STEVEN GERRARD has "turned down the chance to manage MK Dons and could now return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity." The League One club "sounded out" the former Anfield captain as it looked for a successor to KARL ROBINSON but the midfielder, who is working toward his UEFA A license badge, is believed to "want more experience before embarking on a managerial role." Liverpool Manager JÜRGEN KLOPP has "made no secret of an open invitation" for Gerrard, should he want to hang up his boots and begin his coaching career (London GUARDIAN, 11/21). ... ManU striker ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC said that "it is an 'unreal' feeling" after it was revealed the Swedish FA has "commissioned a statue to be built in his homeland." Ibrahimovic, 35, retired from int'l football after Euro 2016 having scored 62 goals in 116 games for his country. The news was announced as Ibrahimovic collected the Golden Ball award as Sweden's Player of the Year for the 10th consecutive season, and the 11th time in the last 12 (ESPN.com, 11/22). ... England rugby player JOE LAUNCHBURY has "been banned for two weeks for kicking an opponent" during his side's victory over Fiji, ruling him out of the remaining autumn internationals (BBC, 11/21). ... South Africa cricketer FAF DU PLESSIS has been found guilty of ball tampering by the Int'l Cricket Council for using mints to alter the condition of the ball, but has been cleared to play in the Adelaide day-night Test. Du Plessis faced a three-hour hearing with ICC match referee ANDY PYCROFT at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday afternoon. Du Plessis pleaded not guilty to the charge but was fined 100% of his match fee by Pycroft, who had the option to suspend the Proteas skipper for one Test, but opted not to (Cricket Australia). ... LIAM WILLIAMS has signed for European and English club champion Saracens after turning down an offer from the Welsh Rugby Union. He is "believed to have penned a two-year deal with the Aviva Premiership leaders and will join them for next season." He had been dubbed "the most wanted man in British rugby" with his contract at the Scarlets coming to an end (WALES ONLINE 11/22).
LEADING CAT: Australian Football League side Geelong CEO BRIAN COOK declared on Tuesday that "he was not interested in becoming the next CEO of Racing Victoria." Cook had been one of a handful of "preferred candidates" for the job vacancy, which must be filled within a month, when current CEO BERNARD SAUNDRY completes his term. Insiders said that "the field of possible -- and enthusiastic -- candidates has been quite small, with one official saying 'Who'd want it given all the tribulations of Racing Victoria in recent times?'" (HERALD SUN, 11/22).
