Football: Colombian faces bogus bonus charges
AROUND THE WORLD
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Colombia
FRANCISCO MATURANA, who coached the n national team at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, is under judicial investigation in Bogota over 10 cheques he received from the jailed leader of a Cali drug cartel.
Maturana, who is now the coach of Costa Rica after a spell in charge of Ecuador's national side, has not yet been charged but is being investigated for possible "illicit enrichment" - a n legal phrase which means obtaining income or assets that one cannot prove came from legitimate sources.
The cheques were banked by Maturana in 1992, when he was the coach of America Cali. The money came from the club's owner, Miguel Rodriguez, who was arrested in 1995 and later convicted of drug trafficking.
Last week Maturana's former assistant at America, Pedro Sarmiento, was questioned about receiving cheques from Rodriguez worth almost pounds 1m between 1990 and 1993 to distribute, as bonuses, to the club's players and Maturana.
Russia
THE YOUNG daughter of the Russian international Oleg Veretennikov yesterday remained in a critical condition in hospital after the pair suffered an acid attack last week.
Veretennikov, who plays for Rotor Volgograd, was out for a walk with two-year-old Tanya when they were attacked by an assailant, who threw sulphuric acid at them. He only suffered injuries to his hand but his daughter has severe burns over most of her face and, if she survives, will be scarred for life.
Police, who have failed to catch the attacker, have come up with no motive apart from a suspected personal vendetta.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments