Digest

Soccer

Ghanaian ref banned for life

Ghanaian referee Joseph Odartei Lamptey has been banned for life by FIFA for match fixing.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had already slapped a three-month ban on Lamptey after he awarded South Africa a controversial penalty in its 2-1 victory over Senegal in a 2018 World Cup qualifier last November.

"The official was found guilty of unlawfully influencing match results," FIFA said in a statement on Monday.

Ireland mourns Derry City captain

The Football Association of Ireland on Monday paid tribute to Derry City captain Ryan McBride, who died suddenly at his home on Sunday.

He was 27.

A cause of death has not been revealed.

"Irish soccer is mourning the loss of a true great of the game, with the shocking news about Ryan McBride's passing," FAI chief executive John Delaney said.

"I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Ryan's family, friends, and his club, Derry City FC, for which he was their leader, their captain and their inspiration."

Baseball

Gregorius injured, return uncertain

New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has a bruised right shoulder, ending his time at the World Baseball Classic and leaving his status for opening day in doubt.

Yankees skipper Joe Girardi hasn't put a timetable on a return, saying: "Didi is going to be sidelined for a bit."

The Yankees open the regular season on April 2 at Tampa Bay.

Basketball

T-Wolves sign Israeli Casspi

Fighting for an NBA playoff sport, the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday signed Israeli free agent forward Omri Casspi as a replacement for injured Serbian standout Nemanja Bjelica.

It's the third NBA team in a month and the fifth overall in the eight-year career of the 28-year-old former Maccabi Tel Aviv playmaker who was taken in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings.

Casspi was traded from the Kings to New Orleans last month as part of the deal that sent DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans.

Tennis

Federer climbs to sixth in rankings

Roger Federer jumped four places to sixth in the ATP rankings released on Monday, leapfrogging rival Rafael Nadal following his victory at the Indian Wells Masters.

Federer eliminated Nadal in the fourth round on his way to his fifth Indian Wells title, beating fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in the final.

Andy Murray holds on to the No 1 slot despite his second-round exit from Indian Wells while Novak Djokovic, also an early victim at Indian Wells, retains No 2 spot ahead of third placed Wawrinka.

Ice Hockey

Lundqvist could return this week

Goalie Henrik Lundqvist could return to the New York Rangers net on Saturday when they open a three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center.

Lundqvist was a full participant at Monday's practice for the first time since straining his hip during a 5-2 win at the Florida Panthers on March 7. He has been skating and working with Rangers goaltending coach Benoit Allaire.

"Physically I feel great," Lundqvist said. "It's healed well. I feel I have the power that I need. Now it's about getting the timing right."

Agencies