tevez failed to attend a meeting at Manchester City yesterday despite being ordered to return from Argentina. Tevez's representative, though, said that there were "a series of meetings and conference calls" with the club at the weekend over his absence. MORE

Federer: Schedule to thank for success

Roger Federer believes that pacing himself was behind his recent wins in Basle and Paris. "In hindsight it was good scheduling," said the 30-year-old. "I always plan in the long term. I hope also in some ways I can educate some other players. I know how tough it is."  MORE

Lawsuit puts NBA season at risk

The entire 2011-12 NBA season is under threat after the National Basketball Players Association yesterday rejected the NBA team owners' latest proposal and announced that it will file an anti-trust lawsuit against the league.

Celtic face Uefa action over chants

Celtic face disciplinary action from Uefa over "illicit chanting" during the 3-1 Europa League win over Rennes earlier this month. Celtic will be called before Uefa's control and disciplinary panel on 8 December. The club were already "looking into the claims". MORE

England flanker Worsley retires

Joe Worsley yesterday announced his retirement after eight months of trying to overcome a neck problem. "I have been following medical and rehab advice but it hasn't worked," said the 34-year-old flanker who won 78 England caps. "It was obvious I couldn't continue." MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

The England team has not for at least a decade been so free of the trappings of an old boys' club. For the likes of Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson the possibilities under Fabio Capello have never been so fluid. MORE

Dunne: Money can't buy Ireland's thrill

Richard Dunne is not interested in any bonus payment ahead of the Republic of Ireland's likely passage to Euro 2012 against Estonia tonight: "Footballers want to play in tournaments. To go and represent Ireland is going to be something money can't buy." MORE

Morley vows to keep playing

Adrian Morley will become Britain's most capped player in the Four Nations final on Saturday, with 50, but wants to keep going. "It all depends on your club form, but as long as I'm playing well enough and England want me, I'll always put my hand up," he said. MORE

Capello happy for Terry to captain young side tonight

Fabio Capello is "comfortable, absolutely" with John Terry leading out an experimental England side against Sweden at Wembley tonight. The Chelsea centre-back, who is under investigation following accusations of racism, did not play in the defeat of Spain on Saturday. "I am comfortable, absolutely," said Capello yesterday. "You know what I decided. It's finished. You know why? Because, guys, innocent until [proven guilty]." Terry will be one of the few experienced members of a side featuring eight changes from Saturday. There will be a first start for Kyle Walker at right-back, while Jack Rodwell, Bobby Zamora and Danny Welbeck should all play. The likely XI will have just 208 caps between them, the second-lowest total under Capello's reign, with 174 of those coming from four players: Terry, Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing and James Milner. MORE

U-21s defeated in stoppage time

England Under-21s lost their Euro 2013 qualifier to Belgium 2-1 in Mons last night. Liverpool's Martin Kelly had put Stuart Pearce's side ahead but Jens Naessens equalised for the hosts and Omar El Kaddouri struck the winning goal in stoppage time. MORE

Test Championship delayed until 2017

The World Test Championship will not begin until 2017, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat said yesterday. "It is no longer going to happen in 2013," he said. "I am disappointed but it is a reality of the commitments we have already got." MORE