Gold Medalist Appeal; 2014 Sports Director; Brazilian Airport Concerns

Plushenko Appeal for Amateur Status

Russia’s skating federation says it has given the initial go-ahead for Eyvgeni Plushenko to re-gain amateur status.

On Thursday, Alexander Gorshkov said the federation gave preliminary approval for Plushkenko’s request for reinstatement. If approved, he would be eligible to compete in figure skating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Plushenko took gold in 2006.

Following the 2010 Games, the International Skating Union stripped him of his eligibility for skating in unsanctioned exhibitions.

The ISU has the final say in his eligibility.

Swiss Appointed Sochi 2014 Sports Chief

Swiss ice hockey leader Werner Augsburger is the new sports director of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

He will leave his role as CEO of Switzerland's ice hockey league in August and take up the Sochi position in September.

"In his new position, Mr. Augsburger will be in charge of the organization of the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games sports competitions as well as liaising with international federations and other sports unions," said a Sochi 2014 statement.

Augsburger, 52, said it was "a great honor" to be chosen for the 2014 Olympics role.

The former head of the Swiss Olympic committee was his country's chef de mission at three Olympics, in Athens, Turin and Beijing.

Augsburger is believedto be the top-ranking foreign executive on the Sochi 2014 payroll.

Brazil Airports

A government think tank says Brazilian airports won’t be ready by the 2014 World Cup.

A report released Thursday from the Institute of Applied Economic Research paints a dire picture of the current status of airports.

"If the usual timelines for infrastructure projects in Brazilare maintained, 10 of the 13 passenger terminals will not be completed by 2014," the Associated Press reported. "The low efficiency in the execution of investment programs is worrisome.

"Ten would be operating in critical situation."

Brazil’s infrastructure was a major concern for Rio de Janeiro, the host city for the 2016 Olympics. The World Cup was expected to boost the level of infrastructure before the Olympics.

Three billion dollars is being spent to upgrade Brazil’s airports prior to the World Cup.

Media Watch

The BBC’s James Pearce asks if a European Games are truly needed.

Written by Ed Hula III.