Goal-line technology could be introduced to the English Premier League in time for the 2012/2013 season, chief executive Richard Scudamore said Wednesday.

Writing in a review of the Premier League season to be distributed to British lawmakers later Wednesday, Scudamore expressed hope that controversies over goal-line decisions could soon be a distant memory.

Brazilian side Corinthians have admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Argentinean star Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

City manager Roberto Mancini had said on Monday that the English Premier League club had agreed to a deal but the Brazilians contradicted him and then said Tuesday that time had run out with the transfer window in Brazil for players coming in from abroad closing Wednesday night.

Yao Ming has made it official Wednesday, telling a packed news conference in his hometown that a series of foot and leg injuries have forced him to retire from basketball.

"I will formally end my career," said Yao, the 7-fooot-6 center who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets as the top draft pick in 2002.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his players to learn from their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona and dethrone the Spanish giants as Kings of Europe.

Ferguson told British media outlets on Tuesday that the next generation of United players would need to rise to the challenge of downing Barcelona while noting that winning the Premier League was equally important.

A United Arab Emirates player whose backheeled penalty in a friendly against Lebanon has become an Internet sensation, faces possible sanctions for being "disrespectful."

Video of Theyab Awana's goal in UAE's 7-2 win on Sunday has become popular on YouTube.

Their country's misery was never far from their hearts.

Thousands dead or missing. Villages erased. Homes destroyed.

Kazan, Russia has been awarded the right to host the world swimming championships in 2015 and Guadalajara, Mexico in 2017.

World swimming body FINA made the announcement Friday just before the start of the 14th world titles in Shanghai. Barcelona, Spain, will host the same event in 2013.

Cesc Fabregas is "suffering" from the drawn-out transfer saga that has kept the Arsenal playmaker from joining Barcelona, according to Xavi Hernandez.

Xavi left little doubt over his Spain teammate's desire to move to the Catalan capital following a recent conversation.

Madrid will bid for the 2020 Olympics, hoping to replicate Pyeongchang's perseverance in winning on a third consecutive attempt.

Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon confirmed the Spanish capital's candidacy on Wednesday, citing Pyeongchang's victory as providing the necessary push for Madrid to bid again.

German football coach Silvia Neid told a newspaper Tuesday she will consider stepping down following the team's shock quarter-final exit from the women's World Cup.

"Right now I need some time off. In a couple of weeks when I've got myself back into everyday life I'll ask myself -- what do I really want? Can I motivate myself to take part in the European tournament in two years' time? And then I'll find the answer," she told Bild newspaper.