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.
Sarfaraz named Pakistan's test coach for Bangladesh series
Pakistan appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach of their test team for the two-match series in Bangladesh next month, the country's cricket board said on Saturday.
Coventry promoted to Premier League after 25-year absence
Coventry City ended their 25-year absence from the Premier League with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers, securing promotion from the Championship with three games to spare on Friday.
Gujarat sink Kolkata with adaptable bowling in IPL
Gujarat Titans adapted to conditions to secure a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada said, focusing on tight bowling instead of the explosive batting that has been the hallmark of the Indian Premier League.
Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Open for second straight year
Carlos Alcaraz will miss the Madrid Open for the second consecutive year after withdrawing on Friday with a wrist injury, dealing another blow to the world number two's clay court preparations ahead of his French Open title defence.
Injured Djokovic to miss Madrid Open
Novak Djokovic is still working through the injury problems that forced him to miss recent tournaments in Miami and Monte Carlo and said on Friday that he will not feature at next week's Madrid Open, one of the last stops before the French Open.
Bus operations for public and private schools in the UAE will resume on Monday, April 20.
Dubai Police, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Interior, have arrested an Irish fugitive accused of involvement in an organised criminal group linked to international crimes in his home country.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, to discuss national priorities and the country’s continued development.
