THE HOT CORNER

1 SOCCER: The U.S. Soccer Federation, in an effort to address charges of gender inequality in pay and other benefits between its men’s and women’s senior national teams, is inviting players from both sides to join the federation in negotiating a more equitable split in FIFA prize money paid to men and women. The women’s team sued U.S. Soccer in 2019, citing inequitable pay and working conditions between the men’s and women’s teams and seeking more than $66 million in damages.

2 SOCCER: South American football’s governing body joined Europe in opposing FIFA’S push for World Cups every two years, while leading coaches Jürgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann also voiced concerns Friday. European governing body UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup if FIFA doesn’t stick with holding it every four years.

3 PRO FOOTBALL: The NFL is off to a strong start with the most-watched opener in six years. Thursday night’s 31-29 victory by the Buccaneers over the Cowboys averaged approximately 26 million viewers on NBC, Peacock and the NFL’S digital platforms, according to preliminary data. It is a 20% increase over last year’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texas.

4 PRO BASEBALL: Boston ace

Chris Sale has tested positive for COVID-19, sidelining the lefthander while the Red Sox fight for positioning in the crowded AL playoff picture. The seven-time All-star had been scheduled to start Sunday in Chicago against the AL Central-leading White Sox. Sale missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Since returning Aug. 14, he is 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA.

5 PRO BASKETBALL: The Toronto

Raptors have received approval from the Canadian government to play games at their home arena this season. Toronto played last season in Tampa, Fla., because of pandemic travel restrictions.