Groups representing the world's top soccer leagues and clubs are "pushing back" against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over plans to "introduce new competitions, accusing him of ignoring some of the game's biggest stakeholders to push through major changes without proper consultation." In a series of "strongly worded letters" presented at Friday's meeting of FIFA’s governing council, the clubs and leagues "accused Infantino of backsliding on his promise to lead through consensus, and of putting player health in jeopardy with plans for a new expanded international club tournament and a global women’s league for national teams" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/17).

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski said that messages of congratulations "poured in from elected officials, business leaders and fellow university presidents" following the men's basketball team's historic win over Virginia on Friday. Hrabowski said that he is "thrilled about the attention the school is receiving from around the country." Hrabowski: "People began to Google us and to see the academic achievements. That’s what’s so wonderful for us. ... From a potential employer like Amazon to other university presidents to elected officials, all of them saw us visually on TV" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 3/17). 

UMBC's official athletics Twitter account "had about 5,400 followers" before Friday's game against UVA and now is up to over 92,000. Zach Seidel, who runs the account, has shown an "expert mix of humanity and snark that proved irresistible -- during and after the school's historic victory" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 3/17). YAHOO SPORTS profiles Seidel: "Meet UMBC's Other Hero, The Man Behind Its Now-Famous Twitter Account." Meanwhile, because 16th-seeded UMBC knocked off No. 1 seed UVA, Little Caesars is offering a free "lunch combo" to anyone interested on Monday, April 2 (STLTODAY.com, 3/17). UMBC faces Kansas State in the Round of 32 tonight at 7:45pm ET in Charlotte (THE DAILY).

Morocco bid organizers said that the group would "need to spend" $16B to prepare to host the '26 FIFA World Cup, with every proposed stadium and training ground "built from scratch or renovated." With less than three months to go until the FIFA vote, Morocco "presented its first significant details of its proposal to take on" the North American joint bid. Morocco said that for $3B, it can "build nine stadiums, refurbish five others and build or renovate 130 training grounds." That is part of the $12.6B in "public investment that also requires hospital services being upgraded in 20 cities and transport networks improved for the World Cup after the jump from 32 to 48 participating nations" (AP, 3/17).

Maryland SoccerPlex

Dynamo D DaMarcus Beasley said that it was "'unacceptable' for MLS to play a game at the Maryland SoccerPlex" after his team settled for a 2-2 draw against DC United yesterday. DC United "chose to host the game at the SoccerPlex because its new stadium, Audi Field, will not open until this summer." Beasley on Twitter wrote, "Just when I thought MLS was getting better in every aspect, todays 'conditions' were unacceptable!!" (ESPN.com, 3/17). Attendance for the game was a "near-capacity crowd" of 5,128 (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 3/17).

Minnesota United drew a crowd of 23,138 yesterday for their home opener against the Fire at TCF Bank Stadium, and Minnesota United GK Matt Lampson said he had not ever "played for a team that has had this type of support from a city and a fan base" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 3/18). Yesterday was a "180-degree change" from Minnesota United's inaugural home opener last season, which was marred by snow and freezing temperatures. The team now looks "markedly improved and better equipped to compete" in MLS (STARTRIBUNE.com, 3/17). THE DAILY caught up with Minnesota United VP/Sales & Strategy Bryant Pfeiffer to discuss his plans around the match (THE DAILY).

Tiger Woods is competing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the first time since '13, and ticket sales for the first two days of the tourney "were up" more than 50% from '17. Woods began Sunday's play five shots behind leader Henrik Stenson, and tournament COO Marci Doyle said it likely will "be the largest event in the 53-year-history of our tournament." Every upgraded tournament pass, on-site parking pass and hospitality tickets were "sold out." Doyle said, "The crowds during the first two days of the tournament have been like Sunday crowds" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/17).

Meanwhile, longtime Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman "will sign off" Sunday night following the tourney. After serving as emcee of the trophy presentation, Tilghman will "join longtime colleague Rich Lerner" in the broadcast booth and "share a few reminiscences before departing" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 3/17).

Golfer Rory McIlroy during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational "felt there were instances of poor behavior that crossed the line" from fans, and wondered if "limiting alcohol sales might help curb some of the loud and abusive behavior he believes is getting worse." McIlroy said, "Every week, it seems like guys are complaining about it more and more." He added, "It used to be you bring beers on the course but not liquor. And now it seems like everyone's walking around with a cocktail" (ESPN.com, 3/17). The ORLANDO SENTINEL's Mike Bianchi wrote under the header, "Memo To Drunken, Obnoxious Golf Fans: Just Shut Up!" Bianchi: "Turn down the volume on your voices. Turn up your sense of decency and decorum" (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 3/17).

Michigan State interim President John Engler said that the school is "not close" to deciding on a new, permanent AD to replace Mark Hollis. Engler said Bill Beekman is the interim AD, and "we won't think about anything" until after the NCAA Tournament. Engler did say that MSU "will not hire" a permanent AD from "within the school's athletic department" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/18).

Meanwhile, Engler had a "tense back-and-forth exchange" with ESPN reporter Dan Murphy yesterday about the "ongoing sexual assault controversies that have engulfed the university in recent months." Engler also "blasted ESPN for its own problems with sexual assault cases." He said, "Look at the sexual assaults you guys are dealing with as a company. It’s pretty serious. In many ways, their company is one of the worst offenders in the nation." Murphy asked, "Do you not think Michigan State is one of the worst offenders of sexual assault right now?" Engler responded, "Oh, I think ESPN is far worse than many companies in America today" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/18).

The teams, leagues, companies and individuals voted as the nominees in 17 categories for this year’s Sports Business Awards will be revealed tomorrow. Winners will be announced during a live ceremony in N.Y. on Wednesday, May 23. The '18 recipient of the SBJ/SBD Lifetime Achievement Award also will be revealed in Tomorrow’s SBJ/SBD. Look for both Tomorrow morning!

pelicans

The Astrodome in Houston is set to be "designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -- the highest honor the state can bestow on a historic structure" (CHRON.com, 3/16).

Late Pelicans Owner Tom Benson's initials "were added" to the teams' uniforms for their game Friday against the Rockets in Houston (CHRON.com, 3/17). 

The Univ. of North Texas is in the "process of finalizing" a new contract for AD Wren Baker (DENTONRC.com, 3/16).

"You can't build a sustained winner, one that lasts over time, in free agency. You can't do it. You've got to draft your own players" -- Colts GM Chris Ballard, on the team trading down three spots in the first round of the NFL Draft with the Jets to obtain three second-round picks (ESPN.com, 3/17).

"It's important for the ecosystem, the media ecosystem, that this deal goes through" -- Discovery President & CEO David Zaslav, on AT&T's attempt to buy Time Warner (N.Y. TIMES, 3/18).

“This Sister Jean story with Loyola-Chicago -- how close are we getting to illegal recruiting here? She obviously is going to be drawing on a few powers that I don’t know fall under the NCAA requirements” -- Turner's Greg Gumbel, on the school’s team chaplain after advancing to the Sweet 16 (“NCAA Tip-Off,” TNT, 3/17).

A sneak preview of SportsBusiness Journal's weekly editorial cartoon:

The PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER goes with the header, "Going Green Isn't Just For The Eagles: Area Workplaces Embrace Sustainability." Since launching its "Go Green" campaign in '03, the Eagles have been "reinventing and tweaking nearly every aspect of the business," from Lincoln Financial Field's cups and cutlery to the chemicals they use on the field. The team has "led not only the region's businesses, but also the nation's professional sports teams." The Natural Resources Defense Council, a nonprofit environmental group, has "credited the Eagles with giving birth to the modern movement of green professional sports."

Elsewhere:

• Flyers' Tim Saunders makes dream come true for blind broadcaster.
• U.S. Soccer's inaugural Girls Development Academy is causing a divide.
• N.Y. Times writer reviews IndyCar Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
• Former MLBer Reggie Smith wishes they would "leave it Yawkey Way."
• How will the typically progressive NBA handle the #MeToo movement?
• Bidding "farewell" to mid-major teams' success during March Madness.
• It is time for the Pac-12 to "get serious" about competing nationally.
• How money from sneaker companies has "transformed youth hoops." 

Big Ten gonna replace Maryland with Maryland Baltimore County to expand its TV footprint nationwide

— Nathan Ford (@NathanTFord) March 17, 2018

Arnold Palmer Design Co. to oversee addition of 2-acre short-game facility and driving range upgrade at Bay Hill Club following this week's @APInv. Ninth hole of Charger Course redesigned to make room for the project. Also, new irrigation system coming to Championship Course.

— Dave Shedloski (@DaveShedloski) March 17, 2018

Amazing. A bettor @WilliamHillUS hit a $40 two-team moneyline parlay on Marshall and UMBC. It paid $7,280.

— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) March 17, 2018

Fun facts: All those Farmers insurance spots with actor J.K. Simmons and Rickie Fowler have been filmed using Hollywood sleight of hand. Just asked him about it. "I've never met the man," Fowler said. One scene in which they were seemingly side by side was a blue-screen trick.

— Steve Elling (@EllingYelling) March 18, 2018

.@joeylogano meets @icecube @ACSupdates #NASCARGoesWest pic.twitter.com/dcK3AA6eQE

— Zack Albert (@zack_albert) March 18, 2018

A new trailer was released for "Borg vs. McEnroe," which debuts in U.S. theaters April 13.