FIFA has announced the launch of what it has called a "groundbreaking talent development program" with the aim of reducing the gap between the world's leading football nations and the rest.

Tireless Dominic Thiem came from a set down to outlast German Alexander Zverev and make his first Australian Open final Friday, booking a showdown with seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, a man he called the "king".

With Robert Lewandowski on hand to improve his shooting technique and Philippe Coutinho helping perfect his passing, New Zealand's Sarpreet Singh is relishing learning from some of the world's best at Bayern Munich since he made history on his Bundesliga debut.

China's national women's soccer team -- currently in quarantine at a Brisbane hotel -- will be allowed to play a series of Olympic qualifiers in Australia over the next two weeks with only slight changes to the schedule.

The helicopter that crashed into a Los Angeles hillside killing NBA legend Kobe Bryant and eight others, was not equipped with vital software that alerts pilots when aircraft are too close to the ground, officials said.

NBA players paid tribute to Kobe Bryant at Monday's games, with the Minnesota Timberwolves recalling an iconic moment  in the late superstar's legendary 20-year career.

Iranian taekwondo fighter Farzad Zolghadri has quit Iran and is training with the Bulgarian team for the upcoming qualification for this summer's Olympics, the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation announced Wednesday.

Austria's Dominic Thiem stunned Rafael Nadal in an "epic" four-setter Wednesday to send the world number one tumbling out of the Australian Open and set up a semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Manchester United are confident of completing the transfer of Portuguese international midfielder Bruno Fernandes after a breakthrough in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon, according to widespread reports in the British media on Tuesday.

Fernandinho has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City, the English Premier League champions announced on Tuesday.