THE HOT CORNER

1 SOCCER: European clubs joined forces Friday to rebuke FIFA for trying to railroad through plans for biennial World Cups, warning of a destructive impact on world football. FIFA has been pushing internal interviews to media with retired players and former managers as it rushes to sweep up support from national associations for the plan to double the frequency of men’s World Cups from every four years to two.

2 PRO BASKETBALL: The Utah Jazz’s home arena announced Friday it will require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test for all fans over the age of 12. Vivint Smart Home Arena will require fans to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event to enter the venue. Employees who work at the arena are already required to be fully vaccinated.

OLYMPICS: Vincent Zhou won

3 the Nebelhorn Trophy men’s competition Friday in Germany, which secured a third entry in the Beijing Olympics figure skating competition for the United States. Nebelhorn Trophy is the final qualifying competition for the Olympics next February.

TENNIS: Defending champion

4

John Millman was upset by fellow Australian James Duckworth in the quarterfinals of the Astana Open on Friday, as Alexander Bublik also reached the semifinals in Nur-sultan, Kazakhstan. Duckworth beat fifth-seeded Millman 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semifinals of a tour event for the second time in his career.

CYCLING: Cycling’s 2025 road

5 world championships were awarded to Rwanda on Friday in a first hosting by an African country. The capital city Kigali “will provide a magnificent backdrop” for the weeklong championships which were first held in 1921, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient said.