Newly minted world number one Angelique Kerber warned Sunday that Serena Williams will come back strong after the German stripped her of her long-held position atop the rankings.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko is staying in charge of football in the 2018 World Cup host nation.

He faced down a revolt Saturday from coaches and officials critical of tight government control and poor national team performances.

Serena Williams announced Friday that she has pulled out of two forthcoming tournaments in China citing an ongoing shoulder injury.

Only a catastrophic collapse can prevent Zamalek of Egypt reaching the CAF Champions League final this weekend, but ZESCO United of Zambia hold a precarious lead in the other semi-final.     

Five-time title-holders Zamalek have a 4-0 lead over one-time winners Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and no club has overcome such a large first-leg deficit in the penultimate phase.

Ambitious World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar have sacked coach Jose Daniel Carreno just a fortnight ahead of a crucial 2018 qualifier in South Korea and after successive defeats.

The Uruguayan was dismissed following recent back-to-back defeats against Iran and Uzbekistan which left Qatar's hopes of making the World Cup in Russia in two years' time in serious trouble.

Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza launched a stinging attack on Barcelona on Thursday after losing star forward Lionel Messi for vital World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay next month.

Messi will be sidelined for the next three weeks due to a groin strain suffered in Barca's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

Turkish police on Thursday detained a former prominent footballer from the Istanbul giants Galatasaray on suspicion of links to the group blamed for the July 15 failed coup.

With dead-eyed efficiency, Pep Guardiola has hit the ground running as Manchester City manager, ruthlessly clearing his squad of unwanted players and transforming the team into a winning machine.

Second-placed Paris Saint-Germain have a chance to take control of Ligue 1 as the reigning champions travel south to Toulouse on Friday.

Leaders Bayern Munich are now the only team in Germany's top flight still with a perfect 100 percent record following Wednesday's 3-0 Bundesliga win at home to Hertha Berlin.