The Munich prosecution "has reportedly finished its investigation into the bribery scandal" surrounding F1 CEO BERNIE ECCLESTONE and "will bring charges against him later this month." The prosecution "has spent more than two years investigating this case." However, a trial in this case "is not expected to begin before fall" as the charges "first have to be translated into English" and then Ecclestone's lawyers "will have the oportunity to comment on the charges" (SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG, 5/11). ... Limited edition SACHIN TENDULKAR gold coins, "with the senior cricketer's face and signature embossed on them, were launched on Monday on the auspicious day of 'Akshaya Tritiya.'" Valuemart Gold and Jewels launched one lakh Sachin Tendulkar gold coins, "each weighing 10 grams." The 24 karat gold coin is priced at Rs 34,000 ($621) (PTI, 5/13). ... The only Indian to win an individual Gold Medal in the Olympics, shooter ABHINAV BINDRA, has been recommended for the Bharat Ratna -- "the country's highest civilian honour" -- by the National Rifle Association of India (PTI, 5/13). ... Japan national football team Manager TAKASHI SEKIZUKA, "the man who masterminded Japan's sensational run to the semifinals of last year's London Olympics, has emerged as a leading contender to take over as manager of struggling Jubilo Iwata." HITOSHI MORISHITA "stepped down as manager last weekend" and assistant coach TETSU NAGASAWA "was installed as caretaker" (KYODO, 5/13). ... A Spanish court on Monday postponed to October the trial of Australian tennis player BERNARD TOMIC's father, JOHN TOMIC, "for allegedly assaulting his son's training partner." The trial scheduled for Tuesday was postponed because the plaintiff, Frenchman THOMAS DROUET, "could not travel to Spain to attend" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 5/14). ... Argentina Primera Division club San Lorenzo goalkeeper PABLO MIGLIORE was released on bail after serving 40 days in prison facing accusations that he helped cover up an alleged homicide. Migliore "is accused of helping MAXI MAZZARO, who murdered a 58-year-old man in '11" (TERRA, 5/9). ... NBA Memphis Grizzlies Owner ROBERT PERA has tweeted about Spanish forward MARC GASOL being "the most interesting basketball player in the world." The tweets, based on the Dos Equis commercials, feature pictures that show a well-dressed Gasol alongside phrases like, "He literally is able to give 110%" and "All of his moves are go-to moves," along with the words, "Grit and grind, my friends" (MARCA, 5/13).
ON THE WAY OUT: World Cup-winning England women's cricket team coach MARK LANE "is to stand down." The England and Wales Cricket board "has announced the 45-year-old will leave his post after five highly successful years." Lane: "After a period of reflection I have decided that my time as head coach has come to a close. With a new World Cup cycle ahead, I believe now is the right time for the players and staff to work with a new head coach" (London GUARDIAN, 5/13). ... The Australian Rugby Union said on Monday that Super Rugby Melbourne Rebels fullback KURTLEY BEALE "has checked into a private health clinic and will take an indefinite leave of absence from rugby to deal with 'personal issues.'" Beale was stood down from the Rebels last week for the second time this season "after breaching behavioural guidelines related to a programme to deal with his alcohol issues" (REUTERS, 5/13). ... Spain football coach VICENTE DEL BOSQUE said he is not sure whether he will end his tenure after the 2014 World Cup (EFE, 5/13). ... Former Netherlands captain MARK VAN BOMMEL announced the end of his professional football career. Van Bommel "played 79 matches for the Dutch national team." In '10 he "led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in South Africa" (XINHUA, 5/13). ... Former German int'l footballer CHRISTOPH METZELDER "will reportedly end his career on Thursday." The 32-year-old defender won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund in '02, the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) with Schalke 04 in '11 and the Spanish La Liga title with Real Madrid in '08. He also was part of the German national team that lost to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup final. Metzelder will host a press conference on Thursday where "he is expected to annouce his retirement" (SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG, 5/13).
NOTABLE DEATHS: A 20-year-old fan of Turkish football team Fenerbahce was "stabbed to death by two Galatasaray supporters after a derby between the two rivals in Istanbul." BURAK YILDIRIM "was fatally stabbed while on his way back home from the game late Sunday" (DAILY MAIL, 5/13). ... Former Kenyan national football team Harambee Stars coach CHRIS MAKOKHA died on Sunday night, "bringing an end to one of the most illustrious indigenous Kenyan coaches." Makokha "took Kenya to the 1988 Africa Nations Cup finals in Morocco" (XINHUA, 5/13).
