UK court rescinds Carlos Tevez's community service

MACCLESFIELD, England (AP) — Carlos Tevez has been cleared to start the season with Juventus after having his court-ordered punishment rescinded in England.

The former Manchester City striker still had to complete the majority of his 250 hours' of unpaid community service that was imposed after a string of driving offences before leaving the Premier League club.

But the terms have been changed by Macclesfield Magistrates' Court near Manchester, with Tevez paying a fine now instead.

District Judge Bridget Knight says "it is not, I repeat not, a case of a footballer thumbing his nose at a court order."

Tevez thanked the court for its "help and assistance" and says he is "looking forward to a new chapter."

Tevez joined Juventus last month in a transfer worth up to 12 million pounds ($18 million).