Former goalie Howard hired by NBC as analyst

Former U.S. and Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard is returning to NBC as an analyst when its coverage of England’s top division begins next week.

The network announced Tuesday that Howard will be a studio analyst. He did occasional game analysis during NBC’S first three seasons of the Premier League (2013-16) while playing for Everton.

Howard will work with Rebecca Lowe, Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe in the studio. He will fill the spot of Kyle Martino, who left after seven seasons. Howard’s recent TV work includes studio analysis for TNT during its Champions League coverage.

■ FIFA: Former FIFA president

Sepp Blatter was questioned Tuesday by Swiss investigators about a $2 million payment he authorized in 2011 to then-uefa president Michel Platini. A criminal proceeding has been open against Blatter since the allegation was revealed in September 2015, though it was extended to Platini only three months ago.

■ NWSL: The National Women’s Soccer League’s fall schedule begins Saturday with a match between Sky Blue and the Washington Spirit. The game in Leesburg, Virginia, will be the NWSL Game of the Week, broadcast nationally on CBS. The league is returning to local markets after the coronavirus had delayed the start of the regular season.

■ Spanish League: Sevilla reached a deal Tuesday for the return of midfielder Ivan Rakitic. The club said Rakitic arrives from Barcelona on a contract until 2024.