Former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder KAKÁ, a 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, retired. The 35-year-old, who began his career with Brasileiro side São Paulo, was most recently with MLS club Orlando City. In November, he was reportedly offered a director role at AC Milan. He is one of only eight players to win the treble of World Cup, European Cup/Champions League and Ballon d'Or (BBC, 12/17). ... Juventus Chair ANDREA AGNELLI's one-year ban for "ultra ticketing ties" was cut by an Italian Football Federation (FIGC) federal court on Monday. A €100,000 ($117,800) fine was imposed by the court. As well as the sanctions on Agnelli, the federal court gave the club a €600,000 ($707,000) fine. It also "ordered a Juve curva end stand closed" for the home game against Genoa on Jan. 21 (ANSA, 12/18). ... Top14 side Lyon's FRÉDÉRIC MICHALAK will retire after this season. The fly-half said that the physical nature of the sport is getting "more and more difficult" for his 35-year-old body. Michalak, who retired from int'l rugby in '15 after 77 appearances for France, said, "This would be a good year to stop" (BBC, 12/18).
