FILE - In this April 24, 2012, file photo, Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long listens as new Arkansas football coach John L. Smith speaks to reporters after being introduced at an NCAA college football news conference in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas has announced the firing of athletic director Jeff Long, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, after nearly 10 years at the school. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson, File)
FILE - In this April 24, 2012, file photo, Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long listens as new Arkansas football coach John L. Smith speaks to reporters after being introduced at an NCAA college football news conference in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas has announced the firing of athletic director Jeff Long, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, after nearly 10 years at the school. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson, File) Credit: Gareth Patterson

Fayetteville, Ark. — Arkansas fired athletic director JeffLong on Wednesday, ending a nearly decade-long tenure that included the scandalous ouster of football coach Bobby Petrino and the continued mediocrity of the program under Bret Bielema.

The College Football Playoff selection committee member, formerly the chairman until this season, was under contract through June 2022.

“Since coming to Fayetteville in 2008, Jeff has led our department with character and integrity and helped move us forward in so many ways,” Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz said. “However, over the past year, Jeff has lost the support of many of our fans, alumni, key supporters and members of the university leadership, support that I believe is critical in our pursuit of excellence.”

The firing comes at a time of turmoil for the football program, which is 29-32 in five seasons under Bielema, including a mark of 11-27 in the Southeastern Conference. The Razorbacks (4-6) will fail to win at least nine games this season for the sixth straight year, the school’s longest stretch since an eight year stretch that coincided with joining the SEC in 1992.

Tennis

Dimitrov to ATP Semis

London — Sixth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov made his way into the semifinals at the ATP Finals on Wednesday by beating David Goffin 6-0, 6-2, but he was given a violation for coaching during the second set.

A linesman informed the chair umpire of the infraction during the fifth game of the final set, and Dimitrov reacted by saying he didn’t hear anything.

He probably didn’t need any extra advice anyway, not after the way he was playing, and the way Goffin was, too.

Dimitrov ended up winning 34 of the 47 points he served and won 32 of the 57 points served by Goffin.

The win gives Dimitrov a 2-0 record and ensures he will play on the weekend in his debut at the season-ending tournament. Roger Federer has also already qualified for the semifinals.

In Wednesday’s late match, Dominic Thiem defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

Thiem is now 1-1 and will next face Goffin, who is also 1-1, on Friday for a spot in the semifinals.

Carreno Busta was playing in the place of Rafael Nadal, who withdrew after his opening loss because of a right knee injury. He will next play Dimitrov on Friday.

Administration

WADA Staying in Montreal

Ottawa — The World Anti-Doping Agency is keeping its headquarters in Montreal until at least 2031.

Officials in the federal Transport Department made the announcement on Wednesday night.

It came after a proposal put forth to the International Olympic Committee agency in Seoul by Transport Minister Marc Garneau, Quebec International Relations Minister Christine St-Pierre and Yves Bolduc, head of Montreal International.

The province of Quebec and the federal government are promising to contribute a joint amount of $3 million a year to the organization over 10 years.

Arena Football

Portland Getting Team

Portland, Maine — Maine’s largest city is going to have arena football in addition to hockey next year.

The National Arena League says Portland will host one of three expansion teams in the 2018 season. The others are Worcester, Mass., and Greensboro, N.C. Officials say a lease still has to be sorted out with the Cross Insurance Arena.

Play is expected to begin in the spring and summer. Then the Maine Mariners will begin their inaugural season in the East Coast Hockey League in the fall.

The National Arena League is based in Atlanta. There are several other indoor football leagues that have announced plans to play games in 2018.