"We have asked Calabria to clear up this particular investment. The region has until the 29th of this month to reply."

-- A European Commission spokesman on the use of $2.6 million of development aid by one of Italy's poorest regions to sponsor the Italian national team. Calabria officials, who must prove the legitimacy of using European Union funds earmarked to alleviate poverty going to one of the world's richest soccer federations, claim it's to promote tourism to its region. (Reuters)