Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has been given a wildcard to play in the Italian Open in May, organizers said Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday pledged to establish an "independent" system to tackle doping in the country, but insisted again that the state had never run a drug cheating program. 

Budapest City Council approved a motion on Wednesday to abandon its bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games after a referendum push last month forced the government to withdraw its support.

Liverpool announced a pre-tax loss of £19.8 million ($24.5 million, 23.2 million euros) for last year on Wednesday despite record revenue of £301 million.

Leicester City caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare said he was ready to take on the role full-time after overseeing an impressive 3-1 win against Liverpool in his first game.

Asia's football body on Tuesday urged FIFA to rule whether its candidates can stand for election to the world organization’s top decision-making body, following a walk-out over the issue last year.

Mario Goetze had the nation at his feet when Germany's hero netted the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina hit a career high world ranking after her victory in Dubai helped her crack the WTA top 10 released on Monday.

Atletico Madrid's French defender Lucas Hernandez and his girlfriend were on Monday ordered to serve 31 days of community service and to not see each other for six months after a violent altercation.

FIFA on Monday said it was confident problems plaguing the pitch at the new Saint Petersburg stadium will be fixed in time for the Confederations Cup in June.