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ZAGREB, Croatia -- Croatia defender Josip Simunic lost his appeal at sports highest court on Monday, ruling him out of the World Cup for leading fans in a pro-Nazi chant after a playoff win. Announcing the ruling to uphold the 10-match ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said it unanimously rejected Simunics arguments and dismissed his appeal against the FIFA sanction. Simunics ban will start when Croatia opens the World Cup against host Brazil in Sao Paulo on June 12. Simunics lawyer, Davor Prtenjaca, slammed the ruling. "This was not the victory of justice, but the power of a big football association. FIFA had its ban based on political, not legal aspects," Prtenjaca said. Simunic invoked a World War II-era slogan used by Croatias then-puppet regime following a playoff victory against Iceland in Zagreb last November that qualified the Croatians for the tournament. After the match, Simunic took a microphone on the field and shouted to supporters: "To the battle, to the battle for the homeland!" The fans responded: "We are ready!" The slogan was used by Croatias Ustasha regime, which sent tens of thousands Jews, Serbs and Gypsies to death camps. "The expression used by Simunic was a clear and unequivocal reference to the call used by the (Ustasas)," CAS said. FIFAs disciplinary panel has said Simunics action was discriminatory and offensive. The sanction reflected its commitment to harsher sanctions for racism and discrimination at matches. "FIFA considers that CAS gives a clear and strong support to FIFAs efforts in stamping out racism in football," footballs governing body said in a statement. Simunic, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb, apologized after previously defending his action. After the initial reaction, he said: "Some people have to learn some history. Im not afraid. I did nothing wrong." The 36-year-old Australian-born Simunic, who has played 105 times for Croatia, was a probable selection for his third World Cup. At the 2006 tournament, he was sent off against Australia after being shown three yellow cards by the referee. His current ban is likely to mean the end of his international playing career. Simunic is also barred from stadiums where Croatia will play its next 10 official games. He was fined 30,000 Swiss francs (then $33,800) last December by FIFA. Adidas Superstars Sale Cheap . Kevin Martin and Kevin Love paced the Timberwolves like they do so often. Martin had 27 points with some key baskets down the stretch, Love had his usual double-double, and the Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-106 victory Saturday night over the suddenly slipping Dallas Mavericks. Cheap Adidas Superstar China . Weise will have his hearing with the NHL head office over the phone, while the league has requested an in-person hearing with Kassian. Oilers centre Sam Gagner suffered a broken jaw after getting hit with a high stick from Kassian in Edmontons 5-2 win. http://www.superstarcheap.com/ .com) - Rick Nash scored twice and Derek Stepan chipped in a goal with one assist as the New York Rangers claimed a 5-2 decision over Calgary at the Saddledome. Adidas Superstar For Sale Cheap . For the Miami Heat, that was outstanding news. LeBron James scored the last of his 32 points on a layup that put Miami up for good with 11. Cheap Adidas Superstar Wholesale . - While a fast-paced offence has become more of a fixture in recent years, the San Antonio Spurs can still grind out games when needed.LONDON -- The NFL is back in London boasting the star power of Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisberger. Trouble is, their teams have nothing to brag about. The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers are both 0-3 heading into Sundays game at Wembley Stadium, and a fourth loss will all but put the playoffs out of reach for one of them. The first of two regular-season NFL games is expected to be a sellout despite the teams current woes. "It doesnt bother me. I love the atmosphere," said Rachel Green, who with husband Matt has been to all six of the NFL games played at Wembley. "I prefer it to be close, which it will more likely be with them both 0-3." As of Tuesday, about 84,000 tickets had been sold, with only singles and premium seats still up for grabs. The Vikings arrived in London on Tuesday and were already mixing with local schoolchildren and fans as part of the duties of the designated home team. The Steelers arrive Friday. All eyes will be on Peterson, the Vikings running back, and Roethlisberger, the Steelers quarterback, as they look to lead their clubs to victory with their seasons teetering on the brink. Minnesota lost 31-27 to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, while the Steelers fell 40-23 to the Chicago Bears. "These are two teams that the U.K. crowd have not seen before and you have star power with the Vikings in Adrian Peterson and, with the Steelers, you have one of the most successful franchises in NFL history," NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood said. "What you want is a very competitive game, and you know you are going to get it with both teams going after a must-win." The New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos are among tthe teams that have played in London since the International Series was launched.ddddddddddddThe New York Giants victory over the Miami Dolphins in the inaugural 2007 game helped turn their season around en route to winning the Super Bowl. The Vikings went 10-6 last season and made the playoffs, while the Steelers finished 8-8. When they were selected to play in London, no one could have expected they would be a combined 0-6 heading into this weeks game. "For me, the chance to see a team as storied and famous as the Steelers is a big draw," said 30-year-old Matt Green, who counts the Green Bay Packers as his favourite team. "Itll be interesting to see how a franchise that has been challenging year in, year out will cope with the difficulties theyve been facing recently. "To be honest, I would go regardless of the teams playing. The chance to hang out and chat with so many like-minded NFL fans is one of my favourite parts of the day." The second game, scheduled for Oct. 27, also features two teams currently struggling. The Jacksonville Jaguars 0-3 start is not a big surprise, but the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers are unexpectedly 1-2 after two straight losses. Still, the 49ers will likely be heavy favourites. That game is sold out, which bodes well for building the Jaguars fan base in Britain. Jacksonville has signed up to play one of its home games at Wembley over the next three seasons. London, meanwhile, keeps being talked about as a potential home for a full-time NFL franchise in the future. "Youre going to get a very interesting story no matter what team plays," Kirkwood said. "Well be able to track the Jaguars and see how they grow going forward." ' ' '