Lewis Hamilton took first blood by topping the times ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and world championship leader Nico Rosberg in Friday’s opening practice ahead of this weekend’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

A former youth player with Premier League giants Manchester City alleged Friday that a football pedophile ring was covered up as England captain Wayne Rooney praised victims for speaking out.

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta returned to training on Friday following a month out with a knee injury and is hopeful of playing in next month's Clasico, the Spanish champions said.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri could hand teenage starlet Moise Kean his full debut for the injury-hit Turin giants against Genoa on Sunday -- even if he is secretly an AC Milan fan.

Brazil climbed up to second place behind continental rivals Argentina in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday.

Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale is to undergo an operation on his injured ankle that will likely see him ruled out of action for two months.

Lewis Hamilton made clear Thursday that he has no intention of trying to ‘ back up’ his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg if he is leading this weekend’s title showdown Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday at the age of 36.

Gerrard spent 17 years at his home-town club Liverpool, 12 as captain, and won seven major honours including the 2005 Champions League before finishing his career with an 18-month stint at LA Galaxy.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrapped up the first of 11 executive meetings with federation representatives Wednesday by saying those gathered in Paris were all in favor of expanding the World Cup.

Leicester kept their Champions League dreams aflame Tuesday, cruising into the last 16 with a 2-1 win over Belgium's Club Brugge, where they were joined by Real Madrid -- but not a crestfallen Tottenham.