Talking Balls: Lingerie Football, Maradona Madness & Sports Shorts

You want some big news? Even if to call it sports is a bit of a disservice to the recent Olympics? The Lingerie Football League is coming to Beijing. Our heroes at China Daily got the scoop on the frilly football's plan to expand the brand into China. They're coming to Beijing (and Shanghai and Hong Kong too) in December. If us reporting this news appears in any way sexist then it's just a coincidence, or we'd like to apologize, or something.

Mad former genius, Diego Maradona, has been in China this week. As ever he's been a walking headline machine. One of his reasons for visiting was to start legal action against some online gaming firms for abusing his likeness. His other reasons were charity (Maradona's a good egg like that) and let's call it "any other business." Apparently, Maradona wants to turn his Hand of God to coach soccer in China and, eventually, to become boss of Team China. He even met CFA boss Wei Di. We know it’s wrong but we still kind of want it to happen.

Don't forget that the world's most exciting league (trademark the Premier League) is back this weekend. The Prem, BPL, EPL, or whatever you want to call it returns on Saturday evening. The Black Sun at Chaoyang Park West Gate is promising fans wearing team shirts "free beers." Good luck getting them.

Meanwhile, in local sports news, here's some things to be on the look out for:

• The Beijing Bombers will finally be taking on Shanghai fir the China Cup on September 1
• Beijing's cricket reaches its finale on Sunday at Dulwich. There's beer, BBQ and curry for spectators
• Today's the last day for registering for the Beidahe Triathlon
• You can take part in the world's shortest triathlon on September 1 with NordicWays
• The IFFC, Beijing's 11-a-side soccer league, will be starting in September. Teams are looking for players
• As are the ClubFootball 5-a-side teams, for the new season which started earlier this week
• The 5-a-side pitches at Gongti will open to the public on September 1. Prices to come (when they tell us)
• September sees the start of the new rugby season. Email the Aardvarks if you want to play
• The China Open (the tennis one) will return in October. We'll have ticket details soon
• Training for White Collar Boxing's Brawl on the Wall is underway. Fight night is November 17
• Check NFLChina.com for full details of September 8's NFL Experience at WAB
• That's also where you can catch the Beijing Guardians take on the Shanghai Nighthawks (5.30pm KO)
• Mashup are still looking for interested parties for the flag football league (beginning September 1)

before we sign off, Talking Balls would also like to dedicate this blog post to a proper sportswriter who is sadly no longer with us. We're hoping for a United win on Monday night as a fitting sporting tribute.

Photo: Tiger Droppings