DAVID BECKHAM "is in line for a role at the FA after Chair DAVID BERNSTEIN hailed the former England captain as a unique sporting figure." Bernstein "also recognises the star quality that surrounds Beckham," and he is keen for the midfielder "to become involved within the FA in some capacity." Bernstein said, "He is an asset that English football should treasure, and I hope at some stage that perhaps the FA and David Beckham can get close together" (London DAILY MAIL, 12/11). ... EPL West Ham United’s fine start to the season "suffered unexpected disruption" Tuesday night when it was reported that Manager WALLY DOWNES had left the club. The 51-year-old had been a member of the coaching staff for two years but he was said to have departed by "mutual consent." There had been "no indication" of any disharmony at the club (LONDON TIMES, 12/12). .... German Hockey League (DEL) club Adler Mannheim "has signed NHL Buffalo Sabres forward JOCHEN HECHT during the league's lockout." The 35-year-old German native said, "As soon as all the formalities are resolved, I'll once again wear the Mannheim jersey." Hecht played from '94-98 and again during the '04-05 season for the Adler (SID, 12/10).
BEST OF THE YEAR: The Int'l Tennis Federation named NOVAK DJOKOVIC of Serbia and American SERENA WILLIAMS the 2012 ITF World Champions. Americans BOB and MIKE BRYAN were named Men's Doubles World Champions for the ninth time in 10 years, while SARA ERRANI and ROBERTA VINCI of Italy became Women's Doubles World Champions for the first time. Canada's FILIP PELIWO and TAYLOR TOWNSEND of the U.S. were named ITF Junior World Champions, while the ITF Wheelchair World Champions were ESTHER VERGEER of the Netherlands and France's STEPHANE HOUDET (ITF). ... The UAE's Abu Dhabi Cricket Council is preparing to "play a benefit match" for former batsman MOHAMMED ISHAQ. A car crash in '09 left Ishaq "paralysed below the waist" (THE NATIONAL, 12/10).
TIME TO SPARE: Brasileiro Santos striker NEYMAR is spending his vacation in Disneyland (FOLHA DE S. PAULO, 12/11). ... LANCE ARMSTRONG "has been given three weeks to appeal a decision by cycling's governing body to strip him of all the titles he has won in the past 14 years." The 41-year-old "has been officially informed that his results dating back to Aug. 1, 1998 have been nullified" (BLOOMBERG, 12/11).
