South African cricket side Dolphins confirmed the appointment of IMRAAN KHAN as assistant coach, "heralding the end of the former left-handed opening batsman's playing career." Khan will "assume his role with immediate effect," and will serve in this capacity for the duration of current coach GRANT MORGAN's contract (SPORT24, 1/27). ... Darts player PHIL TAYLOR is "closing in on a date with retirement after confirming this year will be his last on the tour." The 56-year-old "revealed his plan during the Masters coverage on Friday night." Taylor is "largely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time" (Scotland DAILY RECORD, 1/27). ... LEWIS HAMILTON "offered fans the chance to design his Formula 1 helmet for next season." The Mercedes driver is "bidding to claim a fourth world title after being pipped by NICO ROSBERG last year." Hamilton announced the competition on social media in a bid to find a "dope new layout." He said, "Do you want to design my racing helmet for the upcoming F1 season? I will meet the winner personally at one of the tracks to present them with the prize of a full size signed replica helmet" (London DAILY MIRROR, 1/27). ... British four-time Olympic Gold Medalist MO FARAH has criticized U.S. President DONALD TRUMP for "imposing an order that leaves him unsure whether he can return" to the country. Farah, 33, "was born in Somalia but has lived in Oregon for the past six years." Somali nationals are "among those banned" from traveling to the U.S. under the executive order issued on Friday. Farah: "It's deeply troubling that I will have to tell my children daddy might not be able to come home" (BBC, 1/29). ... USAIN BOLT said that his "legacy has not been tarnished" by having to hand back one of his nine Olympic Gold Medals after Jamaican teammate NESTA CARTER "tested positive for a banned substance." Bolt said, "It's rough that I have to give back one of my medals. I'm not happy, but it's just one of those things that happen in life. I think I've still accomplished a lot -- it hasn't changed what I have done throughout my career" (BBC, 1/28). ... Former youth coach and scout MICHAEL SEAN CARSON, who worked at League Championship side Norwich City, League One side Peterborough United and League Two side Cambridge United, "has been arrested as part of the investigation into historic child sex abuse in football." Carson was arrested on "suspicion of indecency with children and indecent assault" (PA, 1/27).
CONCERNED CEO: Adidas CEO KASPER RORSTED is reportedly "very worried about the effects of Europe's failure to solve its problems." European Union leaders are "grappling with the challenges of migration, a lingering euro crisis, the rise of right-wing populist parties and the wider ramifications of Britain's vote to the leave the bloc." Rorsted said, "From the viewpoint of business I have no fear, but politically-speaking, I am very concerned that Europe is not capable of solving its problems. Europe's inability to solve problems will punish us even more strongly this year" (REUTERS, 1/28).
MASSIMO BAN: League Championship side Leeds United Chair MASSIMO CELLINO's 18-month ban from football "has been suspended pending his appeal." The Italian was given the suspension in December for breaching the FA's agent rules over the sale of ROSS MCCORMACK to Fulham in '14. Cellino and the club were "also both fined" £250,000 ($314,137), and his ban had been scheduled to start on Feb. 1 (BBC, 1/27).
