FIFA APPROVES VIDEO REVIEW FOR USE AT WORLD CUP IN RUSSIA

COLOMBIA» FIFA has finally BOGOTA, and fully approved video review to help referees at the men’s World Cup this summer.

The last step toward giving match officials high-tech help in Russia was agreed to Friday by FIFA’s ruling council, chaired by president Gianni Infantino. “We are extremely happy with that decision,” Infantino said at a news conference, adding that it would lead to “a more transparent and fairer sport. We need to live with our times.”

FIFA will now try to sign a World Cup sponsor for video assistant referees (VAR) at the June 14-July 15 tournament.

The landmark decision on using technology came two weeks after FIFA’s rule-making panel, known as IFAB, voted to write VAR into the laws of soccer.

Also, FIFA reported a $192 million loss in its published accounts for 2017, and agreed to publish the voting choices of member federations in the 2026 World Cup bidding contest June 13 in Moscow.

A North American bid combining the United States, Canada and Mexico is competing with Morocco for the right to host the first 48-team tournament in eight years. Up to 207 FIFA members will vote, with the four bidding nations excluded.

Ravens sign Crabtree.

OWINGS MILLS, MD.» The Baltimore Ravens’ unyielding effort to land a big-play wide receiver finally paid off when nine-year veteran Michael Crabtree signed a three-year contract.

• Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is appealing a fourgame suspension from the NFL for violating its policy on performanceenhancing substances, the third straight season that he’s facing punishment from the league.

• The New York Jets signed cornerback Trumaine Johnson to a fiveyear, $72.5 million contract.

• New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead signed a five-year, $20 million contract.

• The Seattle Seahawks signed tight end Ed Dickson to a three-year contract. His contract is worth up to $14 million and includes a $2.6 million signing bonus.

Virginia sends California home.

S.C.» Dominique Toussaint COLUMBIA, hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:08 to go as No. 10 seed Virginia held off seventh-seeded California 68-62 in the Albany Regional for its first women’s NCAA Tournament victory in nine years.

Felicia Aiyeotan led the Cavaliers (19-13) with 16 points, just her second game in double figures since Jan. 7.

• Kenisha Bell scored 24 of her 26 points in the second half, leading No. 10 seed Minnesota to an 89-77 victory over No. 7 Green Bay.

Sharapova withdraws from Miami.

FLA.» Five-time Grand KEY BISCAYNE,

Slam champion Maria Sharapova withdrew from the Miami Open that begins next week because of a forearm injury. She will be replaced in the main draw by American Jennifer Brady.

• Juan Martin del Potro defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, advancing to the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open for the first time in five years.

Footnotes.

Martin Truex Jr. won the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race. It was the second consecutive pole for Truex, who claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot last weekend in Arizona. Kyle Busch was second fastest Friday, making it an all-Toyota front row. … Ohio State was atop the team leaderboard after three sessions of the NCAA wrestling championships. … WrestleMania is returning to MetLife Stadium in 2019. The WWE, the NFL’s Jets and Giants and New Jersey officials announced the 35th edition of the wrestling extravaganza is set for April 7, 2019, at the Meadowlands. The week-long showcase will also feature four events at the Barclays Center in New York.