Bayern Munich striker THOMAS MÜLLER "has claimed he turned down an 'astronomical' offer" from ManU this summer. The 24-year-old "eventually committed his future to Bayern, penning a new five-year deal at the club he joined at the age of 10." Müller: "Of course. I was aware that I could earn more by making that transfer. The amount that foreign clubs were offering me was astronomical. But Bayern are my club, a change was not an issue for me" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 8/20) ... Canadian Football League Commissioner MARK COHON said that he "will not seek a third term" after his contract expires next spring. League Chair JIM LAWSON said that the CFL BOG "will discuss the next steps toward finding a replacement for Cohon soon." Cohon has spent eight years in the position, during which time he presided over the addition of the Ottawa Redblacks expansion franchise, "helped negotiate a lucrative broadcast deal with TSN and RDS" and was "involved in labour talks this year" that led to a new CBA with the CFLPA through '18 (CP, 8/20). ... POPE FRANCIS, who is an avid football fan, "called greetings in Spanish to his favourite team visiting the Vatican from Argentina during Wednesday's general papal audience."
Francis said the San Lorenzo de Almagro football squad from Buenos Aires, which recently won the Copa Libertadores, was "part of my cultural identity" (ANSA, 8/20). ... South Korean boy band JYJ "will sing the 2014 Incheon Asian Games' official song in the sports event's opening ceremony next month" (YONHAP, 8/20). ... Feeling “insulted” after his name was not added to this year’s list of Arjuna awardees, boxer MANOJ KUMAR on Wednesday said that "he would sue the Sports Ministry for the 'injustice' meted out to him" (PTI, 8/20). ... The West Indies parted ways with cricket coach OTTIS GIBSON on Tuesday, "just a day ahead of a home one-day series against Bangladesh." The West Indies Cricket Board said the two sides "mutually agreed to terminate their association," with Team Manager RICHIE RICHARDSON stepping in as interim coach (AFP, 8/20). ... Team New Zealand has "suffered a blow" with sailing coach ROD DAVIS "joining Artemis Racing ahead of the next America's Cup." Davis "will undertake his ninth campaign for the Auld Mug with the Swedish outfit." Artemis also announced that Swedish Olympic Gold Medalists FREDDY LOOF and MAX SALMINEN "have joined the sailing crew" (TVNZ, 8/20).
