Archive soccer news from around the world
Schneider to captain Germany (May 31, 2007)
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bernd Schneider will captain Germany against minnows San Marino in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Nuremberg, it was announced on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Celtic confirm Kiwi Killen signing (May 31, 2007)
Celtic completed the free-transfer signing of New Zealand striker Chris Killen on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Mourinho in Ghana on youth training mission (May 31, 2007)
"Mourinho, Mourinho" chanted the Chelsea supporters who burst into the El Wak football stadium as the English club's manager supervised training for Ghana's would-be future professionals. . . . more . . .
Dunga fears pitch battle (May 31, 2007)
Brazil coach Dunga fears Wembley's sub-standard pitch could spoil his side's historic clash with England on Friday. . . . more . . .
Owen backs Beckham recall (May 31, 2007)
Newcastle striker Michael Owen has backed former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham's return to the England squad. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho and Kaka aren't our only stars says Brazil's Gilberto (May 31, 2007)
Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has warned England that his side don't just rely on Ronaldinho and Kaka to torment opponents. . . . more . . .
Blatter re-elected as FIFA president (May 31, 2007)
Switzerland's Sepp Blatter has been re-elected as world football's governing body's president in an uncontested election. . . . more . . .
Togo boss hands Adebayor ultimatum (May 31, 2007)
Togo's Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi on Thursday handed Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor and his fellow Togolese rebels a midnight ultimatum to turn up or be dropped. . . . more . . .
Newcastle mull takeover bid from British tycoon (May 31, 2007)
Newcastle United said Thursday that they were considering a response to a takeover offer from British entrepreneur Mike Ashley which valued the English Premiership club at 133 million pounds. . . . more . . .
Malouda confirms imminent Lyon departure (May 31, 2007)
France midfielder Florent Malouda said Thursday he is on the brink of leaving six-times French champions Lyon. . . . more . . .
Sampdoria's Flachi cops drugs ban (May 31, 2007)
Sampdoria striker Francesco Flachi has been banned for 16 months after testing positive for cocaine in January, the Italian league said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Man Utd confirm Hargreaves signing (May 31, 2007)
England midfielder Owen Hargreaves will join Manchester United from Bayern Munich on July 1, the English Premiership champions said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Euro 2008 ticket holders to get free travel (May 31, 2007)
Ticket holders at Euro 2008 will enjoy free public transport throughout Austria and Switzerland, the first time that such a step has been taken at a major sports event, the organisers said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Parker close to West Ham switch (May 31, 2007)
Former Charlton star Scott Parker is on the verge of completing a return to London with West Ham, sources close to the Newcastle midfielder said Thursday. . . . more . . .
England confirm Germany friendly (May 31, 2007)
England will play arch rivals Germany in a friendly at the new Wembley stadium on August 22, the Football Association confirmed on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Ranieri wants Chelsea miracle at City (May 31, 2007)
Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri believes he can recreate another "miracle" if he is given the vacant post at Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Under-pressure McClaren plays his last hand (May 31, 2007)
As England's fortunes have gone from bad to worse during Steve McClaren's troubled reign, the beleaguered coach has increasingly resembled a gambler desperately trying to claw back his losses with one big bet. . . . more . . .
Wolfsburg hoping 'Magician' can work his magic (May 30, 2007)
Felix Magath, sacked by Bayern Munich in February, took over as coach of VfL Wolfsburg on a three-year contract, the German first division club said on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Nani knows best for United (May 30, 2007)
Sporting Lisbon striker Nani is set to sign for Manchester United announced the English Premiership champions on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Giggs announces international retirement (May 30, 2007)
Manchester United's Welsh winger Ryan Giggs confirmed his retirement from international football on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
FIFA's "social responsibility" in new Blatter term (May 30, 2007)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter is set to be voted in for a third term as the boss of football's world governing body here this week with social responsibility the main thrust of the coming years. . . . more . . .
Garcia replaces Torres in Spain squad (May 30, 2007)
Espanyol striker Luis Garcia was on Wednesday called up to the Spain squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers next month against Latvia and Liechtenstein. . . . more . . .
South American presidents rally against FIFA altitude ban (May 30, 2007)
The presidents of Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela on Wednesday joined their Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales in demanding that FIFA reverse a ban on high-altitude stadiums being used for international matches. . . . more . . .
Pompey break bank to sign Ghana's Muntari (May 30, 2007)
Portsmouth have completed the signing of Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari from Udinese, the Premiership club's website said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Barca consider Ronnie appeal (May 30, 2007)
Barcelona are considering an appeal against a one-match ban handed out to Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho for kicking an opponent, the club said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Adebayor denies lifting of Togo suspension (May 30, 2007)
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has denied that his suspension from the Togolese national team has been lifted. . . . more . . .
Bayern hunt Ujfalusi, confirm Toni's arrival (May 30, 2007)
Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi is the latest target hunted by German giants Bayern Munich as they step up their recruitment drive for next season, a source close to the club revealed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Injury-prone Solskjaer out of Euro qualifier (May 30, 2007)
Manchester United's veteran striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out of Norway's European Championship qualifier against Malta on Saturday after suffering a knee injury, the Norwegian federation said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Betis coach Fernandez to be replaced: report (May 30, 2007)
The French coach of Real Betis, Luis Fernandez, is set to be replaced with the man who has made Recreativo Huelva one of the Spanish league's surprise teams, according to a report Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Hotshot Zidan switches to Hamburg, faces operation (May 30, 2007)
Egyptian international Mohamed Zidan will switch from relegated Mainz 05 to Bundesliga side Hamburg in a four-year deal worth five million euros, but faces a groin operation, it was revealed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Perrin adds sauce to Lyon as he is appointed coach (May 30, 2007)
French champions Lyon have confirmed Alain Perrin as their new head coach Wednesday after reaching a verbal agreement with his club, Sochaux. . . . more . . .
Iranian player who beat Pele and Puskas hangs up his boots (May 30, 2007)
Iranian footballer Ali Daei, the talisman of the national side over the past decade and holder of the world record for international goals, has finally decided to retire from the game. . . . more . . .
Giggs to announce international retirement (May 30, 2007)
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs will announce his retirement from international football with Wales on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Frankfurt's Inamoto returns to Japan football squad (May 30, 2007)
Midfielder Junichi Inamoto was named in Japan's squad for first time in nearly a year on Wednesday after signing a two-year contract with Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt. . . . more . . .
US, China name lineups for Saturday friendly (May 29, 2007)
China coach Zhu Guanghu and US coach Bob Bradley named their lineups Tuesday for Saturday's friendly in San Jose, a tuneup for both nations before continental championship tournaments. . . . more . . .
Torres injury hits Atletico's - and Spain's Euro hopes (May 29, 2007)
Atletico Madrid's hopes of bagging a UEFA Cup place were dented on Tuesday with the news that star striker Fernando Torres had to pull out of training with the Spanish national squad with ankle ligament trouble. . . . more . . .
Braga hails Cesar's arrival (May 29, 2007)
Champions League winning striker Cesar Peixoto joined Portuguese First Division side Sporting Braga from FC Porto on a three year contract it was revealed on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Zoro ready to cut a swathe through Portuguese sides (May 29, 2007)
Ivory Coast international defender Marc Zoro signed for Portuguese giants Benfica from relegated Serie A outfit Messina on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Spanish league hand Ronnie one-match ban (May 29, 2007)
Barcelona star Ronaldinho on Tuesday received a one-match suspension from the Spanish league's competition commission for the red card he received after kicking out at an opponent in Saturday's win over Getafe. . . . more . . .
Defender Friedrich quits Mainz for Leverkusen (May 29, 2007)
German international defender Manuel Friedrich has signed a three-year deal to switch from relegated Mainz 05 to Bayern Leverkusen, it was announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
McClaren hit by defensive injury woes (May 29, 2007)
Embattled England manager Steve McClaren suffered two injury blows on Tuesday ahead of Friday's friendly with Brazil and next week's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia as both Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson withdrew because of groin injuries. . . . more . . .
"Six points is a must" says Low (May 29, 2007)
Germany's head coach Joachim Low insisted on Tuesday his injury-hit side have a duty to take six points from their double-header Euro 2008 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovakia. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo signs for AEK Athens (May 29, 2007)
Greek first division club AEK Athens announced on Tuesday that it had signed Brazilian football great Rivaldo on a two year contract where he will paid reportedly 1.3million euros a year. . . . more . . .
Vogts slams Nigerian football board for poor leadership (May 29, 2007)
Nigerian coach Berti Vogts on Tuesday slammed the country's football board for the national team's poor training ahead of this weekend's 2008 African Nations Cup Group 3 qualifier in Uganda. . . . more . . .
Hargreaves will sign for United (May 29, 2007)
Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves will complete his protracted 17 million pounds transfer to Manchester United on Tuesday, according to reports on Monday. . . . more . . .
McClaren and Low - a tale of two deputies (May 29, 2007)
While England's Steve McClaren and Germany's Joachim Low had a similar journey to become national coach of their countries, they have trod different paths of success on the road to Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Davies's Derby future in doubt despite promotion (May 29, 2007)
Billy Davies admitted he is not certain to be in charge at Derby next season despite leading the club into the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Poborsky hangs up his boots (May 28, 2007)
The Czech Republic's most capped ever footballer Karel Poborsky retired from the sport on Monday. . . . more . . .
Fiorentina confirm Toni's departure (May 28, 2007)
Italian club Fiorentina announced Monday the departure of their star forward, Luca Toni who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Pearson sends Derby into the Premiership (May 28, 2007)
Stephen Pearson fired Derby into the Premiership as his second half goal clinched a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Championship play-off final on Monday. . . . more . . .
Barca appealing Ronnie's red (May 28, 2007)
Barcelona said Monday they were appealing against the red card earned by striker Ronaldinho in Saturday's 1-0 win at the Nou Camp over Getafe. . . . more . . .
Cahill ready to join Australia's Asia Cup training camp (May 28, 2007)
Tim Cahill has revealed he will join up with Australia's squad this week as they prepare for the forthcoming Asia Cup. . . . more . . .
Keane signs new five-year deal with Spurs (May 28, 2007)
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane signed a new five-year contract on Monday that will keep him with the London club until 2012. . . . more . . .
Italy recalls Inzaghi for Euro qualifiers (May 28, 2007)
AC Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi has been recalled to the Italian side after scoring two goals in the Champions League final against Liverpool last week. . . . more . . .
FIFA tell LA Galaxy they must release Beckham (May 28, 2007)
FIFA have told LA Galaxy they must release David Beckham if he is picked for England's friendly internationals next season. . . . more . . .
Hargreaves will sign for United (May 28, 2007)
Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves will complete his protracted 17 million pounds transfer to Manchester United on Tuesday, according to reports on Monday. . . . more . . .
Japan's Inamoto quits Galatasaray (May 28, 2007)
Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto has decided to leave Turkish side Galatasaray and is looking for a new club, preferably in Europe, a press report said Monday. . . . more . . .
Perrin tipped for Lyon move (May 28, 2007)
French champions Lyon are set to name former Portsmouth coach Alain Perrin as their new manager replacing Gerard Houllier. . . . more . . .
Nakamura injured ahead of Asian Cup defence (May 28, 2007)
Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, who helped Celtic complete a Scottish league and cup double, has injured his right foot ahead of his country's campaign to win a third straight Asian Cup in July. . . . more . . .
I'm staying at Liverpool, Crouch says (May 28, 2007)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has assured towering striker Peter Crouch that he has a future at the club according to the player. . . . more . . .
Fit again Pires transforms Villarreal (May 28, 2007)
Robert Pires missed the first seven months of the season with a knee injury after joining Spanish outfit Villarreal from Arsenal last summer. . . . more . . .
Arnold unfazed by job speculation (May 28, 2007)
Graham Arnold says he is not bothered by continuing speculation over his future as Australian coach in the build-up to July's Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Football coach Arnold unfazed by job speculation (May 28, 2007)
Graham Arnold says he is not bothered by continuing speculation over his future as Australian coach in the build-up to July's Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Dortmund's Metzelder set for Real switch (May 27, 2007)
German international defender Christoph Metzelder will leave Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund to join Spanish giants Real Madrid next season, Dortmund coach Thomas Doll revealed on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Football: Reggina claim prize scalp to avoid the drop (May 27, 2007)
Reggina executed a remarkable escape act on Sunday, their 2-0 win over Champions League winners AC Milan helping them avoid relegation on the final day of the Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Parreira hails Bafana babes after Castle Cup triumph (May 27, 2007)
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira hailed his experimental South Africa side after they won a Castle Cup mini-league here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Seville still in title race as Tarragona go down (May 27, 2007)
Seville kept their dreams of a first Liga title in 61 years alive on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Real Zaragoza, Luis Baiano and Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Freddy Kanoute on target. . . . more . . .
Ajax qualify for Champions League (May 27, 2007)
Ajax qualified for the European Champions League on Sunday after beating AZ Alkmaar 3-0 in the second leg of the Dutch League play-off final. . . . more . . .
German foobtall boss says domestic football is clean of doping (May 27, 2007)
Germany national coach Joachim Low insisted on Sunday he has never seen an example of drug-abuse in German football, despite the current torrent of confessions rocking cycling. . . . more . . .
LA Galaxy concerned over Beckham England recall (May 27, 2007)
Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas has said he is concerned David Beckham's recall to the England team might interfere with his appearances for his new Major League Soccer club. . . . more . . .
Lennon ruled out of England squad (May 27, 2007)
Knee-victim Aaron Lennon will not appear in forthcoming England matches against Brazil and Estonia following the results of a scan. . . . more . . .
Lennon completes Celtic mission with Cup win (May 27, 2007)
Neil Lennon wishes he could have had more time at Celtic but says he is leaving in the perfect way after helping the Glasgow giants complete a league and cup double on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Beckham in for the long haul (May 27, 2007)
David Beckham insists his imminent move to America will not be a stumbling block to his ambitions of extending his England career following his surprise recall. . . . more . . .
Toulouse grab last Champions League spot (May 26, 2007)
Toulouse's 3-1 win over Bordeaux on the final French League day of the season Saturday ensured their place in the Champions League next campaign. . . . more . . .
Nuremberg end 45 year wait to lift German Cup (May 26, 2007)
Danish midfielder Jan Kristiansen was the toast of Nuremberg on Saturday night as his goal in extra-time ended his side's 45-year wait for the German Cup with a 2-1 win over 10-man VfB Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Beckham rouses Real, Ronnie sees red as Barca stay in hunt (May 26, 2007)
The Spanish title chase reached boiling point Saturday as both Real Madrid and Barcelona scored key home wins to stay level on points with just two games to go. . . . more . . .
Deschamps resigns as Juve manager (May 26, 2007)
Didier Deschamps has resigned as coach of Juventus, the Turin club confirmed on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Juve capture first ever Serie B title (May 26, 2007)
Mighty Juventus added an unlikely honour to their overladen trophy cabinet on Saturday when the famous Turin club were crowned champions of Serie B. . . . more . . .
Celtic complete double with dramatic Doumbe winner (May 26, 2007)
Celtic completed the domestic double by defeating Dunfermline 1-0 in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday - courtesy of Cameroon defender Jean-Joel Perrier Doumbe's late winner. . . . more . . .
All Whites come up Smeltz-ing of salt (May 26, 2007)
Shane Smeltz scored twice as a makeshift New Zealand side missing eight first-choice players earned a memorable 2-2 friendly draw against Wales on Saturday. . . . more . . .
CSKA go top after Saint Petersburg win (May 26, 2007)
Champions CSKA Moscow clinched top spot in the Russian league after a 2-0 win over the guests Saint Petersburg on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Fabianski completes Arsenal move (May 26, 2007)
Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has completed his transfer to Arsenal from Legia Warsaw for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
Osaka stretch J-League lead (May 26, 2007)
Japan international midfielder Yasuhito Endo scored a last-minute free-kick as Gamba Osaka stretched their J-League lead with a 2-1 win over JEF United Chiba on Saturday. . . . more . . .
McLeish brings O'Connor in from the cold (May 26, 2007)
Scotland manager Alex McLeish has given Garry O'Connor a chance to make amends for his vanishing act after recalling the striker for the forthcoming international matches against Austria and the Faroe Islands. . . . more . . .
Reo-Coker demands transfer (May 26, 2007)
Nigel Reo-Coker is set to leave West Ham after handing in a transfer request. . . . more . . .
Blades refuse to surrender Premier League share over Tevez row (May 26, 2007)
Sheffield United have refused to give up their share in the Premier League as the Carlos Tevez controversy turns increasingly ugly. . . . more . . .
McClaren performs U-turn as he recalls Beckham (May 26, 2007)
David Beckham has been recalled to England's squad for their forthcoming matches against Brazil and Estonia. . . . more . . .
Welsh whizkid joins Tottenham (May 26, 2007)
Welsh whizkid Gareth Bale has signed for Tottenham from Southampton for a reported 10 million pounds (14.8 million euros) though the details of his contract have not been given. . . . more . . .
Beckham's return boosted by Lennon injury (May 25, 2007)
David Beckham's hopes of a return to the England squad were boosted by an ankle injury suffered by Aaron Lennon as England B clinched a 3-1 friendly victory against Albania on Friday. . . . more . . .
Real and Barca to sue Le Monde over doping report (May 25, 2007)
Barcelona have joined fellow Spanish giants Real Madrid in suing French daily newspaper Le Monde for publishing information linking them to Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, who allegedly ran a blood-doping network involving various sports. . . . more . . .
Capello urges McClaren to 'Get Beckham' (May 25, 2007)
Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello, saluting David Beckham's current form as possibly the best of his career, said Friday he couldn't understand Steve McClaren's reticence to recall the veteran midfielder to the England fold. . . . more . . .
Houllier to leave Lyon at end of season (May 25, 2007)
Club coach Gerard Houllier will leave six-time French champions Lyon at the end of the season, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas announced Friday. . . . more . . .
Togo lifts Adebayor suspension over bonuses (May 25, 2007)
The Togolese Football Federation (TFT) has lifted a suspension imposed on Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor along with two team-mates in March. . . . more . . .
Olympic chief Rogge upbeat about S.Africa hosting 2010 World Cup (May 25, 2007)
The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge said Friday he is convinced that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be a success. . . . more . . .
Benayoun extends stay at West Ham (May 25, 2007)
Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun has extended his stay at West Ham by signing a new five-year contract. . . . more . . .
Deschamps' Juve future to be decided next week (May 25, 2007)
Juventus coach Didier Deschamps said on Friday that he hopes to have his future sorted out next week. . . . more . . .
Bayern sign French star Ribery (May 25, 2007)
French midfielder Franck Ribery will join Bayern Munich this summer, a source close to the club revealed on Friday, in a deal believed to be worth 15 millions euros (20 million US dollars). . . . more . . .
Hargreaves in England fitness race (May 25, 2007)
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves is in a race against time to be fit enough to be selected for England matches against Brazil and then Estonia. . . . more . . .
Everton physio upbeat over Cahill injury (May 25, 2007)
Hopes are rising that Everton's Tim Cahill will win his race against time to be fit to play for Australia in the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Malaysian FA urges Man Utd rethink (May 25, 2007)
Malaysian football chiefs on Friday urged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to let Manchester United play here in a last-ditch attempt to save the cancelled tour match. . . . more . . .
Jansen switch heralds all change at Bayern Munich (May 25, 2007)
Germany's international defender Marcell Jansen will join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich this summer after signing a four-year contract in a deal worth nine million euros (12 million US dollars) it was revealed on Friday - with more arrivals expected. . . . more . . .
Zurich crowned Swiss champions (May 25, 2007)
Zurich were crowned Swiss champions for the second year running late Thursday after a 2-0 victory in the local derby against Grasshoppers on the final day of the season. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth sign defender Hreidarsson (May 25, 2007)
Portsmouth have signed Charlton defender Hermann Hreidarsson on a two-year deal, manager Harry Redknapp announced Friday. . . . more . . .
New shareholder will take Newcastle to new dimension: former chairman (May 25, 2007)
Former chairman Sir John Hall has backed Mike Ashley to take Newcastle to "a new dimension" after agreeing to sell his 41.6 percent stake in the club to the billionaire businessman. . . . more . . .
Real and Barca neck and neck in Spanish league (May 25, 2007)
Real Madrid and Barcelona continue their close tussle for the Spanish league title this weekend with just three games to go and both clubs leading the table on the same number of points. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart to unleash Gomez in Cup final (May 25, 2007)
New Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart will unleash their fit again top goal-scorer Mario Gomez on Nuremberg in this Saturday's German Cup final as they bid to land their first domestic double. . . . more . . .
Controversy in final round of French league fixtures (May 25, 2007)
Controversy has shot up into view for the final round of French league fixtures on Saturday after Toulouse's hopes of European football improved after earning more points following Nantes's punishment. . . . more . . .
Strachan urges Celts to put on a final show (May 25, 2007)
Merely winning the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on Saturday is not enough for Celtic, according to the Parkhead club's manager Gordon Strachan. . . . more . . .
Howard to replace Keller as top US goalkeeper (May 24, 2007)
Everton's Tim Howard will serve as the top goalkeeper for the United States in next month's Gold Cup, moving past veteran Kasey Keller, US coach Bob Bradley said Thursday in naming his 23-man roster. . . . more . . .
McCarthy set to shun South Africa (May 24, 2007)
Controversial South Africa striker Benni McCarthy is set to ignore a call up for a Nations Cup qualifier here next month. . . . more . . .
UEFA blame Liverpool fans for trouble (May 24, 2007)
William Gaillard, advisor to UEFA president Michel Platini, clearly laid the fault of incidents before the European Champions League final on to the Liverpool fans, describing the Milan spectators as "exemplary." . . . more . . .
Donovan, Beasley, Keller pace US Gold Cup roster (May 24, 2007)
Eight players from the 2005 championship squad are among the 23 players named here Thursday to the US football team by coach Bob Bradley for next month's Gold Cup tournament among North American nations. . . . more . . .
Juninho extends Lyon contract (May 24, 2007)
Brazilian playmaker Juninho has signed a two year extension to his contract at Lyon keeping him at the six time French champions until 2010. . . . more . . .
McClaren staying tight-lipped on Beckham (May 24, 2007)
Steve McClaren will decide in the next 24 hours whether to recall David Beckham to the England squad. . . . more . . .
Ballack to miss Germany's Euro 2008 qualifiers (May 24, 2007)
Germany's captain Michael Ballack will miss next week's Euro 2008 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovakia after failing to recover from an ankle injury, it was revealed on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Robben's Bayern switch still possible insists agent (May 24, 2007)
The agent and father of Chelsea forward Arjen Robben has rekindled hopes of the Dutch international moving to German giants Bayern Munich by saying "anything is possible" on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Iraq sign up Brazilian coach (May 24, 2007)
Iraq has signed up Brazilian Jorvan Vieira as their new coach for the West Asia Cup and the Asia Cup finals in June and July, Iraqi Football Association president Hussein Saeed said early Thursday. . . . more . . .
Doyle lifts Ireland to 1-1 draw with Ecuador (May 24, 2007)
Kevin Doyle's header in the 45th minute lifted Ireland into a 1-1 draw with Ecuador here Wednesday in an international football friendly. . . . more . . .
Liverpool count cost of failing to control Kaka (May 24, 2007)
"I don't know why it is, but I always seem to play well against British sides," Kaka had observed before Wednesday's Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Sweet revenge for AC Milan in Champions League final (May 24, 2007)
AC Milan were crowned European champions for the seventh time after they edged Liverpool 2-1 in the Champions League final here on Wednesday, taking their revenge for their heartbreaking defeat to the Merseysiders in the 2005 final. . . . more . . .
Manchester United dump Malaysia match (May 24, 2007)
Premier League champions Manchester United Thursday bowed to pressure from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and called off their planned match in Malaysia in July. . . . more . . .
Owen returns to the international stage (May 24, 2007)
With three World Cups behind him and 36 international goals to his name, Michael Owen may have felt that his days of proving himself in an England shirt were nothing but a distant memory. . . . more . . .
SuperPippo repays Ancelotti's faith with winning double (May 23, 2007)
Filippo Inzaghi justified Carlo Ancelotti's decision to go for trusted experience rather than youthful vigour by scoring both goals in AC Milan's 2-1 Champions League final win over Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Gerrard and Benitez look to brighter Red future (May 23, 2007)
Steven Gerrard insisted Liverpool would bounce back from the agony of their Champions League final defeat by AC Milan as manager Rafael Benitez warned the club's new owners that major investment is required this summer to keep his side moving forward. . . . more . . .
Seongnam and Urawa into AFC Champions League quarters (May 23, 2007)
South Korea's Seongnam Chunma upset China's Shandong Luneng to seal an AFC Champions League quarter-final place Wednesday alongside Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, who ended Sydney FC's hopes. . . . more . . .
Liverpool count cost of failing to control Kaka (May 23, 2007)
"I don't know why it is, but I always seem to play well against British sides," Kaka had observed before Wednesday's Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Sweet revenge for AC Milan (May 23, 2007)
AC Milan were crowned European champions for the seventh time after they edged Liverpool 2-1 in the Champions League final here on Wednesday, taking their revenge for their heartbreaking defeat to the Merseysiders in the 2005 final. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid to sue Le Monde (May 23, 2007)
Spanish football giants Real Madrid said on Wednesday they would be suing French daily newspaper Le Monde for publishing information linking them to Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes who allegedly ran a blood-doping network involving various sports. . . . more . . .
Zenden edges out Kewell as Liverpool pack midfield (May 23, 2007)
Dutch midfielder Bolo Zenden was passed fit to start Liverpool's Champions League final against AC Milan on Wednesday as Reds boss Rafael Benitez opted to pack five men into midfield behind lone striker Dirk Kuyt. . . . more . . .
Hanke waves goodbye to Wolfsburg (May 23, 2007)
German international striker Mike Hanke signed on Wednesday for Bundesliga outfit Hanover from rivals VfL Wolfsburg. . . . more . . .
British tycoon launches Newcastle takeover (May 23, 2007)
British entrepreneur Mike Ashley on Wednesday launched a takeover bid for Newcastle United worth 133 million pounds (196 million euros, 265 million dollars) after netting almost half of the English Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth sign Manchester City's Distin (May 23, 2007)
Portsmouth have won the race to sign Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin on a free transfer, manager Harry Redknapp announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Briton caught selling fake tickets for Euro final (May 23, 2007)
Greek police have arrested a 28-year-old Briton who tricked an Italian tour operator into paying 58,000 euros (78,000 dollars) for 50 fake tickets to Wednesday's Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan, police said. . . . more . . .
Ribery and Quaresma top Bayern's wish list: report (May 23, 2007)
French World Cup star Franck Ribery and Portuguese midfielder Ricardo Quaresma top the list of players Bayern Munich want to sign to reverse their fortunes after a poor season, a report said on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Liverpool and Milan gear up for Champions League final (May 23, 2007)
On Merseyside they like to remember it as the 'Miracle of Istanbul'. . . . more . . .
No resolution to Man Utd Asia row (May 23, 2007)
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held a "cordial" meeting with Manchester United Wednesday but failed to win a pledge from the Premier League champions to postpone their Asian tour. . . . more . . .
Spurs set for another Auxerre swoop (May 22, 2007)
English Premiership side Spurs look set to sign highly-rated central defender Younes Kaboul from French First Division outfit Auxerre according to the selling club. . . . more . . .
Chelsea secure Sidwell on free transfer (May 22, 2007)
Deposed English Premiership champions Chelsea secured their first signing of the close season on Tuesday when they signed highly-rated defensive midfielder Steve Sidwell from rivals Reading on a free transfer. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti consigns Turkish trauma to history books (May 22, 2007)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his team's heartbreaking defeat to Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final will have no bearing on Wednesday's eagerly awaited rematch. . . . more . . .
German coach casts low aspirations on Ballack return (May 22, 2007)
German captain Michael Ballack returned to the German squad on Tuesday for next month's two Euro 2008 qualifiers after being out injured but national coach Joachim Low was not optimistic that he would start either match. . . . more . . .
Nothing sinister about Milan's invitation to 'Sheva' (May 22, 2007)
Chelsea's misfiring Ukrainian international striker Andriy Shevchenko has been invited by his former club AC Milan to Wednesday's Champions League final against Liverpool it was revealed on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Distin on his way out at Man City (May 22, 2007)
Highly-regarded French defender Sylvain Distin has told Manchester City he is to move on after five years with the club. . . . more . . .
Adebayor signs new deal at Arsenal (May 22, 2007)
Togo international striker Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new deal with Arsenal having impressed coach Arsene Wenger since he was transferred from Monaco in early 2006. . . . more . . .
Italian football fans headed to Athens final face flight cancellations (May 22, 2007)
Thousands of passengers, including AC Milan fans headed for the Champions League final against Liverpool in Athens, were stranded at Italy's main airports Tuesday as strikes grounded hundreds of flights. . . . more . . .
Robson takes over at Sheffield Utd (May 22, 2007)
Former England skipper Bryan Robson was confirmed as manager of relegated Sheffield United on Tuesday taking over from Neil Warnock. . . . more . . .
Milan's Ancelotti keeps his cards close to his chest (May 22, 2007)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided who will partner Kaka in attack for Wednesday's Champions League final here against Liverpool, but refused to say whether the experience of Fillipo Inzaghi has been preferred to the youth of Alberto Gilardino. . . . more . . .
Australia missing top stars for Uruguay clash (May 22, 2007)
Australia named a 23-man squad lacking its big-name stars to face Uruguay in an international friendly in Sydney on June 2. . . . more . . .
Spanish giants Barcelona join Olympic countdown (May 22, 2007)
Spanish champions Barcelona led by playmaker Ronaldinho will play an exhibition match here on August 5 to help launch the one-year countdown to the Beijing Olympics, city officials said. . . . more . . .
English football powerbrokers head for AFC showdown in Malaysia (May 22, 2007)
Two of English football's top powerbrokers arrive in Malaysia this week to resolve a drawn-out row over Manchester United's planned Asian tour. . . . more . . .
Liverpool seek new Champions League miracle against Milan (May 22, 2007)
On Merseyside they like to remember it as the 'Miracle of Istanbul'. . . . more . . .
'Fake sheikh' cost me my job claims unapologetic Eriksson (May 21, 2007)
Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Monday that had the Football Association looked into the story that cost him his job then he might still be in the post. . . . more . . .
Bremen keep the faith in Frings and Klose (May 21, 2007)
Werder Bremen will show faith in their German internationals Torsten Frings and Miroslav Klose and resist the temptation to splash out on the transfer market, the club revealed on Monday. . . . more . . .
Vieira joins France injury list (May 21, 2007)
France international captain Patrick Vieira has been ruled out of next month's European qualifiers against the Ukraine and Georgia with a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Struggling Nigerian club Dolphin make a splash in Africa (May 21, 2007)
Nigerian club Dolphin cast aside domestic woes to reach the African Confederation Cup group phase at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko keen on US move (May 21, 2007)
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko revealed Monday that he would like to fellow in the footsteps of Real Madrid's David Beckham and play in the United States before the end of his career. . . . more . . .
Olympic-sized hooligan alert for Champions League final (May 21, 2007)
The fear of hooligan clashes in Athens around Wednesday's Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan has prompted a security mobilisation rarely seen since the city hosted the 2004 Olympics, with every effort going into keeping rival fans apart at all costs. . . . more . . .
Gerrard and Carragher await new Liverpool deals (May 21, 2007)
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry insisted Monday that no announcement on new deals for England stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will be made until after their midweek Champions League final clash with AC Milan in Athens. . . . more . . .
Morgan agrees Wolves takeover (May 21, 2007)
Steve Morgan, who tried to buy Liverpool in 2004, has taken over Championship side Wolverhampton after buying president Sir Jack Hayward's shares. . . . more . . .
Strikers agree Charlton deal (May 21, 2007)
Relegated Charlton made their first signings of the summer on Monday with boss Alan Pardew hoping strikers Luke Varney and Chris Iwelumo will help lift the club straight back into the Premiership. . . . more . . .
China coach gets Asian Cup ultimatum (May 21, 2007)
China's national football coach has been ordered to lead the squad to the final four of next month's Asian Cup and avoid the errors that led to a recent defeat to Thailand, state media said Monday. . . . more . . .