Ferguson's future

MANCHESTER United are poised to clarify the future of manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the wake of a dispute with the club's biggest shareholders. United are set to make a statement about Ferguson's contract, which has been in negotiation for months.

And a report now says the club's biggest shareholder, John Magnier, will call an emergency meeting if Ferguson is given more than a one-year deal. Magnier is said to be unhappy about the club's transfer dealings.

Ferguson is also involved in legal action with Magnier over a racehorse.

According to the English newspaper the Financial Times, Magnier and partner JP McManus "will press for the appointment of an independent auditor to scrutinise player transfer deals and payments made to agents over the last five years.

"The pair will make their move if Sir Alex Ferguson is awarded a new employment contract for more than a one-year term, and if the Manchester United board fails to investigate recent allegations regarding payments to player agents."

Ferguson's ongoing dispute with racing magnate Magnier is over the stud rights to star racehorse Rock of Gibraltar. Magnier has slowly built up a stake of over 25 per cent in the plc, prompting speculation of a possible takeover bid.

Ferguson has this week expressed his concern about the delay in securing a new deal. "I understand the fans are concerned, and quite rightly," he said. "The publicity over the matter does us no good. There are a couple of little things on the contract that we went through. We'd like to put the situation to bed and sign the contract straight away. That's my perspective and the club's perspective."

Under Takeover Panel regulations, an investor who takes up a 30 per cent equity stake in a British company is required to make an offer to all other shareholders.

Title tussle

WORLD champion Michael Schumacher is expecting another tough battle for the Formula One crown this season. The German is launching Ferrari's new car in Italy knowing he faces renewed challenges from rivals at McLaren and Williams.

"This season will be very much like last year with first one team ahead and then another," said Schumacher. "We will just have to see who is ahead at the end but at Ferrari we are determined to continue our success," he added.

Ferrari are believed to be at a disadvantage heading into the new season as their Bridgestone tyres appear to be less competitive than the Michelins used by Williams, McLaren and Renault.

The six-time world champion added: "People were saying we were dead during the winter and writing us off. But here we are still alive and kicking and we plan on being around for a long time yet."

Ferrari are already moving forward by introducing the 655 for the 2004 campaign. The team's sporting director, Jean Todt, hinted that the new-look car will have some innovative features. "With the 655 we hope to continue our formidable run of success," said Todt.

"It will have a front wing that could surprise everyone. I say it clearly: I am convinced that we will race well." The F1 season opens with the Australian Grand Prix on 7 March.

Title deadline

LENNOX Lewis has been given a deadline of 15 March to decide if he will defend his heavyweight title, according to BBC Radio Five Live. The report says if he fails to agree on another defence, he will automatically be stripped of the title by the WBC.

Lewis' trainer Emmanuel Steward said he believes the champion will either fight Vitali Klitschko again or retire. "It's the only fight he really wants to clean up the situation but I don't think he knows what he'll do," he said.

In June last year, Lewis retained the WBC title in controversial circumstances when he stopped Klitschko after the sixth round. Klitschko had a deep cut above his left eye but led on the judges' scorecards when officials ruled he could not continue.

Drought ends

PHIL Mickelson claimed his first title in 18 months after edging out Skip Kendall in a play-off at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic at La Quinta. Both players finished on 30-under with Mickelson carding a four-under-par 68 while Kendall scored a 65.

Mickelson won at the first play-off hole with a birdie from close range after Kendall missed from 15 feet. "This one means a lot. I hadn't been that nervous for a long, long time," said Mickelson.

Jay Haas was one shot back in third, while Jonathan Kaye's impressive round of 64 moved him up to fourth on 28-under.

Sweden's Jesper Parnevik, Ben Crane and Kenny Perry shared fifth place while Europe's Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer was alone in eighth after a 64. Mickelson, who fell from second to 16th in the world rankings after an unhappy 2003 season, was delighted with his flying start to 2004. "It's been a long time since I've won a tournament and to be able to start the year with a win is very exciting for me," he said. "It's also very encouraging because I'm starting to see results very quickly."

The 90-hole tournament was being played over four courses: PGA West, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes and La Quinta.

Eight straight

MICHAEL Finley scored 23 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to their eighth straight win after a 108-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the National Basketball Association. Finley scored a crucial three-pointer to take Dallas into the lead with less than two minutes remaining before they pulled away. Steve Nash had 21 points and 13 assists for the Mavericks while Antawn Jamison added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Peja Stojakovic led the Kings scoring with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Jason Terry scored 22 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a surprise 91-82 win over the Detroit Pistons. Stephen Jackson added 21 points for the Hawks, who won their fourth game in their last seven. Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 14 points for Atlanta, while Theo Ratliff contributed eight points, 13 rebounds and five blocks. For the Pistons, Corliss Williamson scored 20 points and Ben Wallace added 14 points and 15 rebounds.

The Chicago Bulls moved to a 96-89 win over the Toronto Raptors with Antonio Davis scoring 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against his former team. Jamal Crawford led the scoring for the Bulls with 27 points and was backed up by Kirk Hinrich's 15 points and seven assists. Chris Bosh scored 23 points and added 10 rebounds for Toronto. Toronto lost their fifth straight game and allowed Chicago to end a six-game losing streak.