Archive soccer news from around the world
Cisse injury leaves Liverpool short up front (Oct 31, 2004)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was left counting the cost following a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park which left French striker Djibril Cisse in hospital with a broken leg. . . . more . . .
Rangers hammer Dons to reduce gap on Celtic (Oct 31, 2004)
Rangers reduced the gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League with an emphatic 5-0 win at home to Aberdeen. . . . more . . .
Double celebration for proud Shevchenko (Oct 31, 2004)
Andriy Shevchenko was bursting with pride after scoring AC Milan's winner at Sampdoria the day after the arrival of his first child. . . . more . . .
Wenger admits Gunners suffering post Old Trafford hangover (Oct 31, 2004)
Arsene Wenger admitted that Arsenal are suffering the effects of last week's ill-tempered defeat at Manchester United after seeing struggling Southampton come close to claiming a shock win at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Cisse set to miss rest of season with broken leg (Oct 31, 2004)
Liverpool's French international striker Djibril Cisse is unlikely to play again this season after breaking his leg during Saturday's 2-2 Premiership draw at Blackburn Rovers. . . . more . . .
Chelsea have destroyed me complains Mutu (Oct 31, 2004)
Disgraced Romanian striker Adrian Mutu blasted Premiership side Chelsea for their haste in sacking him after testing positive for a banned substance. . . . more . . .
Mills hopes for England recall (Oct 31, 2004)
Manchester City defender Danny Mills believes his form with Manchester City this season could put an end to his international exile. . . . more . . .
Ruthless Juve restore five point lead in Italy (Oct 31, 2004)
Juventus restored their five point lead at the top of Italy's Serie A with a resounding 3-0 home win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Owen on target again as Real win local derby (Oct 31, 2004)
England striker Michael Owen scored in his fourth consecutive game for Real Madrid as the Spanish giants comfortably beat their newly-promoted local rivals Getafe 2-0. . . . more . . .
Sevilla squander big chance but stay second (Oct 31, 2004)
Sevilla blew their big chance of closing the gap on league leaders Barcelona when they crashed 3-0 at Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
Bolton regain fourth spot as Newcastle run ends (Oct 31, 2004)
Bolton returned to fourth place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win against Newcastle that ended the vistors' unbeaten run under manager Graeme Souness. . . . more . . .
No Vogts decicision likely until Thursday say SFA (Oct 31, 2004)
Scottish football chiefs moved to quell reports saying national manager Berti Vogts was due to leave his job on Monday by insisting they expected no decision on the controversial German's future to be announced until Thursday at the earliest. . . . more . . .
Ferguson furious after Pompey defeat (Oct 31, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told his players that their victory over Arsenal counted for nothing after seeing them lose 2-0 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Capello rotates to good effect as Juve extend lead (Oct 31, 2004)
Fabio Capello rotated his squad to good effect as Juventus restored their five point lead at the top of Serie A with a resounding 3-0 home win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Cisse out for season with broken leg: Liverpool (Oct 31, 2004)
Djibril Cisse was ruled out from playing again this season by Liverpool after breaking his leg during Saturday's 2-2 Premiership draw at Blackburn Rovers. . . . more . . .
Mourinho keeping his feet on the ground (Oct 31, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said his team were "fantastic" after seeing them draw level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premiership table following a resounding 4-1 win at struggling West Brom. . . . more . . .
Sacking Mutu was right insists Chelsea boss Mourinho (Oct 30, 2004)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has launched a strong defence of the sacking of Romanian striker Adrian Muti for testing positive for cocaine. . . . more . . .
Celtic win five goal thriller (Oct 30, 2004)
Celtic secured all three points in a five goal thriller at Motherwell to go seven points ahead in the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Johnson sends Eagles soaring (Oct 30, 2004)
Former Birmingham striker Andy Johnson returned to haunt his old club as Crystal Palace stole a 1-0 victory at St Andrews here. . . . more . . .
Barcelona extend unbeaten streak with draw (Oct 30, 2004)
League leaders Barcelona made hard work of extending their unbeaten streak to nine games in the Spanish first division but they had to survive some nervous moments to pull off a 1-1 draw against a spirited Athletic Bilbao. . . . more . . .
What next for Mutu? Romanian press ponder sacked striker's options (Oct 30, 2004)
The sacking of Romanian striker Adrian Mutu by English Premiership giants Chelsea for a failed drugs test made the front page of all national newspapers here, as the press pondered the future of their fallen idol. . . . more . . .
Cisse suffers suspected broken leg (Oct 30, 2004)
Liverpool's French striker Djibril Cisse was taken to hospital after suffering a suspected broken left leg during their English Premiership match at Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Mutu gets Wenger boost (Oct 30, 2004)
Arsene Wenger has said he would be prepared to sign former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu even though the Romaninan was booted out of Stamford Bridge earlier this week for drugs offence. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth double stuns Manchester United (Oct 30, 2004)
Portsmouth striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored his sixth goal of the season to seal a 2-0 win against Manchester United at Fratton Park that dented the visitors' title hopes. . . . more . . .
Van Persie late stunner spares Gunners' blushes (Oct 30, 2004)
Dutch striker Robin van Persie's injury-time wonder strike helped Arsenal plunder a point in the 2-2 draw at Highbury just as Southampton looked to have pulled off the Premiership's shock result of the season. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Bayern fall to Gladbach (Oct 30, 2004)
Bayern Munich suffered a major setback ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Juventus when they fell to a shock 2-0 away defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach. . . . more . . .
Frau secures win for leaders Lyon (Oct 30, 2004)
Unheralded midfielder Pierre-Alain Frau became the hero for Lyon scoring the only goal of the game in a deserved 1-0 victory over Strasbourg which maintained their slender league lead. . . . more . . .
'Daddy' Shevchenko lifts Milan while Inter draw again (Oct 30, 2004)
Andriy Shevchenko celebrated the birth of his first child by scoring the only goal in AC Milan's 1-0 victory at Sampdoria which kept the defending champions hot on the heels of leaders Juventus. . . . more . . .
Cisse injury adds to Liverpool's troubles (Oct 30, 2004)
Rafael Benitez's new-look Liverpool showed little sign of emerging from their troubles away from Anfield as defensive weaknesses saw them draw 2-2 against struggling Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Four-star Chelsea coast to victory at struggling West Brom (Oct 30, 2004)
William Gallas's first Chelsea goal for 14 months and Eidur Gudjohnsen's ninth of the season set Jose Mourinho's high-flying team on their way to a comprehensive 4-1 victory at managerless West Bromwich Albion. . . . more . . .
Wenger has "mental problem": Ferguson (Oct 30, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted rival Arsene Wenger, accusing him of having a "mental problem" with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. . . . more . . .
'Daddy' Shevchenko lifts AC Milan (Oct 30, 2004)
Andriy Shevchenko celebrated the birth of his first child by scoring the only goal in AC Milan's 1-0 win at Sampdoria which kept the defending champions hot on the heels of leaders Juventus. . . . more . . .
Jenas out to slow down Speed (Oct 30, 2004)
Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas is relishing getting the better of mentor Gary Speed at Bolton's Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Riviera deadlock as Monaco hold Marseille (Oct 29, 2004)
Marseille and Monaco fought out a tough 1-1 draw at the Stade Velodrome leaving the Riviera giants back-to-back in the French first division. . . . more . . .
China soccer bosses win, play to continue despite widespread betting (Oct 29, 2004)
China's football bosses appeared successful in forcing teams to play Super League games this weekend, despite reservations about a competition wracked with gambling and match-fixing. . . . more . . .
Angry Pires hits out at Domenech (Oct 29, 2004)
Arsenal star Robert Pires has put his international future at risk by publically accusing France coach Raymond Domenech of irritating him and other players with "his attitudes, words, and observations". . . . more . . .
Levein sets his heart on Leicester (Oct 29, 2004)
Craig Levein will leave behind Scottish Premier League side Hearts to accept the job of trying to take Leicester City back to the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Show us the money, Leeds tell takeover hopefuls (Oct 29, 2004)
The board of fallen giants Leeds United demanded proof of funding after considering a 25-million-pound takeover deal headed by Sebastian Sainsbury. . . . more . . .
Leicester get permission to speak to Levein (Oct 29, 2004)
English Championship side Leicester were given permission to speak to Hearts coach Craig Levein in the hope of persuading him to succeed Micky Adams. . . . more . . .
Spurs plan tribute to legendary manager Bill Nicholson (Oct 29, 2004)
An array of former Spurs stars from Jimmy Greaves to Glenn Hoddle will turn out at a memorial service for the London club's greatest ever manager Bill Nicholson at White Hart Lane on November 7. . . . more . . .
Chester give Rush all clear to discuss Wales job (Oct 29, 2004)
League Two side Chester have given their manager Ian Rush the all clear to hold talks with Wales over the vacant coach's position. . . . more . . .
Fadiga fights to save Bolton career (Oct 29, 2004)
Senegal international midfielder Khalilou Fadiga is fighting to save his Bolton career after collapsing before the League Cup match against Tottenham. . . . more . . .
United prepare 'Battle of the buffet' evidence against Arsenal (Oct 29, 2004)
The fall-out over the Old Trafford tunnel brawl between Manchester United and Arsenal continued with news that United were preparing to ask the Football Association to take action. . . . more . . .
Chelsea sack Mutu (Oct 29, 2004)
English Premiership side Chelsea have sacked Adrian Mutu after the Romanian striker failed a drugs test. . . . more . . .
A Barcelona shirt? That will cost you 17 million euros (Oct 29, 2004)
Spanish league leaders Barcelona are reportedly close to signing a shirt sponsorship deal worth between 13 and 17 million euros. . . . more . . .
Vieira sets sights on finishing the job at Arsenal (Oct 29, 2004)
Patrick Vieira is determined to finish the job Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger started by helping him to win the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Injured Campbell hands Wenger new setback (Oct 29, 2004)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's hopes of getting his team back on the winning trail after last weekend's controversial defeat at Manchester United suffered a new blow when defender Sol Campbell was struck down by recurring Achilles and calf problems. . . . more . . .
German goalkeeper who played on with broken neck to get OBE (Oct 29, 2004)
Bert Trautmann, the German goalkeeper who played on for Manchester City in the 1956 FA Cup Final despite breaking his neck, is to receive an OBE, it was announced. . . . more . . .
Levein set for Leicester (Oct 29, 2004)
Hearts manager Craig Levein is expected to be made manager of Leicester City after his Scottish club gave him permission to talk to the English Championship side. . . . more . . .
I'll show Leeds the money, says Sainsbury (Oct 29, 2004)
Sebastian Sainsbury, the man who wants to lead a takeover of fallen giants Leeds United, said he will provide hard proof that he has the funding required to proceed with his bid. . . . more . . .
Levein confirmed as new Leicester boss (Oct 29, 2004)
Craig Levein was comfirmed as the new manager of English Championship side Leicester City after leaving his job at Scottish Premier League club Hearts. . . . more . . .
FA probe Stamford Bridge trouble (Oct 28, 2004)
An investigation has been opened into crowd trouble at Chelsea's League Cup match with West Ham at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Masterful Juventus stretch lead in Italy (Oct 28, 2004)
Juventus maintained their unbeaten run and restored their five point lead at the top of Series A with a hard-fought but richly deserved 2-0 victory over Roma. . . . more . . .
Injured Sutton hands Celtic new setback (Oct 28, 2004)
Celtic's injury crisis claimed another victim when it was revealed striker Chris Sutton would be ruled out of action for the forseeable future because of a chest problem. . . . more . . .
Gattuso extends Milan contract (Oct 28, 2004)
Tigerish midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has extended his contract with AC Milan until the summer of 2009, the Italian club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Angry Pires hits out at Domenech (Oct 28, 2004)
Arsenal star Robert Pires has put his international future at risk by publicly accusing France coach Raymond Domenech of irritating him and other players with "his attitudes, words, and observations". . . . more . . .
Hearts boss linked with Leicester job (Oct 28, 2004)
Hearts coach Craig Levein insisted that all of his attention is on the Scottish Premier League club despite him being tipped as the favourite to take over at English first division side Leicester City. . . . more . . .
Chelsea claim Santos striker Robinho (Oct 28, 2004)
Chelsea were reported to have completed the 10 million pound signing of 20-year-old Santos striker Robinho but he will first join Benfica until the 2006-2007 season. . . . more . . .
FC Porto captain Costinha hospitalized with head injury (Oct 28, 2004)
FC Porto captain Francisco Costinha remained in hospital after suffering a head injury during the team's 2-1 away loss to Vitoria Guimaraes in a Portuguese Cup match. . . . more . . .
Heart attack kills Brazilian full-back Serginho (Oct 28, 2004)
Brazilian player Serginho, 30, died in hospital after a heart attack while playing for his club Sao Caetano in a first division match against Sao Paulo. . . . more . . .
Show us the money, Leeds tell takeover hopefuls (Oct 28, 2004)
The board of fallen giants Leeds United demanded proof of funding after considering a 25-million-pound takeover deal headed by Sebastian Sainsbury. . . . more . . .
Senegal midfielder Fadiga in Bolton scare (Oct 28, 2004)
Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga spent the night in hospital after collapsing during the warm-up to Bolton's League Cup match with Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Kezman injured as crowd trouble flares again (Oct 28, 2004)
Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman was struck by a missile thrown from the crowd during the Blues' 1-0 win over West Ham as spectator trouble once again overshadowed the English League Cup. . . . more . . .
Hiring and firing coaches now the Bundesliga norm (Oct 28, 2004)
There was a time in football when managers were given time to implement their methods to deliver success but in the Bundesliga a new trend of hiring and firing them has come to the fore. . . . more . . .
Anglo-American hope for Leeds (Oct 28, 2004)
Leeds United, forced to sell their best players to stay afloat financially in last season's doomed relegation fight, could have new owners in the next 24 hours. . . . more . . .
Ferguson comes to Vogts's aid (Oct 27, 2004)
Scotland's run of poor results could not be blamed solely on manager Berti Vogts, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Bremen show champions mettle to deny Stuttgart top spot (Oct 27, 2004)
German champions Werder Bremen produced the comeback of the season to beat VfB Stuttgart 2-1 with the visitors scoring twice in the final 12 minutes despite being reduced to 10 men. . . . more . . .
Hosts Germany to open 2006 World Cup (Oct 27, 2004)
Hosts Germany will open the 2006 World Cup in Munich on June 9 it was confirmed following a FIFA meeting in Zurich. . . . more . . .
Fan violence sullies Liverpool win (Oct 27, 2004)
Ugly scenes of crowd violence returned to mar English football as Liverpool fans became incensed during their side's 3-0 win at Millwall's The Den. . . . more . . .
Goor appeals to FIFA over hefty suspension (Oct 27, 2004)
Belgium's football captain Bart Goor is to appeal over the five match suspension and 6,500 euros fine imposed by the sport's world governing body FIFA, it was announced. . . . more . . .
FA to investigate New Den violence (Oct 27, 2004)
The Football Association confirmed it was looking into the ugly scenes of crowd violence whuich marred football as Liverpool's 3-0 League Cup win at Millwall's New Den ground. . . . more . . .
Celtic look to turn the screw on Rangers (Oct 27, 2004)
Celtic will look forward to their home clash against Aberdeen having stretched their lead in the Scottish Premier League at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Iranian footballers banned from sporting "unconventional" hairdos (Oct 27, 2004)
Iranian footballers have been banned from sporting "unconventional" hairstyles and beards on the pitch and offenders will be fined and banned from playing, football officials said. . . . more . . .
Wenger slams United "spirit" (Oct 27, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticised Manchester United's approach during their controversial win at Old Trafford last weekend. . . . more . . .
Cole handed pizza United action: report (Oct 27, 2004)
Britain's biggest-selling newspaper said that Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole was responsible for throwing a piece of pizza that it claimed hit Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Wenger to lead Gunners to 2008 (Oct 27, 2004)
Arsene Wenger has extended his contract at English champions Arsenal for another three years to the end of the 2007-2008 season. . . . more . . .
O'Leary's Villa get a League Cup burning (Oct 27, 2004)
Five times League Cup winners Aston Villa were knocked out of this season's competition following a 3-1 defeat away to Championship side Burnley. . . . more . . .
Lyon - the French side with an Arsenalesque aversion to losing (Oct 27, 2004)
Arsenal's unbeaten run may have come to a bloody end at Old Trafford on Sunday but across the English channel Lyon are building up a momentum that has earned them favourable comparisons with the Premiership champions. . . . more . . .
Milan's second half blitz keeps Juve in sight (Oct 27, 2004)
Three goals in a vastly improved second half gave AC Milan a 3-0 win against bottom club Atalanta and cut Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to two points. . . . more . . .
Kezman off the mark as Chelsea blunt the Hammers (Oct 27, 2004)
Mateja Kezman finally broke his scoring duck as Chelsea beat West Ham United 1-0 in the League Cup London derby at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Chinese FA vows reform, but teams want play postponed (Oct 27, 2004)
The China Football Association (CFA) has acknowledged an urgent need to reform its corrupt professional league, but clubs refused to back down on demands to postpone the competition until a new structure is in place. . . . more . . .
Brazil legend Socrates set for unlikely comeback (Oct 27, 2004)
Brazil legend Socrates will make a suprising comeback to football after signing for English non-league side Garforth Town. . . . more . . .
'Gladbach sack Fach (Oct 27, 2004)
Borussia Monchengladbach have sacked their manager Holger Fach because of their recent poor performances, the German Bundesliga club said. . . . more . . .
Dons stun the Bhoys to open up Scottish title race (Oct 27, 2004)
Aberdeen caused the biggest shock of this season's Scottish Premier League when they beat Celtic 3-2 at Parkhead. . . . more . . .
Chinese FA vows reform, but boycott remains imminent (Oct 27, 2004)
The China Football Association (CFA) has acknowledged an urgent need to reform its corruption-ridden professional league, but it is unlikely to placate clubs threatening a boycott, insiders said. . . . more . . .
Kezman injured as crowd trouble flares again (Oct 27, 2004)
Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman was struck by a missile thrown from the crowd during the Blues' 1-0 win over West Ham as spectator trouble once again overshadowed the English League Cup. . . . more . . .
West Brom look to knight for Premiership rescue (Oct 27, 2004)
English Premiership strugglers West Bromwich Albion are understood to have approached former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson as they seek a replacement for Gary Megson. . . . more . . .
Young Gunners help Wenger celebrate contract extension (Oct 27, 2004)
A team of Arsenal fledglings helped manager Arsene Wenger celebrate his contract extension with a 2-1 win away at Manchester City in the third round of the League Cup. . . . more . . .
Young Gunners help Wenger celebrate (Oct 27, 2004)
A team of Arsenal fledglings helped manager Arsene Wenger celebrate his contract extension with a 2-1 win away at Manchester City in the third round of the League Cup. . . . more . . .
Bremen face downbeat Stuttgart (Oct 27, 2004)
Reigning champions Werder Bremen travel to face title rivals VfB Stuttgart and hope to land a knockout punch on Matthias Sammer's men who are on the ropes after a 2-0 reverse against SC Freiburg. . . . more . . .
Chelsea look to flying Dutchman (Oct 26, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Dutch winger Arjen Robben is ready to replace shamed striker Adrian Mutu as Chelsea wait for the return to full fitness of Didier Drogba. . . . more . . .
Scholl and Elber set for Bayern testimonials (Oct 26, 2004)
Bayern Munich are lining up a testimonial match for Mehmet Scholl at the end of the season with former club favourite Giovane Elber also pencilled in for a double send off. . . . more . . .
Referee attack lands Keegan in the dock (Oct 26, 2004)
Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan has been charged by the Football Association for his confrontation with referee Steve Dunn in the tunnel after Sunday's 4-3 defeat to Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Crowd trouble mars Liverpool victory (Oct 26, 2004)
Liverpool cruised into the League Cup fourth round with a 3-0 win away to Championship side Millwall at the New Den but violence in the stands overshadowed the victory. . . . more . . .
Megson to quit West Brom (Oct 26, 2004)
West Brom manager Gary Megson announced he will leave the struggling Premiership club at the end of the season when his contract expires. . . . more . . .
Arsenal fury at United defeat spills over into papers (Oct 26, 2004)
Arsenal's fury at Manchester United's 2-0 win in the English Premiership spilled over into the papers with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger's claims they had been cheated given prominent display. . . . more . . .
Van pleads not guilty to attack (Oct 26, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy says he is innocent of charges he tried deliberately to hurt Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole during Manchester United's controversial 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Spurs on the look-out for new talent (Oct 26, 2004)
Tottenham have despatched sporting director Frank Arnesen on a European scouting mission to find new players ahead of an expected January spending spree. . . . more . . .
Police called in to Old Trafford buffet battle (Oct 26, 2004)
Manchester police have been asked give evidence into the Old Trafford buffet battle when an Arsenal player was alleged to have thrown soup and pizza at Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Wenger slams United "spirit" (Oct 26, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticised Manchester United's approach during their controversial win at Old Trafford last weekend. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer and Platini tipped for UEFA presidency duel (Oct 26, 2004)
West Germany's 1974 World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer and France's 1984 European championship hero Michel Platini have emerged as the main contenders to become the next UEFA president, it was confirmed. . . . more . . .
Aldridge applies for Wales job: report (Oct 26, 2004)
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has applied to take over the vacant post of Wales manager, according to reports. . . . more . . .
Pizarro at the double as Bayern devour Wolves (Oct 26, 2004)
Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro left his injury woes behind him with a brace of goals for Bayern Munich in a telling 2-0 win over Bundesliga leaders VfL Wolfsburg. . . . more . . .
O'Leary's Villa get a League Cup burning (Oct 26, 2004)
Five times League Cup winners Aston Villa were knocked out of this season's competition following a 3-1 defeat away to Championship side Burnley. . . . more . . .
Trouble back on England's terraces (Oct 26, 2004)
Ugly scenes of crowd violence returned to mar English football as Liverpool fans became incensed during their side's 3-0 win at Millwall's The Den. . . . more . . .
Vogts gets stay of execution (Oct 26, 2004)
Embattled Scotland manager Bertie Vogts won a stay of execution when the Scottish Football Association announced it would not be holding a board meeting to discuss his future. . . . more . . .
Hot shot Owen strikes again for Real (Oct 26, 2004)
England striker Michael Owen scored for the third successive match for Spanish giants Real Madrid as they cruised to a 2-1 victory over Third Division outfit Leganes in the first round of the Spanish Cup. . . . more . . .
Bremen face downbeat Stuttgart, Bayern hunt leaders Wolves (Oct 26, 2004)
German football goes into overdrive with a full Bundesliga schedule taking place midweek and some tasty ties have been served up. . . . more . . .
West Brom part company with Megson (Oct 26, 2004)
West Brom manager Gary Megson was relieved of his duties with immediate effect after saying earlier in the day he would leave the struggling Premiership club at the end of the season when his contract expired. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy pleads guilty to FA charge (Oct 26, 2004)
Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy accepted a Football Association (FA) charge of serious foul play and apologised to Arsenal's Ashley Cole for the reckless challenge which has left the Dutchman facing a three-game ban. . . . more . . .
Fire goes out on Melville's Welsh career (Oct 25, 2004)
Former Wales captain Andy Melville became the latest experienced international to announce his retirement from the national side. . . . more . . .
Hefty price tag placed on German international Podolski (Oct 25, 2004)
Germany's 19-year-old international striker Lukas Podolski has had a staggering 20 million euro price-tag placed on his head by his German club Cologne. . . . more . . .
Dalian Shide players storm off pitch as Chinese football worries deepen (Oct 25, 2004)
Football powerhouse Dalian Shide abandoned a match against Shenyang Jinde in protest at the referee, confronting China's embattled Super League with yet another crisis. . . . more . . .
Arsenal fury at United defeat spills over into papers (Oct 25, 2004)
Arsenal's fury at Manchester United's 2-0 win in the English Premiership spilled over into the papers with Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger's claims they had been cheated given prominent display. . . . more . . .
Man United board ends takeover talks with Glazer (Oct 25, 2004)
The board of English football giants Manchester United announced it had ended talks with US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer, saying his takeover proposal risked leaving the club mired in debt. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy charged by FA (Oct 25, 2004)
Manchester United's Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was charged with serious foul play by the Football Association (FA). . . . more . . .
Sports Minister calls for lengthy Mutu ban (Oct 25, 2004)
British sports minister Richard Caborn wants Chelsea's Romania striker Adrian Mutu banned for two years after failing a drugs test. . . . more . . .
FA probe Van Nistelrooy tackle on Cole (Oct 25, 2004)
The Football Association are to look at video evidence of Ruud van Nistelrooy's challenge on Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole at Old Trafford before before deciding whether to press disciplinary charges against the Manchester United forward. . . . more . . .
Struggling Mallorca dismiss Floro (Oct 25, 2004)
Struggling Spanish top flight outfit Real Mallorca dismissed coach Benito Floro following a meeting with club officials, Spanish media reported. . . . more . . .
Don't take the Michael: Real coach (Oct 25, 2004)
Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon said he would not swap his in-form England international striker Michael Owen for Barcelona's Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o. . . . more . . .
US footballer of the year nominees announced (Oct 25, 2004)
DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra and Landon Donovan were named as the finalists for the 2004 Honda Player of the Year Award. . . . more . . .
Arsenal-United row rumbles on (Oct 25, 2004)
Arsenal and Manchester United's angry post-match tunnel clash at Old Trafford took a new twist and threatened to overturn all memories of a milestone match. . . . more . . .
Juventus officials face jail over doping (Oct 25, 2004)
Prosecutors have called for two top officials at Juventus to be jailed for their part in alleged doping at the Italian champions. . . . more . . .
CSKA move closer to title (Oct 25, 2004)
Reigning champions CSKA Moscow took another step towards their second consecutive Russian Premier League title with a 3-0 drubbing of their hosts Saint Petersburg. . . . more . . .
Dreaded vote of confidence for Dortmund's Van Marwijk (Oct 25, 2004)
Borussia Dortmund coach Bert van Marwijk insisted he will decide his future at the club after being handed the dreaded vote of confidence over the weekend. . . . more . . .
Vogts's Scotland future in the balance (Oct 25, 2004)
Berti Vogts's future as Scotland manager is set to be clarified when the 11-man board of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) meets at Hampden Park. . . . more . . .
Mondonico sacked at Fiorentina (Oct 25, 2004)
Fiorentina have sacked manager Emiliano Mondonico after the newly-promoted side's poor start to the season and comes just months atfer he was hailed as a hero for returning them to the top flight. . . . more . . .
Socceroos to play Norway at Craven Cottage (Oct 25, 2004)
Australia coach Frank Farina said he expected most of his big guns who missed this month's Oceania Nations Cup football final through injury to be available to play Norway in London next month. . . . more . . .
China mulling first law on football hooliganism (Oct 25, 2004)
China's parliament is expected to begin debating the country's first law on football hooliganism which could mete out jail terms and fines for loutish behaviour, state press reported. . . . more . . .
Benitez unconcerned by shot-shy strikers (Oct 24, 2004)
Rafael Benitez remains convinced the striking partnership of Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse will bear fruit despite the duo's failings in Liverpool's edgy 2-0 victory over Charlton. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart taste first defeat, Ailton fires Schalke to victory (Oct 24, 2004)
Ten-man Stuttgart fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat at struggling SC Freiburg as they missed the chance to regain top spot in the German top flight. . . . more . . .
Fifty percent of Bundesliga stars face depression says Simunic (Oct 24, 2004)
Hertha Berlin defender Josip Simunic claims almost half of the players in the Bundesliga struggle to cope with the pressure that leads to the depressive state his former team-mate Sebastian Deisler is in. . . . more . . .
Celtic banish Euro blues (Oct 24, 2004)
Celtic put their Champions League blues behind them with a comprehensive 4-2 win away to Livingston in the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Owen is Real Madrid 'killer' on the loose (Oct 24, 2004)
England striker Michael Owen didn't have a nickname in Spain but he soon may have, with sports daily Marca dubbing him 'killer' after he got the only goal of Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Valencia. . . . more . . .
Bellamy settles seven-goal thriller (Oct 24, 2004)
Craig Bellamy's 89th minute goal earned Newcastle a 4-3 victory over Manchester City in a dramatic and wildly-fluctuating match at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Juventus joy as Milan derby ends in stalemate (Oct 24, 2004)
Leaders Juventus were the happiest team in Serie A after title rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan played out a 0-0 draw in front of an 80,000 crowd at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Lille slip-up allows Lyon to stay top (Oct 24, 2004)
Lille squandered the chance to regain the lead in the French first division after falling to a last minute goal at Toulouse. . . . more . . .
Santini denies Nicholson snub (Oct 24, 2004)
Tottenham boss Jacques Santini denied that his refusal to attend a post-match press conference was an insult to the memory of former boss Bill Nicholson. . . . more . . .
Racing off the bottom while Numancia slump at Villarreal (Oct 24, 2004)
Racing Santander clawed their way off the bottom of the Spanish first division when they beat Real Zaragoza 1-0. . . . more . . .
Mourinho piles pressure on to title rivals (Oct 24, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claimed he would be sitting down to watch title rivals Arsenal and Manchester United slug it out with a smile on his face after watching his own side knock four goals past hapless Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Megson lambasts "pathetic" Baggies (Oct 24, 2004)
Fuming West Brom manager Gary Megson has branded his side's defending as "pathetic" after they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at fellow Premiership newcomers Crystal Palace. . . . more . . .
Rangers held and fall further behind in title chase (Oct 24, 2004)
Rangers fell seven points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premier League when they could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Santini accused of gaffe as Spurs mourn legendary manager (Oct 24, 2004)
Tottenham boss Jacques Santini has been accused of a major public relations blunder after refusing to speak to the media on the day that the club's greatest ever manager, Bill Nicholson, died. . . . more . . .
Lecce walk tall in Italy (Oct 24, 2004)
Dark horses Lecce moved to within five points of league leaders Juventus after humiliating fellow southerners Messina 4-1. . . . more . . .
Ruud takes his revenge as Gunners fall short of magical 50 (Oct 24, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy took his revenge on Arsenal in the sweetest possible fashion as Manchester United ended their arch rivals' 49-match unbeaten run in the Premiership with a 2-0 win in controversial circumstances. . . . more . . .
Owen and Del Piero celebrate Euro rebirth (Oct 24, 2004)
Superstar strikers Michael Owen and Alessandro Del Piero were hailed as players reborn as they put their critics firmly in their place with match-winning performances at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Rangers lose ground on Celtic (Oct 24, 2004)
Rangers fell seven points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premier League when they could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Barcelona remain unbeaten as they overwhelm Osasuna (Oct 24, 2004)
Barcelona extended their unbeaten streak to eight games and maintained their five point lead at the top of the Spanish first division as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Osasuna. . . . more . . .
Del Piero back to his old self to lift Juve (Oct 24, 2004)
Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero believes he is winning his battle against fitness and poor form after steering his side to a 3-0 win over struggling Siena. . . . more . . .
Sevilla up to second in Spain after beating Atletico (Oct 24, 2004)
Sevilla maintained their role as the surprise package of the Spanish season with a comfortable 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid to move up to second in the league. . . . more . . .
Bullish Moyes sets sights on title charge (Oct 23, 2004)
Everton players were singing "we're gonna win the league" in the bath according to manager David Moyes after his side beat Norwich 3-2 at Carrow Road. . . . more . . .
Ferguson calls for calm in Arsenal clash (Oct 23, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is confident his players have enough self-control to avoid any trouble in Sunday's showdown at Old Trafford against Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Mutu social life not suited for professional football: Mourinho (Oct 23, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said that his Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who failed a drugs test for cocaine, led a social life that was not compatible with a career in professional football. . . . more . . .
Severin's late strike maintains Dons' hold on third (Oct 23, 2004)
A late goal from Scott Severin capped a stirring second-half comeback and gave Aberdeen a 2-1 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League, securing their grip on third place. . . . more . . .
Riise helps Reds to rise (Oct 23, 2004)
Midfielders Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise succeeded where Liverpool's strikers failed to claim the goals that swept aside Charlton and sent Liverpool into fifth place. . . . more . . .
Del Piero reborn as clinical Juve stretch lead (Oct 23, 2004)
Alessandro Del Piero scored twice and set up the other as Serie A leaders Juventus won 3-0 away to struggling Siena to put the pressure on their title rivals. . . . more . . .
Gudjohnsen fires Chelsea (Oct 23, 2004)
Eidur Gudjohnsen's hat-trick fired Chelsea to their biggest win under Jose Mourinho and sunk Blackburn deeper into the mire. . . . more . . .
United not finished yet, says Ferdinand (Oct 23, 2004)
Rio Ferdinand has poured scorn on claims that the balance of power in English football has shifted definitively from Manchester to London. . . . more . . .