By MATT STYPULKOSKI

Adam Johnson has been suspended by Sunderland after being arrested by local police.

The 27-year-old winger was arrested on suspicion of having had sex with a 15-year-old girl, according to a report first revealed by The Sun.

According to reports, Johnson remains in police custody and is helping with the investigation.

In turn, Sunderland has suspended Johnson indefinitely. A club statement read: “Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation. No further comment will be made at the present time.”

Here are some more of Monday afternoon’s news and notes from around the world:

FIGO OPEN TO FIFA PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Sky Sports and the BBC have both offered to host a debate among FIFA’s presidential hopefuls. They also have at least one willing participant.

Luis Figo has said it before, but reiterated Monday that he would be amenable to such a debate.

Now, the challenge will be to bring the rest of the candidates on board. One other candidate, FIFA vice president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan has come out in support of a debate in the past.

But Dutch FA president Michael van Praag and current president Sepp Blatter have been silent on the issue thus far. Blatter, a heavy favorite to remain in the presidency, may be especially difficult to convince.

“For this to work effectively, I believe all four candidates need to participate and I will be writing to the broadcasters to confirm that position,” Figo said in a statement. “It is essential that we set FIFA on a new course and the football community, including the public and the fans, deserve to know what all four Presidential candidates offer for the future.”

FEYENOORD, ROMA FACE PUNISHMENT FROM UEFA

Tensions boiled over during last week’s Europa League clash between Feyenoord and Roma. As a result, both clubs could face punishment from UEFA.

Feyenoord is being investigated on charges of racist behavior after a fan threw an inflatable banana on the pitch. Those charges will be heard by UEFA on March 19.

On the other side, Roma forward Adem Ljajic could face action for provoking the spectators in Rotterdam. The club as a whole may face sanctions for breaching regulations that led to a late kickoff. Both the player and club will hear back from UEFA regarding sanctions on Wednesday.

STEVEN GERRARD COULD RETURN WEDNESDAY

After missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, Steven Gerrard could soon be back on the pitch at Anfield.

Though Liverpool do not want to rush him back, the 34-year-old midfielder could potentially make his return on Wednesday when the Reds host Burnley.

“He’s coming along very well,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers told reporters. “He’s building up strength in his hamstring. He’s been outside, so he’s working very hard, and we hope that in the very near future, he’ll be back and available.”

Gerrard picked up the injury in a 3-2 win against Tottenham on Feb. 10. At the time, he was expected to be out about three weeks.

QUICK KICKS

Chelsea and Everton have both been fined £30,000 for failing to control their players in a match last month. (REPORT)

Ricardo Gareca, former Boca Juniors star and Argentinian international, was introduced as the new head coach of the Peruvian National team in Videna. (REPORT)

Wes Brown, who was wrongly sent off against Manchester United rather than teammate John O’Shea, has had his red card overturned. (REPORT)

John Terry has ruled out a return to the England squad after returning to Wembley for the Capital One Cup Final. (REPORT)

Queens Park Rangers announce £9.8 million loss during its most recent financial year. (REPORT)

Wayne Rooney has come out in defense of Angel Di Maria’s recent poor form at Manchester United. (REPORT)

___

What do you make of Johnson’s arrest? Do you believe a FIFA presidential debate is worth having? What punishment should Feyenoord and Roma face?

Share your thoughts below.