Gianni Infantino is endorsed by the Asian Football Confederation for another term as FIFA president
TOKYO (AP) — The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president in an apparent turnaround in its stance from two months ago when it criticized the head of soccer’s world governing body for a breach of trust. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa made the announcement Friday at an extraordinary congress meeting in Tokyo, and embraced Infantino with a large hug in front of the membership as he delivered his endorsement. Sheikh Salman says: “We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the FIFA president.” The AFC has 47 member associations. The FIFA election is in March.
Caleb Williams throws 2 TD passes as the Bears beat Drake Maye and the Patriots 30-24
CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns, and the Chicago Bears cooled off Drake Maye and the New England Patriots with a 30-24 win. Williams was 22-for-33 passing in his second game back after being sidelined by a right hamstring injury. He became the first Bears quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in consecutive games since Mitch Trubisky had a three-game run in 2018. Williams outdueled Maye in their second meeting since the longtime friends were part of the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams went No. 1 overall to Chicago, and Maye was selected by New England at No. 3.
How Spanish coaches became soccer’s hottest commodity
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish coaches are all the rage. And for good reason. The teams that hold the men’s and women’s World Cup, the men’s and women’s Champions League, the Premier League and Europa League titles were all lead by coaches from the southern European country. Five Spaniards are coaching in the Premier League, and Spain led Europe in exporting coaches last year with 107 coaches employed abroad in first-and-second-division clubs. The groundwork for this success story was laid decades ago when Johan Cruyff instilled a new playing style at Barcelona. That was later adopted by Spain’s national team and has influenced how Spanish coaches spot and develop talent.
With lockout looming, the World Series could be Major League Baseball’s last games for a while
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Major League Baseball faces uncertainty as owners pushes for a salary cap, threatening a lockout starting Dec. 2. The work stoppage could lead to canceled games in 2027. Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen says losing a season would be a “real bummer.” This World Series is the first since 1991 between teams in the bottom half of payrolls. MLB argues a cap is needed for better competition. The players’ association vows never to accept a cap. Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement could become contentious.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers backs NFL on holding game in Paris despite recent unrest
PARIS (AP) — Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has expressed confidence in the NFL to make security decisions around staging a game in Paris amid recent civil unrest in the city. The Pittsburgh star spoke at a news conference inside a downtown hotel shortly after the team arrived in the capital for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France. Rodgers says “This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.” A morning practice for the Steelers at Stade de France was canceled because of bad weather.
Hall of Famer and Southern coach Marshall Faulk says he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Hall of Fame running back and Southern University coach Marshall Faulk has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Faulk revealed his diagnosis on the podcast “The Caring Neurologist.” The 53-year-old Faulk said he was not experiencing “issues” beyond hand rigidity and a few tremors, thanks to medication. He doesn’t believe his symptoms have gotten worse in the 18 months he’s been dealing with the disease. Faulk is in his first season as Southern’s head coach. He played 12 NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
The stadium hosting Sunday’s NFL game in Paris has seen much sporting drama but also a terror attack
PARIS (AP) — Stade de France has seen many sporting triumphs since its inauguration in 1998 but the stadium also witnessed one of the nation’s darkest days. On Sunday the Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints in an NFL match at the 80,000-capacity stadium. There were huge celebrations inside there when France won its first World Cup in ‘98. But fans were gripped by fear in 2015 after two bombs exploded outside the stadium during a deadly night of terror attacks across the city. The successful Paris 2024 Games’ spectacular closing ceremony ended amid fanfare and music at the stadium.