Serie A side Genoa Owner ENRICO PREZIOSI is facing disciplinary charges after being summoned to an Italian Football Federation (FIGC) court hearing for his comments about referee MARCO DI BELLO. The FIGC announced on Wednesday that Preziosi was referred to its Federal National Court for "going public with statements that were detrimental to Di Bello’s reputation" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 1/16). ... The lawyer of KATHRYN MAYORGA, who has accused CRISTIANO RONALDO of raping her in '09, "will travel to London to meet a woman who claims to be the Juventus forward's ex-girlfriend." LESLIE STOVALL said that he has spoken to British model and reality TV star JASMINE LENNARD, "who says she dated Ronaldo 10 years ago and has offered to assist Mayorga's case against the Portugal captain" (BBC, 1/16). ... MICK SCHUMACHER, son of seven-time champion MICHAEL, joined the Ferrari driver academy, sources close to the team said. The 19-year-old is embarking on his first season in Formula 2 with the Prema team in '19. As part of his deal, Mick "is to drive in two tests with Ferrari this season" (BBC, 1/15). ... ANDY MURRAY is being encouraged by American doubles player BOB BRYAN to have a second hip operation. Bryan "is back playing tennis" five months after having hip "resurfacing" surgery and believes that Murray could follow his example. Bryan: "I would love to see him do a similar surgery, feel the relief that it gives" (London INDEPENDENT, 1/16). ... Turkish prosecutors are seeking an int'l arrest warrant for NBA N.Y. Knicks center ENES KANTER, "accusing him of membership in a terror organization." Sabah newspaper said that the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office "had also prepared an extradition request" for Kanter (ESPN.com, 1/16).
