Sports News Roundup: Soccer-Russia switch to Asia would require thorough examination - Saudi chief; Soccer-'I'm not going anywhere' - Herdman committed to Canada and more

Barca had been trying to sign the 21-year-old right back for $6.5 million in a deal until 2026, Spanish newspaper Diario AS reported. Soccer-Bayern coach Nagelsmann praises Cancelo's creativity in debut Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the creativity of new signing Joao Cancelo in Wednesday's 4-0 win at Mainz 05 that booked their spot in the German Cup quarter-finals.

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.

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.

NBA roundup: 46-point first quarter sends Celtics past Nets

The Boston Celtics didn't do much wrong in the opening quarter and breezed to a 139-96 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Boston was 18-for-29 from the field (62.1 percent) in the opening frame and led 46-16 after 12 minutes. It was the largest lead the Celtics have had after the first quarter in franchise history.

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.

Soccer-Barca miss out on Araujo deal by 18 seconds, says director

Barcelona missed out on signing LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo on transfer deadline day as they were 18 seconds late in registering the paperwork, director of football Mateu Alemany said. Barca had been trying to sign the 21-year-old right back for $6.5 million in a deal until 2026, Spanish newspaper Diario AS reported.

Soccer-Bayern coach Nagelsmann praises Cancelo's creativity in debut

Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the creativity of new signing Joao Cancelo in Wednesday's 4-0 win at Mainz 05 that booked their spot in the German Cup quarter-finals. Full back Cancelo, who joined from Manchester City on an initial loan deal for the rest of the season, set up Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for the opening goal as Bayern bagged their first win of 2023.

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.

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.

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.)