Suspended outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter claims an agreement was in place for Russia to take the 2018 World Cup - before there was even a vote. He’s spoken to the Russian news agency, saying the 2022 tournament was lined up to go to the USA but went to Qatar instead after UEFA boss Michel Platini changed his backing. Blatter hasn’t revealed who an agreement had been made with. It's seen as a controversial statement, as many countries spent millions of dollars on campaigns.
Ten-man Newcastle beat Man United; Arsenal go 7 points clear
William Osula came off the bench to score a late winner as a 10-man Newcastle United beat high-flying Manchester United 2-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday to end Michael Carrick's unbeaten run as interim manager.
New Zealand crush South Africa to reach T20 World Cup final
Finn Allen plundered the fastest century in Twenty20 World Cup history to lead New Zealand into the final with a nine-wicket demolition of South Africa at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Dave Rennie becomes first Pacific Islander to lead All Blacks
Dave Rennie was named as replacement for Scott Robertson as coach of the All Blacks on Wednesday and charged with taking New Zealand to a fourth World Cup triumph in Australia next year.
FIFA offering $12 tickets to World Cup Play-Off Tournament
Tickets for this month's World Cup Play-Off Tournament matches in Mexico, which will determine two of the final six vacant spots in this summer's historic 48-team tournament, went on sale Tuesday.
Resurgent Wolves stun Liverpool, Everton enjoy home comfort
Resurgent bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers have stunned Liverpool with a last-gasp 2-1 win at a rocking Molineux on Tuesday to offer a glimpse of a miraculous escape from relegation while putting a big dent in the top-five hopes of Arne Slot's side.
