Over 200 CWG officials, athletes seek asylum

More than 200 Commonwealth Games athletes and officials remain in Australia after applying for refugee visas, with another 50 staying in the country illegally. The figures were revealed by Immigration Department officials to a Senate committee hearing. A total of 8,103 athletes, media representatives and officials arrived in Australia on temporary visas for the Gold Coast event which concluded on April 15, with 7,848 returning home after their stay expired last week, meaning 255 stayed in the country. Of those who have remained in Australia, 205 were legally in the community on bridging visas as they await approval to stay on a permanent basis. Border Force officials have commenced a nationwide search for the other 50 who have overstayed their visas.

ABD calls it quits

South African talisman AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, saying he was tired and wanted to step out while still at the top. “After 114 Test matches, 228 one day internationals and 78 T20 internationals it is time for others to take over. I’ve had my turn and to be honest I’m tired,” he said in a video message on Twitter and in a statement. “This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside. It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing,” he added.

Nashville named as host of 2019 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans will serve as the host of the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville, Tenn. The selection was ratified by NFL team owners  at the league’s spring meetings in Atlanta. “Following an exciting and successful event in Dallas, we’re thrilled to take the NFL Draft to Nashville,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.”The city has a passionate fan base and offers iconic locations that will enable us to expand the Draft in unique ways. “We look forward to working with the Tennessee Titans, the City of Nashville, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp to deliver a memorable celebration of football to our fans and incoming players.” The 2018 NFL Draft was held last month at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It marked the first time that the event took place inside an NFL stadium.

Arsenal name Unai Emery as new coach

Arsenal announced former Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery  as their new boss handing him the daunting task of revitalizing a club that has slipped well behind their Premier League rivals. The Spaniard, who won the domestic treble with PSG this season, emerged as the shock favorite to replace Arsene Wenger earlier this week after it had appeared former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta was in line to land the job. Arsenal will be wary of the turmoil at Manchester United after the departure of long-serving manager Alex Ferguson in 2013 but said the choice of Emery was unanimous. Before moving to France in 2016, Emery, 46, had a significant track record in Spain, winning three successive Europa League titles with Sevilla.

Man United named most valuable football team

Manchester United may have finished second in the English Premier League this season but the club is top of the table in terms of overall value, according to a report by accounting firm KPMG.  The Red Devils’ overall value increased five percent compared to 2017 to more than £3.2 billion, beating Real Madrid on £2.9 billion and FC Barcelona on £2.8 billion. “We calculate the assets of each club, the value of the players, the value of the brand or image with advertising contracts and their reach on social networks,” said Jacques Boussuge, head of sports advisory at KPMG. In total, the financial value of the 32 clubs assessed reached an estimated £32.5 billion.

Reina faces grilling over alleged mafia links

Footballers Pepe Reina, Paolo Cannavaro and Salvatore Aronica have been ordered to appear before an Italian football federation (FIGC) panel over their alleged association with people linked to the mafia, according to reports in Italy. Both Cannavaro and Aronica played for Napoli, while former Liverpool goalkeeper Reina will leave Napoli this summer to move to AC Milan.

Emery to succeed Wenger as Arsenal boss

Former Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery looks set to become Arsene Wenger’s successor as Arsenal manager. Emery, 46, won Ligue 1 and four domestic cups in two seasons in Paris.

Kane named England’s World Cup captain

Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be England’s captain at the World Cup in Russia. Manager Gareth Southgate has shared the leadership role around since taking over in 2016 but has now settled on Kane. The 24-year-old, who has scored 12 goals in 23 international appearances, was first handed the armband for the qualifier against Scotland last June and captained the side on three further occasions.