New coach for Team India?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for coach of the national team. The term of present India coach Anil Kumble will come to an end on June 18. "The BCCI would like to call upon interested candidates to apply for the position of 'Head Coach' for Indian cricket team (Men)," BCCI Acting Secretary Amitabh Chaudhary said in a statement. "The process has been initiated since the term of the current coach Anil Kumble concludes with the Champions Trophy. Present head coach Anil Kumble will be a direct entry for the process," he said. The three-member Cricket Advisory Committee of the BCCI comprising former India stars Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman will interview the interested candidates and and assess their presentations. The entire process will be overseen by a nominee of the Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA).
Ronaldo, reportedly, defrauded nearly $9 mn in tax
The Spanish Tax Authorities (Agencia Tributaria) consider that Real Madrid football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo defrauded over 8 million euros ($8.95 million) by not correctly declaring his image rights for the period between 2011 and 2013, according to media reports in Spain. The revelations were made on Thursday by radio stations Cadena Ser and Cadena Cope citing sources in the Spanish tax authorities. However, the radio stations added that there is an internal debate within the tax authority over whether Ronaldo actually committed a crime or an administrative error, given that he tried to bring his situation up to date before the investigation began. If finally it is considered that Ronaldo merely committed an administrative error, he would have to repay the 8 million euros, as well as the corresponding fine. But if it was considered to be a criminal offence, he would face a prison sentence of four months in jail for every year he was considered to have offended (2011, 2012, 2013).
Manchester United claim Europa League title
English Premier League (EPL) side Manchester United lifted the Europa League trophy with a 2-0 victory over Ajax Amsterdam in the final, also securing an automatic spot in next season's UEFA Champions League group phase. Injury-riddled Manchester United finished a mere sixth in the EPL and had to hinge on winning the Europa League as only the league's top four could qualify for the Champions League. Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored a goal each either sides of the half to give United their first Europa League title. Veteran striker Wayne Rooney, benched just before stoppage time, lifted the trophy as the team captain in what was probably his last appearance for Manchester United. After sealing the victory in the Europa League, formerly known as UEFA Cup, Manchester United have joined Ajax, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus in an elite band of teams to have won all three of UEFA's major club trophies, namely European Champion Clubs' Cup/Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League, and European Cup Winners' Cup.
Totti confirms end of Roma career
AS Roma's talismanic playmaker Francesco Totti has confirmed that Sunday's Serie A match at home to Genoa will be his last after 25 years at the club but left his future shrouded in mystery by saying he was ready for a "new challenge". The 40-year-old gave no clues as to whether the new challenge would be a director's role at Roma or playing at a different club, something which has always been considered unthinkable for one of football's most loyal players. "From Monday, I'm ready to go again. I'm ready for a new challenge," said Totti on his Twitter feed. "Roma-Genoa, Sunday May 28, 2017, the last time I can wear Roma's jersey." Totti added: "I can't tell you in a few words how much these colours mean, meant and will always mean to me. I just feel that my love for football never fades. It's a passion, my passion. It's so deep I can't imagine not fuelling it any longer. Ever."
F1 teams asked to revise cars after Monger crash
Formula One teams have been told to change the rear jack points on their cars for safety reasons after a recent Formula Four accident that cost British teenager Billy Monger his legs. International Automobile Federation (FIA) safety director Laurent Mekies wrote to the teams ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix seeking modifications to the points at which jacks are engaged to raise the back of cars at pitstops. "Following several front-to-rear incidents over the past months in various single-seater categories, the FIA would like all F1 teams to ensure that their rear jacking point designs cannot act aggressively during such an incident," he wrote. "Considering the strength, shape and position of the jacking points, they may become one of the initial points of contact in a crash with another car and alter the performance of the crash structure of the other car. The use of aggressive designs will not be permitted from the Monaco GP onwards."Details of the note were published on the motorsport.com website.
England win first ODI against Proteas
England beat South Africa by 72 runs to win the day/night first one-day international at Headingley and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. England captain Eoin Morgan struck 107 in a total of 339 for six after he lost the toss. Morgan and Moeen Ali (77 not out) shared a stand of 117 after England had slumped to 198 for five. South Africa, set 340 for victory, were never in the hunt after the world's top-ranked ODI side lost both Hashim Amla (73) and Faf du Plessis (67) in quick succession to be 149 for three. They were bowled out for 267, with paceman Chris Woakes taking four for 38 as England won with five overs to spare. The series, a warm-up ahead of next week's Champions Trophy tournament in England and Wales, continues at Southampton on Saturday.
