Archive soccer news from around the world
Celtic signs Chinese defender Du (Aug 31, 2005)
Scottish football giants Celtic have signed Chinese centre back Du Wei in a transfer deal potentially worth 1.3 million dollars, club officials said. . . . more . . .
Benfica striker Simao snubs Reds (Aug 31, 2005)
Benfica captain and striker Simao Sabrosa has reportedly rejected the chance to join European champions Liverpool ahead of the transfer deadline. . . . more . . .
US coach wants more support for World Cup dream (Aug 31, 2005)
A serious World Cup challenge by the United States will require better backing from football supporters, US coach Bruce Arena said as his squad prepares for a qualifying showdown here against Mexico. . . . more . . .
FA uphold Mido ban (Aug 31, 2005)
Tottenham striker Mido saw his claim for wrongful dismissal rejected by the Football Association, with the governing body now set to make the Egyptian serve a three-game ban. . . . more . . .
Real land Ramos after talks with Sevilla: report (Aug 31, 2005)
Real Madrid appear to have landed hot young defender Sergio Ramos after completing talks with fellow Spanish league side FC Sevilla, according to reports in the Spanish press. . . . more . . .
AEK moves to ban hooligans for life (Aug 31, 2005)
Top Greek side AEK Athens took the unprecedented move of releasing photographs of unruly fans who disrupted their opening league match on Sunday at the ground of city rivals Atromitos. . . . more . . .
Newcastle deny Owen get-out clause (Aug 31, 2005)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd denied they had given record signing Michael Owen a 12-month get-out clause in his four year deal. . . . more . . .
Keeper Poom joins Arsenal on loan (Aug 31, 2005)
Estonia international goalkeeper Mart Poom joined Arsenal from Premiership rivals Sunderland on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day. . . . more . . .
Owen admits Newcastle second-choice (Aug 31, 2005)
Michael Owen admits he signed for Newcastle because he feared a move to Liverpool would break down and condemn him to another season on the Real Madrid subs' bench. . . . more . . .
Spurs sign Jenas (Aug 31, 2005)
Tottenham have announced they had completed the signing of England midfielder Jermaine Jenas from Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Germany snub French star Ismael (Aug 30, 2005)
Bayern Munich's French defender Valerien Ismael has become the latest foreigner to be denied the chance to play for the German national team. . . . more . . .
Liverpool swoop for teenage duo (Aug 30, 2005)
Champions League holders Liverpool may have missed out on re-signing their former striker Michael Owen but they succeeded in a double transfer swoop for Austrian winger Besian Idrizaj and Wales Under-21 striker Ramon Calliste. . . . more . . .
Lippi defends Del Piero call-up (Aug 30, 2005)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has defended his decision to call up Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Belarus. . . . more . . .
FIFA appoints CAF security chief to ensure fan ban at Kenya-Tunisia clash (Aug 30, 2005)
FIFA has appointed the security chief of the African football federation to ensure that its ban on fans at this weekend's World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Tunisia is respected, officials said. . . . more . . .
Cisse wants to stay at Liverpool (Aug 30, 2005)
French international striker Djibril Cisse insisted he wanted to stay at Liverpool and was not aware of a possible loan deal with Monaco. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa sign PSV defender Bouma (Aug 30, 2005)
Aston Villa have signed PSV Eindhoven defender Wilfred Bouma for 3.5 million pounds. . . . more . . .
Owen puts future in Newcastle (Aug 30, 2005)
Real Madrid's England striker Michael Owen has opted to return to the English Premiership with Newcastle United after a return to Liverpool broke down. . . . more . . .
France focusing on Faroes, not crunch Ireland match (Aug 30, 2005)
France coach Raymond Domenech said his side was focused on collecting three points from the 2006 World Cup Group Four qualifier match against the Faroe Islands and not the crucial game four days later against Ireland in Dublin. . . . more . . .
Newcastle agree Owen move (Aug 30, 2005)
Newcastle United have agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid's England striker Michael Owen. . . . more . . .
Real warning on Owen (Aug 30, 2005)
Real Madrid have warned they will not let Michael Owen go on the cheap as the England striker tries to negotiate a return to the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Injured Terry out of World Cup qualifier against Wales (Aug 30, 2005)
Chelsea defender John Terry has been ruled out of England's squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Wales due to a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Shearer works Madrid hot-line to Owen (Aug 29, 2005)
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is spending a fortune on phone calls to Madrid to try to get England striker Michael Owen to join Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Poll gets the vote to replace Collina for Spain/Serbia clash (Aug 29, 2005)
Experienced English referee Graham Poll has been called up to replace retired Italian legend Pierluigi Collina for the 2006 World Cup qualifier between Spain and Serbia Montenegro, it was announced. . . . more . . .
Juve win but fail to shine as Adriano inspires Inter (Aug 29, 2005)
Juventus began the defence of their Serie A title with a scrappy 1-0 home win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Brazilian police quiz Ronaldo over Internet drugs case (Aug 29, 2005)
Brazilian football superstar Ronaldo held talks with local police in connection with a drug trafficking case. . . . more . . .
Juninho-inspired Lyon back on top as Marseille hit rock bottom (Aug 29, 2005)
Gerard Houllier's Lyon were back on top of the French first division after a 2-0 win over Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Keane back for Ireland (Aug 29, 2005)
DUBLIN AFP) - Roy Keane has returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifying showdown against France at Lansdowne Road on September 7. . . . more . . .
Italian referee Collina announces retirement after sponsorship row (Aug 29, 2005)
Pierluigi Collina, widely considered the world's best referee, has announced his retirement following a row with the Italian football federation (FIGC) over sponsorship. . . . more . . .
Camara set to click for Nice (Aug 29, 2005)
Senegalese international striker Souleymane Camara signed for French First Division outfit Nice from 2004 Champions League finalists Monaco. . . . more . . .
Manchester United have title look, says Ferguson (Aug 29, 2005)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his side are ready to challenge for the English Premiership title after watching them beat Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Irish manager couldn't Kerr less about French record (Aug 29, 2005)
Ireland's impressive home record against 1998 World Cup winners France means nothing said Irish manager Brian Kerr just over a week ahead of his side's crucial 2006 World Cup Group Four qualifier with the French. . . . more . . .
South Korean ace Lee set for Tottenham (Aug 29, 2005)
South Korean international defender Lee Young-Pyo will leave PSV Eindhoven and sign for English Premiership side Tottenham, the Dutch club's coach Guus Hiddink said. . . . more . . .
Anderlecht sign Hungarian star (Aug 29, 2005)
Belgian giants Anderlecht strengthened their defence ahead of a tough Champions League campaign by signing Hungary international central defender Roland Juhasz from Hungarian outfit MTK Budapest. . . . more . . .
German referee threatened after penalty call (Aug 29, 2005)
German referee Helmut Fleischer confirmed that he had received threatening phone calls since his awarding Kaiserslautern a penalty which gave them a 3-2 victory over Cologne in the domestic championship on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Cisse close to sealing Monaco loan move (Aug 29, 2005)
French international striker Djibril Cisse could be set to join 2004 Champions League finalists Monaco on loan from Champions League holders Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Mourinho issues title warning (Aug 28, 2005)
Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea's title rivals that his record-breakers will be even better this season. . . . more . . .
McClaren eyes Sven's job (Aug 28, 2005)
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren believes that he has what it takes to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach. . . . more . . .
Hamburg want Tottenham starlet Ziegler (Aug 28, 2005)
SV Hamburg are in talks with English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur over a loan deal for Swiss international defender Reto Ziegler. . . . more . . .
James and Johnson suffer World Cup axe (Aug 28, 2005)
Error-plagued goalkeeper David James and defender Glen Johnson have been axed by Sven-Goran Eriksson from the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland. . . . more . . .
Porto's Valente signs for Everton (Aug 28, 2005)
FC Porto's Portuguese international defender Nuno Valente has signed a two-year deal worth 2.5 million euros (3.1m dollars) with English Premiership side Everton. . . . more . . .
Yorke scores in thrilling opening to Aussie A-League (Aug 28, 2005)
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke scored a cracking header to give his new club Sydney FC a 1-1 home draw with Melbourne Victory in a rousing opening to Australia's revamped A-League football season. . . . more . . .
McCarthy returns from injury (Aug 28, 2005)
Striker Benni McCarthy has started training again with his FC Porto teammates ten days after he injured his right thigh muscle while playing for his native South Africa. . . . more . . .
Gladbach capture Brazilian striker Kahe (Aug 28, 2005)
Borussia Monchengladbach have finalised the signing of Brazilian striker Kahe from homeland club Ponte Preta. . . . more . . .
Adriano's hat-trick gives Inter winning start (Aug 28, 2005)
Brazilian striker Adriano scored a hat-trick as Inter Milan began the new Serie A season with a 3-0 victory at home to Treviso, while their city neighbours AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw at Ascoli. . . . more . . .
Juve win but fail to shine as Adriano inspires Inter (Aug 28, 2005)
Juventus began the defence of their Serie A title with a scrappy 1-0 home win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Juninho-inspired Lyon back on top as Marseille hit rock bottom (Aug 28, 2005)
Gerard Houllier's Lyon were back on top of the French first division after a 2-0 win over Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Red hot Charlton maintain record start (Aug 28, 2005)
Charlton maintained their record start to the English Premiership season with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid survive Cadiz scare (Aug 28, 2005)
Spanish giants Real Madrid, with out of favour England striker Michael Owen exiled to the stands, stumbled their way to a 2-1 win over new boys Cadiz on Sunday, with captain Raul Gonzalez getting the winner just six minutes from time. . . . more . . .
Croatian keeper Pletikosa returns to Hajduk Split for a year (Aug 28, 2005)
Croatian international goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa signed a one-year contract with national champions Hajduk Split. . . . more . . .
Winless Dortmund rue late equaliser (Aug 28, 2005)
Borussia Dortmund are still searching for their first win of the 2005/06 season following a 1-1 draw at MSV Duisburg. . . . more . . .
Osasuna's Romeo shows no love for Villarreal (Aug 28, 2005)
Bernardo Romeo used his head to score both of Osasuna's goals in the Pamplona-based side's 2-1 win over Champions League contenders Villarreal. . . . more . . .
Nakamura on target as Celtic bounce back in style (Aug 28, 2005)
Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura opened his Celtic account as Gordon Strachan's side bounced back from their Old Firm derby defeat last week with a 4-0 win against Dunfermline at East End Park. . . . more . . .
Everton secure Valente signing (Aug 28, 2005)
Everton have wrapped up the 1.5 million pounds (2.7 million dollars) signing of Portuguese international defender Nuno Valente from Porto. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti fuming after ref gives go-ahead to rain-soaked tie (Aug 28, 2005)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was fuming at referee Massimo De Santis for not abandoning the league game away to newly-promoted Ascoli where incessant rain made conditions hazardous. . . . more . . .
Boumsong horror show gifts Man Utd victory (Aug 28, 2005)
Newcastle defender Jean Alain Boumsong played the villain, presenting goals to Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy, as Manchester United won 2-0 and maintained their perfect Premiership start. . . . more . . .
Wigan penalise sorry Sunderland (Aug 27, 2005)
Wigan celebrated their first ever Premiership win when a penalty awarded in the opening seconds gave them a 1-0 win over fellow topflight newcomers Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Beleaguered Kenya football boss sacked (Aug 27, 2005)
Kenya's football crisis deepened when the national football federation sacked its president Alfred Sambu in direct defiance of a FIFA directive. . . . more . . .
Quick-fire double sends City second (Aug 27, 2005)
Stuart Pearce proved he has the midas touch as Manchester City came from behind to beat Portsmouth 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium and go second in the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Duo face anxious wait over Sven's squad (Aug 27, 2005)
David James and Alan Smith will be sweating over their places in Sven Goran Eriksson's latest England squad for the World Cup qualifying double header against Wales and Northern Ireland. . . . more . . .
Flawless Bayern open up lead at top (Aug 27, 2005)
Bayern Munich opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga after crushing Hertha Berlin 3-0. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart lose Brazilian Cacau for six weeks (Aug 27, 2005)
Nothing appears to be going right for VfB Stuttgart manager Giovanni Trapattoni with Brazilian striker Cacau now ruled out of action for six weeks. . . . more . . .
Tiago ties up Lyon move as Juninho extends stay (Aug 27, 2005)
Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes signed a four-year deal with Lyon as Brazilian midfielder Juninho Pernambucano penned a new three-year deal with the French champions. . . . more . . .
Taylor backs under fire Souness (Aug 27, 2005)
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has sprung to the defence of his beleaguered manager Graeme Souness on the eve of the Toon Army's crunch English Premiership clash against high-flyers Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Heskey double sinks Baggies (Aug 27, 2005)
Steve Bruce admitted he was relieved to get over the worst few days of his career at Birmingham following his side's 3-2 win over West Bromwich at the Hawthorns. . . . more . . .
Bolton snatch points from Hammers (Aug 27, 2005)
Plucky Bolton made it six points out of six this week after second-half goals from Kevin Nolan and Ivan Campo secured a fortunate 2-1 victory over West Ham at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Baros sinks Blackburn on home debut (Aug 27, 2005)
Milan Baros made the perfect start at Aston Villa as he scored the only goal that saw the Midlands side take all the points at home to Blackburn Rovers. . . . more . . .
McBride earns Fulham first win (Aug 27, 2005)
Former Everton striker Brian McBride scored his second goal of the season as Fulham registered their first win to compound a week of misery for the Merseysiders who slumped 1-0 at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Rangers floored by supersub Sproule's hat-trick (Aug 27, 2005)
Supersub Ivan Sproule busted Hibernian's 10-year Ibrox hoodoo with a stunning late hat-trick to floor his boyhood heroes Rangers. . . . more . . .
Bolton make profligate Hammers pay (Aug 27, 2005)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce revealed his half-time tirade had held the key to his team's 2-1 win at West Ham. . . . more . . .
Late goals make Marseille and PSG suffer (Aug 27, 2005)
Marseille missed out on a first French league victory after a late equaliser from Ajaccio while leaders Paris Saint Germain slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Nice to suffer their loss of the season. . . . more . . .
New boys shine for Fiorentina on opening day (Aug 27, 2005)
Two of Fiorentina's summer signings were on target as the big-spending Florence club began the new Serie A season with a 2-1 home win over Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Palladino scores on Serie A debut to give Livorno victory (Aug 27, 2005)
Raffaele Palladino scored on his Serie A debut to give Livorno a 2-1 home victory over Lecce in the first match of the new season. . . . more . . .
Mido sending off hands Chelsea easy victory (Aug 27, 2005)
Champions Chelsea maintained their grip on the Premiership with a commanding 2-0 victory over 10-man Tottenham at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Cisse pledges future to Anfield (Aug 27, 2005)
Djibril Cisse has pledged his future to Liverpool after coming off the subs bench to lead the Merseysiders to a 3-1 Super Cup win in extra time over CSKA Monaco. . . . more . . .
Dream Fiorentina debut for Toni (Aug 27, 2005)
Lanky striker Luca Toni enjoyed a dream debut for Fiorentina, scoring the winner and setting up the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Sampdoria on the first day of the new Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hails rock steady Van Der Sar (Aug 27, 2005)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the calming influence of veteran new boy Edwin van der Sar on the Premiership side. . . . more . . .
Ajaccio deny Marseille first taste of success (Aug 27, 2005)
Marseille were denied their first league win as Rolland Courbis's Ajaccio scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot at the Velodrome which saw the match end 1-1. . . . more . . .
Nou Camp reject keeps Barcelona at bay (Aug 27, 2005)
Reigning Spanish champions Barcelona got off to an unimpressive start to the new season when they were held to a 0-0 draw by newly-promoted Alaves. . . . more . . .
Football referee arrested for alleged match-fixing, first in Vietnam (Aug 26, 2005)
A professional-level Vietnamese referee has been arrested and will face trial on match-fixing charges, becoming the first target of a campaign here to rid football of corruption. . . . more . . .
Stelios commits as Tudor arrives on loan to Bolton (Aug 26, 2005)
Greek international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos signed a new three-year contract with English Premiership side Bolton as a one-year loan deal was agreed with Juventus for Croatian international defender Igor Tudor. . . . more . . .
Ferrari heads for Everton (Aug 26, 2005)
Italian defender Matteo Ferrari has joined Everton on a one-year loan deal from Roma with a view to a permanent transfer. . . . more . . .
Holders CSKA face Danish challenge (Aug 26, 2005)
Holders CSKA Moscow open their UEFA Cup title defence against FC Midtylland of Denmark after the draw for the first round of the competition. . . . more . . .
Stelios commits to Bolton (Aug 26, 2005)
Greek international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos signed a new three-year contract with English Premiership side Bolton. . . . more . . .
Luque set for Newcastle signing (Aug 26, 2005)
Premiership strugglers Newcastle United were on the verge of signing striker Albert Luque from the Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Italian football chief charged with power abuse (Aug 26, 2005)
The Italian football federation (FIGC) president was charged with abuse of his powers after demoting second division club Salernitana for non payment of tax. . . . more . . .
Spurs out to stop long Chelsea winning run (Aug 26, 2005)
Tottenham are out to break a 15 year losing run in the league against Chelsea when they host Jose Mourinho's champions at White Hart Lane on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Gilberto slams Chelsea tactics (Aug 26, 2005)
Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gilberto slammed the tactics of Premiership rivals Chelsea only days after his manager Arsene Wenger criticised the champions' "long-ball" style. . . . more . . .
Key man Prso tipped to unlock European defences (Aug 25, 2005)
Rangers manager Alex McLeish will take his side into Thursday's draw for the lucrative Champions League group stages believing that striker Dado Prso is the key to further success in the tournament. . . . more . . .
Jol staying put at Spurs (Aug 25, 2005)
Tottenham manager Martin Jol has signed a new three year contract which will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2007. . . . more . . .
Porto reject another English offer for McCarthy (Aug 25, 2005)
FC Porto have rejected an offer of 6.5 million euros from English Premiership club West Ham for their South Africa striker Benni McCarthy, who is eager to play in England. . . . more . . .
Gerrard set for Super Cup rest (Aug 25, 2005)
Liverpool's inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard is set for an overdue rest as the European champions take on UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow in the Super Cup. . . . more . . .
Ferguson blames Neville injury on ropy pitch (Aug 25, 2005)
Manchester United's Champions league win over Hungarian champions Debrecen came with a sting in the tail with Gary Neville picking up a groin injury manager Sir Alex Ferguson blamed on the poor pitch. . . . more . . .
Arsenal have rediscovered self-belief: Wenger (Aug 25, 2005)
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have rediscovered their self-belief after they crushed Fulham 4-1. . . . more . . .
Liverpool yet to move for Owen (Aug 25, 2005)
European Champions Liverpool are keeping their options open after former star striker Michael Owen said that he wanted to return to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Mancini blames surreal atmosphere for Inter's drab show (Aug 25, 2005)
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini blamed the lack of atmosphere for his team's scrappy 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk, which was still enough for the Serie A side to secure a place in the Champions League group stages. . . . more . . .
Morrison returns to Palace (Aug 25, 2005)
Ireland international striker Clinton Morrison has signed for English Championship side Crystal Palace for 2 million pounds (3 million euros) from Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Chelsea hammer West Brom to go top (Aug 25, 2005)
Champions Chelsea returned to the Premiership summit just three games into the new season after a comfortable 4-0 victory over West Brom at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
FIFA orders calm in crisis-ridden Kenyan football (Aug 25, 2005)
FIFA ordered rival factions battling for control of the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) to end their bitter dispute that turned violent last week and concentrate on the sport itself. . . . more . . .
Lille move to Paris for Champions League campaign (Aug 25, 2005)
Lille will be playing their three Champions League group match home fixtures at the Stade de France, club president Michel Seydoux announced. . . . more . . .
Alleged rape victim wanted sex with Van Persie but not his friends (Aug 25, 2005)
The woman who accused Arsenal's Dutch star Robin van Persie of rape actually wanted to have sex with the "nice" footballer. . . . more . . .
Scolari calls up Valente for World Cup qualifiers (Aug 25, 2005)
Ignoring complaints from former European champions FC Porto, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called up defender Nuno Valente as part of his 20-man roster for the team's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Russia. . . . more . . .
Titleholders Liverpool draw Chelsea in Champions League (Aug 25, 2005)
Champions Liverpool were drawn in the same group as last season's English league winners Chelsea in the group stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Four-goal champions back on top (Aug 24, 2005)
Chelsea were back to their best as they swept aside sorry West Brom 4-0 thanks to a Frank Lampard double at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Rangers ease into big time on emotional night (Aug 24, 2005)
Scottish title holders Rangers successfully clinched a spot in the lucrative Champions League group stages with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famgusta. . . . more . . .
PSV's Lee still seeking Spurs (Aug 24, 2005)
RSV Eindhoven's South Korean defender Young-Pyo Lee said he wanted to leave the Netherlands and sign for English Premiership club Tottenham. . . . more . . .
O'Leary hoping for Solano reprieve (Aug 24, 2005)
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary is hoping Peruvian midfielder Nolberto Solano's red card against Portsmouth will be rescinded by the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Blackburn see red again in Spurs draw (Aug 24, 2005)
Tottenham's perfect start to the new season stuttered when they were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Henry closes in on Wright record (Aug 24, 2005)
Thierry Henry moved to within a single goal of Ian Wright's Arsenal scoring record as his second-half brace sealed a deserved 4-1 victory over Fulham at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Stelios piled on misery for Newcastle (Aug 24, 2005)
Stelios Giannakopoulos may have played his last game for Bolton but he scored as the hosts defeated sorry Newcastle 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Kahn rules out imminent retirement (Aug 24, 2005)
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has ruled out his imminent retirement, saying such a move would be absolutely "absurd". . . . more . . .
Evergreen Viduka back to his best (Aug 24, 2005)
Two-goal hero Mark Viduka is back to his best according to his manager Steve McClaren after a difficult first year at Middlesbrough that was interrupted by injury. . . . more . . .
Liverpool survive scare as Swiss minnows complete fairytale (Aug 24, 2005)
Defending champions Liverpool survived a Champions League scare before booking their place in the multi-million dollar group stages where they will be joined by a little-known Swiss team who were playing amateur football nine years ago. . . . more . . .
Plucky Everton suffer controversial defeat (Aug 24, 2005)
Everton's brief Champions League flirtation ended in controversy when a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal condemned them to a 4-2 aggregate loss in their third qualifying round clash. . . . more . . .
Clinical Bremen make Basel pay penalty (Aug 24, 2005)
German side Werder Bremen qualified for the Champions League for the second successive season scoring three goals in eight minutes to clinch a 3-0 second leg win over FC Basel. . . . more . . .
Cisse vows to remain at Anfield despite Owen interest (Aug 24, 2005)
France striker Djibril Cisse said he wants to stay at Liverpool for the duration of his contract despite reports Michael Owen wants a return to the club where he made his name. . . . more . . .
Sing German national anthem with pride urges Schily (Aug 24, 2005)
Germany's Interior Minister Otto Schily has called on international football stars such as Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn to start bellowing out their national anthem with pride ahead of the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Chelsea machine starting to click into gear (Aug 24, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho last night warned weekend opponents Tottenham Hotspur that his champions are clicking into gear after West Bromich Albion were thrashed at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Neville injury sours United's Champions' romp (Aug 24, 2005)
A thigh injury sustained by England defender Gary Neville soured Manchester United's 3-0 Champions League victory against Debrecen. . . . more . . .
Liverpool in hunt for Bolton's Giannakopoulos (Aug 24, 2005)
Liverpool are in talks with Bolton in a bid to bring Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Aliadiere ends Celtic nightmare to join West Ham (Aug 24, 2005)
French forward Jeremie Aliadiere has ended his Celtic loan spell after just six weeks and joined English Premiership side West Ham for the rest of the season. . . . more . . .
Liverpool branded 'morally wrong' by Bolton (Aug 24, 2005)
Liverpool have been branded "morally wrong" by Bolton after admitting they want to take Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Basel sack Gimenez after pre-match row (Aug 24, 2005)
Swiss champions FC Basel have cancelled the contract of Argentine striker Christian Gimenez after the player refused to take part in their Champions League qualifier with Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
Lack of support fails to halt Inter's progress (Aug 24, 2005)
A lack of home support failed to prevent Inter Milan from reaching the group stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Wolfsburg capture Serbian international (Aug 24, 2005)
Serbia and Montenegro international Bojan Neziri has joined Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg on loan until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Cosmi refuses to take plaudits as Udinese reach Champions League (Aug 24, 2005)
Udinese coach Serse Cosmi refused to take the plaudits after his team reached the Champions League group stages for the very first time. . . . more . . .
Newcastle agree fee for Owen with Real Madrid (Aug 24, 2005)
English Premiership side Newcastle United said they had agreed a "record transfer fee" with Real Madrid for England striker Michael Owen, but the player has yet to make up his mind. . . . more . . .
All forgiven as Carvalho set for Chelsea return (Aug 23, 2005)
Jose Mourinho has recalled Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho to the Chelsea squad for the visit of West Brom to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Latvians deny bribes charge (Aug 23, 2005)
The Latvian football federation denied accusations that their national side was offered bribes to lose the recent World Cup qualifier against Russia. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux sign Brazilian Denilson (Aug 23, 2005)
Brazilian international midfielder Denilson has signed a one-year contract to play for French first division outfit Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Lincoln snubbed by Germany (Aug 23, 2005)
Germany have decided not to take up Schalke 04's Brazilian midfielder Lincoln on his offer to play for the national team. . . . more . . .
Owen says no to Everton move (Aug 23, 2005)
English Premiership side Everton have failed in a bid to lure Michael Owen from Real Madrid to Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Thun fairytale leads to Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Unheralded Thun completed an incredible football journey when they reached the Champions League group stages, just nine years after they were playing as amateurs in the Swiss third division. . . . more . . .
Baros completes Villa move (Aug 23, 2005)
Aston Villa completed the signing of striker Milan Baros from Liverpool for 6.5 million pounds (11.7 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Giggs handed United captaincy (Aug 23, 2005)
Ryan Giggs will captain Manchester United against Debrecen in their Champions League qualifier in the absence of Roy Keane after being reassured over his future at the club by manager Sir Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Tears at the Bridge as Tiago leaves for Lyon (Aug 23, 2005)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said that some players were in tears when Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes agreed to join French league winners Lyon. . . . more . . .
Hitzfeld enticed by Kiev offer (Aug 23, 2005)
Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld admits he has held talks with Ukraine side Dinamo Kiev about becoming the club's new sporting director. . . . more . . .
Maradona admits to 'hand of God' goal against England (Aug 23, 2005)
Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona admitted for the first time that he had deliberately used his hand to score a controversial goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann calls up Under-21 stars (Aug 23, 2005)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has called two new faces into his squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Slovakia and South Africa with Marcell Jansen and Lukas Sinkiewicz promoted from the Under-21 team. . . . more . . .
Embattled South Korea coach quits 10 months before World Cup (Aug 23, 2005)
Embattled Dutchman Jo Bonfrere has quit as coach of South Korea's national team just 10 months before the World Cup amid a campaign against him by angry fans, the Korea Football Association (KFA) said. . . . more . . .
'No inferiority complex' insists Wenger (Aug 23, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied his team has an inferiority complex but admitted they lacked belief during their 1-0 defeat against champions Chelsea on the weekend. . . . more . . .
Marseille banish poor domestic form to progress to UEFA Cup (Aug 23, 2005)
Marseille put their poor league form to one side to hammer Deportivo La Coruna 5-1 in the Intertoto Cup finals and progress to the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Udinese stun Sporting to reach Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Udinese reached the Champions League group stages for the first time after defeating Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon 3-2. . . . more . . .
Chelsea midfielder Tiago poised to sign for Lyon (Aug 23, 2005)
Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes is on the verge of leaving the Premiership champions to sign a five-year deal with French league winners Lyon. . . . more . . .
Skoko set for Wigan debut (Aug 23, 2005)
Australian international Josip Skoko is set to make his debut for Wigan in the English Premiership this weekend after completing the papers to get his international work permit. . . . more . . .
Real Betis dispatch Monaco from Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Real Betis reached the lucrative group stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history after a draw with Monaco saw them progress 3-2 on aggregate. . . . more . . .
Liverpool slip to defeat but progress in Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Valentin Iliev sentenced Liverpool to their first Champions League defeat at Anfield for 12 months as the holders went down 1-0 to CSKA Sofia before scrambling through to the group stages 3-2 on aggregate. . . . more . . .
Manchester City go top as Sunderland misery continues (Aug 23, 2005)
Sunderland remained pointless and rooted to the bottom of the Premiership after losing at home to new league leaders Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Celtic youngster Beattie called up to Scotland squad (Aug 23, 2005)
Scotland manager Walter Smith called up young Celtic striker Craig Beattie to his senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Italy at home and away to Norway. . . . more . . .
Barton owes it to Pearce after Thailand bust-up (Aug 22, 2005)
Manchester City bad boy Joey Barton has pledged to repay his coach Stuart Pearce for his backing after a bust-up in a Thailand bar. . . . more . . .
Dortmund cup nightmare continues as Braunschweig triumph (Aug 22, 2005)
Borussia Dortmund crashed out of the German Cup at the first hurdle with Eintracht Braunschweig scoring a late goal as the second division side won 2-1. . . . more . . .
Maradona comparisons 'ludicrous' says Iran star Karimi (Aug 22, 2005)
Bayern Munich's Iranian international midfielder Ali Karimi insist it is folly to compare him with Argentina's 1986 World Cup hero Diego Maradona. . . . more . . .
Baros on verge of Villa move (Aug 22, 2005)
Milan Baros was on the brink of joining Aston Villa from Liverpool after the Premiership rivals agreed a fee for the Czech striker. . . . more . . .
Give me another chance, pleads James (Aug 22, 2005)
Under-fire England goalkeeper David James has pleaded with national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to give him another chance despite his nightmare performance in the 4-1 defeat to Denmark. . . . more . . .
Brazilian starlet Rafinha close to Schalke move (Aug 22, 2005)
Bundesliga title hopefuls Schalke 04 have confirmed that they are on the brink of signing Brazilian Under 20 international Rafinha from his homeland side Coritiba. . . . more . . .
Jarosik on loan to Birmingham (Aug 22, 2005)
Out-of-favour midfielder Jiri Jarosik has been loaned by champions Chelsea to Premiership rivals Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Benitez queries Gerrard's England fitness (Aug 22, 2005)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has questioned whether Steven Gerrard will be fit to play in England's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland next month. . . . more . . .
Robben out of Chelsea team for West Brom (Aug 22, 2005)
Dutch winger Arjen Robben will be dropped from the Chelsea lineup for Wednesday's Premiership game against West Bromwich, but coach Jose Mourinho says that has nothing to do with his comments about the side's squad system. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth sign Friske (Aug 22, 2005)
English Premiership side Portsmouth have signed Danish defender Brian Friske following their poor start to the season. . . . more . . .
Everton facing Champions League injury crisis after Bolton win (Aug 22, 2005)
Everton manager David Moyes admitted that he is facing an injury nightmare ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Villareal after losing Marcus Bent and Alessandro Pistone in the 1-0 weekend win at Bolton. . . . more . . .
Bassila joins Sunderland (Aug 22, 2005)
English Premiership side Sunderland have signed Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila on a two-year deal. . . . more . . .
Samuel given three-match ban for spitting (Aug 22, 2005)
Inter Milan's Argentine central defender Walter Samuel has been banned for three matches for spitting at Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved in Saturday's Italian SuperCup match in Turin. . . . more . . .
Everton deny Stubbs cancer contract claim (Aug 22, 2005)
Everton have rejected claims from former captain Alan Stubbs that he left the club in the summer because of a clause in the proposed deal relating to the cancer he overcame four years ago. . . . more . . .
Deane arrives not knowing what to expect in Australia's A-League (Aug 22, 2005)
New Perth Glory signing Brian Deane has arrived to play in Australia's revamped A-League which kicks off on Friday, but is unsure what to expect. . . . more . . .
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