USAIN BOLT "plans to retire after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics." Bolt said Wednesday that "he wants to win more gold in Rio, set another world record in the 200 meters next year, and perhaps win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games" (AP, 9/4). ... China golfer LIANG WEN-CHONG has been named the official ambassador of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship to be held at Nanshan Int'l Golf Club in China on Oct. 24-27 (AAC). ... Former Australian Football League Carlton player BRENDAN FEVOLA "faces bankruptcy" over a A$7,200 ($6,600) debt to a Brisbane businessman who claims he lent the full-forward the money "to help him get back on his feet'' (BRISBANE TIMES, 9/4). ... British diver TOM DALEY "has been named as the latest ambassador for the next year's Commonwealth Games." The Olympic Bronze Medallist joins fellow U.K. Olympians CHRIS HOY, JESSICA ENNIS-HILL and REBECCA ADLINGTON "in promoting the Glasgow Games which begin in July (Scotland DAILY RECORD, 9/4). ... Japan's Tenri University Elite Judo Dir SHOZO FUIJI said that "he will resign from his judo position at the university as well as with the All Japan Judo Federation following revelations of abuse at Tenri’s men’s judo team" (KYODO, 9/4).
FOOTBALL NAMES: Bayern Munich President ULI HOENEß, who has been charged with tax evasion, "will not be charged with any additional offenses." A Munich prosecution spokesperson said, "There is no new investigation regarding Mr. Hoeneß. For us, the case is closed with the filing of charges. The prosecution doesn't see any additional punishable offenses" (KURIER, 9/4). ... Former German int'l footballer THOMAS HITZLSPERGER "has announced his retirement." Hitzlsperger said, "I've been certain for a couple days. I won't play again." The retirement is the result of "a process that included a lot of transfers and several injuries." The 31-year-old "played only seven games for EPL side Everton" during the '12-13 season. He "has been a free agent since July" (SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG, 9/3). ... Former Real Madrid footballer KAKÁ, who recently left the Spanish side for Serie A side AC Milan, "bid farewell to Real Madrid fans with a letter in which he thanked them for their support during his years wearing the Real Madrid shirt." Kaka said in the letter, "I am now beginning a new phase of my professional career, but the love and the good moments in Spain will always stay with me. There were many difficult moments, but making part of the history of a great club like Real Madrid will stay with me for the rest of my life" (MARCA, 9/4). ... Italy national football Manager CESARE PRANDELLI said on Wednesday that "he will step down as coach following the 2014 World Cup." In Italy, which has won four World Cups, Serie A AC Milan coach MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI and Japan national football coach ALBERTO ZACCHERONI are "considered Prandelli's possible successors" (DPA, 9/4). ... Former Dutch footballer JOHAN CRUYFF has "once more hit out at" Barcelona President SANDRO ROSELL over a "financial dispute" regarding Cruyff's charity organization. Cruyff said last week that "Barcelona owe the Johan Cruyff Foundation money as they have not fulfilled their contractual obligations ever since Rosell took over" from former Barcelona President JOAN LAPORTA in '10. Cruyff: "All the paperwork is in order and we await the president's approval. Rosell has been refusing to sign the documents, though. If I was to go to court over this, Barcelona would ridicule itself. And I obviously don't want to do this. But this could become a personal issue" (MSN, 9/4).
NOTABLE FUNERAL: A Mass will be held to remember former Italian footballer STEFANO BORGONOVO Thursday in Florence, Italy. Borgonovo died June 27 in Florence at age 49. He "had fought a tough fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)." Borgonovo "enjoyed his greatest playing successes with Fiorentina between 1988 and 1992" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 9/4).
NO DOPE: British Cycling Olympic podium program rider EMMA POOLEY has been appointed ot the UK Anti-Doping Athlete Committee. The 30-year-old is one of five new members of the group which provides guidance on anti-doping policy and programs. Additionally, two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner ANDREW TRIGGS HODGE, Great Britain and England hockey int'l PATRICK SMITH, London 2012 Great Britain sitting volleyball captain turned paracanoeist EMMA WIGGS and former British Davis Cup tennis player JAMIE BAKER will also join the committee (British Cycling).
