European Ryder Cup captain THOMAS BJØRN named LEE WESTWOOD, PADRAIG HARRINGTON, GRAEME MCDOWELL and LUKE DONALD as vice-captains for this year's tournament in Paris. The quartet joins ROBERT KARLSSON, who has played two Ryder Cups, in Bjorn's backroom staff (REUTERS, 5/22). ... VAHID HALILHODZIC is suing the Japanese FA following his dismissal as Japan's coach with "just months left to the World Cup." He is "seeking an apology and symbolic indemnification" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 5/22). ... LLEYTON HEWITT will attempt to "help fine tune" NICK KYRGIOS' grass court game as he pairs with Australia's top men's player for the doubles event at Queen's. Kyrgios is scheduled to play in the singles and doubles tournaments at the event that precedes Wimbledon next month. Hewitt "officially retired" after the 2016 Australian Open (AAP, 5/22). ... Serie A side Napoli goalkeeper PEPE REINA was summoned to a hearing at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over his "association with people with links to the mafia." Reina, along with PAOLO CANNAVARO and SALVATORE ARONICA, will face the FIGC's disciplinary committee after an investigation by Naples' anti-mafia department. It is reportedly one of the reasons why Napoli "decided not to renew Reina's contract," with the former Liverpool goalkeeper set to move to AC Milan on a free transfer (AP, 5/21). ... National Rugby League side Brisbane Broncos "secretly approached" Melbourne Storm coach CRAIG BELLAMY about returning to take over from WAYNE BENNETT on a four-year deal worth more than A$5M ($3.8M). The Broncos have been in negotiations for "at least the past month." Bennett is contracted through next season (Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH, 5/22).
IN SPAIN: Former Spanish Basketball League (ACB) side Estudiantes President JUAN FRANCISCO GARCÍA, who was detained on Tuesday "as part of an investigation of politician EDUARDO ZAPLANA," is no longer a candidate for the ACB presidency, the league announced. García was one of three candidates to lead the organization but could not attend an ACB assembly after he was arrested by Spain's Civil Guard (EFE, 5/22).
FRESH PRINCE: WILL SMITH and NICKY JAM, with Kosovo singer ERA ISTREFI, will perform the official 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia song. The track is being produced by DIPLO. Nicky Jam's manager, JUAN DIEGO MEDINA, said that Nicky Jam and Smith were in Budapest "putting final touches to the song," which is slated to be released on Friday (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 5/21).
