Former Canadian hockey player WAYNE GRETZKY "attended Saturday's F1 qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring in Austria." It was Gretzky's "first F1 experience." Shortly after Gretzky, Austrian winter sports athletes MATTHIAS MAYER, GREGOR SCHLIERENZAUER and THOMAS MORGENSTERN "arrived at the track" (KRONE, 6/21). ... German tennis player SABINE LISICKI "has parted ways with coach and former world No. 1" MARTINA HINGIS ahead of Wimbledon. Lisicki announced on her Facebook page that "the decision to end the cooperation was mutual." The two have been working together since the beginning of the year (FOCUS ONLINE, 6/21). ... The population of the São Paulo municipality of Praia Grande has "reacted with anger to talks of a possible museum being built in honor of NEYMAR." The "population is protesting on social networks against the proposal, stating that there are more important projects than a museum dedicated to the striker." What has "caused the most frustration is the possibility that the museum could be built using public funds" (SPORT, 6/21). ... Golfer MATTHEW FITZPATRICK has "teamed up" with Omega Dubai Desert Classic promoter and organizer DUBAi as its "newest brand ambassador." Fitzpatrick is the "first player since the legendary BOBBY JONES more than 80 years ago to win top amateur honours" at both the U.S. Open and the Open Championship (GULF NEWS, 6/21).
IN SPAIN: Footballer XABI ALONSO's "time with 'La Roja' is up." The midfielder will not "wear the red of Spain again after the World Cup." This was a move he had planned for "some time and is not a knee-jerk reaction" to Spain's elimination from the World Cup. Alonso, who turns 33 in November, played in "three World Cups, two European Championships and a Confederations Cup" (MARCA, 6/21). ... La Liga side Sevilla coach UNAI EMERY failed a breathalyzer test in Valencia and was fined. Emery tweeted an apology, saying in a series of tweets, "Last Thursday I was stopped by the local Valencia police and breathalyzed. ... Even though it is only a fine, I apologize, because I am aware that drinking and driving is not compatible" (EL MUNDO, 6/21).
EARLY EXIT: FA Chair GREG DYKE said that ROY HODGSON "will remain England manager until the end of Euro 2016." England failed to advance past the group stage for the first time since '58. Hodgson, who has two years left on his contract, said following his team's 2-1 defeat to Uruguay that "he would not resign." On Friday, Dyke "gave him his full backing." Dyke: "We're supportive of Roy Hodgson, we've asked him to stay as manager" (PA, 6/20).
