Sports News Roundup: Soccer-Russia switch to Asia would require thorough examination - Saudi chief; NFL-Brady's broadcasting future presents new challenge for the ultimate champion and more

The 47-year-old Englishman, who previously said he planned to remain Canada's coach through 2026, reiterated his loyalty to the program following recent reports he had agreed to take over the New Zealand national team. NFL-Eagles' Sills indicted on rape, kidnapping charges ahead of Super Bowl Rookie offensive lineman Josh Sills of the Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles has been indicted on rape and kidnapping charges, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Wednesday.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer-Russia switch to Asia would require thorough examination - Saudi chief

Saudi Arabia football chief Yasser Almisehal said the possibility of Russia switching to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would come only after exhaustive examination of the implications. FIFA and UEFA banned Russian teams from all competitions after the invasion of Ukraine last February and, with those sanctions still in place, speculation has been mounting over the Russian Football Union (RFU)'s next move.

NFL-Brady's broadcasting future presents new challenge for the ultimate champion

Tom Brady was the ultimate winner on the field but that success does not guarantee the seven-time Super Bowl champion will make a seamless transition when he steps into the TV booth to begin his new role as a lead NFL analyst. The 45-year-old Brady, who retired from the National Football League earlier on Wednesday after an illustrious 23-year career, agreed last May to join Fox Sports when his age-defying career as a quarterback came to an end.

Basketball-Former WNBA MVP Stewart headed to Liberty

Twice WNBA champion and four-times All-Star Breanna Stewart is signing with the New York Liberty, the former first overall pick said on social media on Wednesday, in one of the most highly anticipated free agency moves. The announcement marks the end of an astonishingly prolific tenure with the Seattle Storm, where the lethal forward led the league in scoring last year and was twice named the WNBA Finals MVP.

Report: Tua Tagovailoa clears concussion protocol

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has finally cleared concussion protocol after more than a month, NFL Network reported Wednesday. Tagovailoa entered the protocol ahead of Week 17. He also will miss this weekend's Pro Bowl festivities.

Soccer-Injuries to Ramos and Mbappe not serious, says PSG coach

Paris St Germain head coach Christophe Galtier said injuries sustained by Sergio Ramos and Kylian Mbappe in their 3-1 win at Montpellier on Wednesday were not serious and that they were taken off to manage their workload during a busy schedule. PSG, who extended their Ligue 1 lead to five points after the win, are due to play five matches between Feb. 4 and 19.

Hall of Fame GM Bobby Beathard dies at 86

Hall of Fame NFL executive Bobby Beathard, an architect of four Super Bowl titles for two different teams, has died at age 86. Beathard died Monday due to complications from Alzheimer's disease at his home in Franklin, Tenn., his son Casey told The Washington Post.

Soccer-'I'm not going anywhere' - Herdman committed to Canada

John Herdman, who coached the Canadian men's team to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years, said on Wednesday he has received other offers but has no plans to leave his position. The 47-year-old Englishman, who previously said he planned to remain Canada's coach through 2026, reiterated his loyalty to the program following recent reports he had agreed to take over the New Zealand national team.

NFL-Eagles' Sills indicted on rape, kidnapping charges ahead of Super Bowl

Rookie offensive lineman Josh Sills of the Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles has been indicted on rape and kidnapping charges, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Wednesday. Sills, 25, was indicted by a Guernsey County Common Pleas Court grand jury on one count of rape and one count of kidnapping, both first-degree felonies.

Analysis-Olympics-IOC on spot over Russian presence at 2024 Olympics

Olympic officials are working behind the scenes to contain growing opposition to its plans for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris Olympics as the Ukraine war threatens to rekindle Cold War-era sporting frictions. Fighting a year-long invasion, Ukraine has reacted with fury to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) willingness to let athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus return to international competition for the 2024 Games, albeit as neutrals.

Soccer-U.S. women's coach still tinkering ahead of World Cup defence

U.S. women's head coach Vlatko Andonovski is still tinkering with his squad to find what he hopes will be a winning combination at this year's World Cup, as the Americans bid for an unprecedented third straight title without former stalwarts. Sam Mewis and Julie Ertz, who once formed the bedrock of a stellar U.S. midfield, are both expected to miss the tournament which kicks off in July.

(With inputs from agencies.)