Italian fullback Gianluca Zambrotta, who played at Barcelona for two seasons, has joined AC Milan, the Italian first division club said on Saturday, without giving further contract details. . . . more . . .
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has said their coach Carlo Ancelotti will not be taking over the vacant Chelsea manager's job, the Italian first division club said on their website. . . . more . . .
Portugal warmed up for Euro 2008 with a 2-0 home win in Viseu on Saturday over Georgia courtesy of first half goals from Joao Moutinho and Simao Sabrosa. . . . more . . .
African superstar Samuel Eto'o overcame an assault claim to score as Cameroon opened their challenge for a record sixth World Cup appearance with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde Islands Saturday. . . . more . . .
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claimed on Saturday that his team's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League has cost the club around 20 million euros. . . . more . . .
Double World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer regretted in the press here on Saturday the role of investors who use football clubs purely for speculative purposes. . . . more . . .
Veteran striker Oliver Neuville and captain Michael Ballack saved Germany's blushes with second-half strikes on Saturday to seal a 2-1 win over Serbia in the hosts' final Euro 2008 warm-up. . . . more . . .
David Beckham will lead England out as captain for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, the BBC reported on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Former Ivory Coast coach Ulrich Stielike has signed a three-year deal with Swiss first division side Sion, the club announced on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Former Germany captain Oliver Kahn insisted Saturday the public and press here must trust national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for Euro 2008 despite the Arsenal man spending most of last season on the bench. . . . more . . .
Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto'o has been accused of headbutting a journalist during a heated Indomitable Lions press conference, according to press reports here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
South Korea squandered a two-goal lead in front of 53,000 fans here Saturday as Jordan battled to a 2-2 draw in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying. . . . more . . .
Striker Ryan Babel has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 tournament starting next week after sustaining an injury in training, Dutch football officials said on Saturday. . . . more . . .
AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he needs to sign two world class players in order to wrest the Serie A title away from Inter Milan next season. . . . more . . .
Fenerbahce have agreed a deal with Newcastle to sign Turkey international midfielder Emre Belozoglu, the Turkish club claimed on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari on Saturday played down a possible move to Chelsea, insisting the Premier League side have made no contact with him over their managerial vacancy. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp confirmed Saturday that he is hoping to sign Manchester City defender Richard Dunne. . . . more . . .
Newcastle's Turkish international midfielder Emre will sign a three-year deal with Istanbul side Fenerbahce next week, the Turkish press reported Saturday. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is close to being named the new boss of Inter Milan according to Italian press reports following the release of pictures of the Portuguese coach meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti in Paris. . . . more . . .
Australia coach Pim Verbeek has urged his players to be patient and wary of Iraq's counter-attacks if they are to remain unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying group here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is close to being named the new boss of Inter Milan according to Italian press reports following the release of pictures of the Portuguese coach meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti in Paris. . . . more . . .
The Czech Republic ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over Scotland here on Friday, but big question marks still remain over the home side's midfield ahead of next week's Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Croatian striker Eduardo Da Silva, who suffered a horrific leg break earlier this year, said doctors had given him the all-clear to return to action in August, Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti reported on Friday. . . . more . . .
Asian heavyweights China and North Korea took their places in the Women's Asian Cup semi-finals Friday with comprehensive wins over Thailand and Vietnam respectively. . . . more . . .
Iranian-American football manager Afshin Qotbi quit as coach of Iranian side Persepolis, just a week after guiding the club to the league title in his first year back in Iran, officials said Friday. . . . more . . .
Juventus have signed Brazilian striker Amauri, widely seen as one of Serie A's best midfielders, from Palermo in a deal worth nearly 23 millions euros. . . . more . . .
Dynamo Moscow striker Alexander Kerzhakov said Friday he was ready to replace injured forward Pavel Pogrebnyak in the Russian national side if necessary. . . . more . . .
Brazil's former international forward Edmundo revealed Friday that he has decided to retire a year earlier than expected after missing a vital penalty for club side Vasco de Gama. . . . more . . .
Sampdoria have agreed terms with Real Madrid to secure the signature of on-loan striker Antonio Cassano, according to the club's website on Friday. . . . more . . .
Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, widely tipped to take over at Italian giants Inter Milan, on Friday revealed his sensitive side by talking down his difficult and temperamental reputation. . . . more . . .
Birmingham's Finland striker Mikael Forssell confirmed Friday he has agreed to join Hannover on a free transfer. . . . more . . .
Three-time world footballer of the year Zinedine Zidane on Friday denied that he had ever agreed to travel to Australia for an exhibition match. . . . more . . .
Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung didn't appear in last week's Champions League final against Chelsea, and he is not guaranteed to be in South Korea's starting line-up on Saturday. . . . more . . .
French first division side Toulouse, who narrowly avoided the drop this season, have parted company with their coach Elie Baup, club president Olivier Sadran said on Friday. . . . more . . .
FIFA on Friday ratified an agreement with the World Anti Doping Agency to fight doping in football. . . . more . . .
FIFA's move to curb political interference in Iraq's football has sent a strong message to the government in Baghdad, Iraq Football Association president Hussein Saeed said here Friday. . . . more . . .
Sepp Blatter is convinced Europe will come on board and agree with his foreign player quota for club teams after an overwhelming endorsement by the FIFA Congress Friday. . . . more . . .
One could almost hear the sound of knives being sharpened as coaches of the 16 Euro 2008 finalists trimmed their squads ahead of the start of battle in Austria and Switzerland next Saturday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini must be wondering what the football world is coming to following his sacking after three consecutive Italian league titles (2006 to 2008) and two Italian Cups (2004 and 2005) in four years. . . . more . . .
The 2002 World Cup semi-finalists Turkey put in their most impressive performance of their warm-up matches for Euro 2008 here on Thursday as they eased to a 2-0 win over Finland. . . . more . . .
Giovanni Trapattoni savoured his first win as Republic of Ireland manager as Robbie Keane's goal clinched a 1-0 friendly victory over Colombia here on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Holland showed worrying defensive frailties in their 1-1 Euro 2008 warm up international friendly draw against Denmark here on Thursday night. . . . more . . .
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said on Thursday the seven time champions have agreed terms with Nice and French reserve goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, without giving further details about the contract. . . . more . . .
Gretna were relegated to the Scottish Third Division on Thursday after the crisis club were unable to guarantee they could fulfill their fixtures next season. . . . more . . .
Roberto Mancini was sacked as coach of Serie A champions Inter Milan on Thursday opening the way for Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho to replace him. . . . more . . .
The future of coach Alain Perrin, who led Lyon to their seventh consecutive league title and the French Cup this season for their first ever domestic double, is still unsure, the club's director of communications Olivier Blanc told AFP on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Lacklustre South Africa edged neighbours Swaziland 1-0 in a non-cap international friendly match at chilly Germiston Stadium Thursday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea assistant manager Henk Ten Cate was sacked on Thursday as the Dutchman became the latest victim of the Premier League club's close-season clear-out. . . . more . . .
Cameroon coach Otto Pfister has been questioned by police after accusations by the agent who negotiated his contract that he failed to receive his commission, the press reported here on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Former Czech Republic international midfielder Patrik Berger has joined Sparta Prague on a two-year contract, the top Czech first division club said, to end a seven-year period in England with various clubs. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Mickael Landreau admitted on Thursday that being axed from France's Euro 2008 squad was the biggest setback of his career. . . . more . . .
FC Porto will have to wait until June 4 to see if they can play in next season's Champions League, when a UEFA committee will give its ruling over a match-fixing scandal. . . . more . . .
Germany captain Michael Ballack said on Thursday he is confident his side can reach the Euro 2008 knock-out stages and will be in form for Saturday's final warm-up with Serbia. . . . more . . .
Wages and profits are up again in the English Premier League, but it lags behind Germany's Bundesliga in terms of profitability, a study by accountants Deloitte showed Thursday. . . . more . . .
Japan football coach Takeshi Okada has dropped former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara from his squad for crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of poor form. . . . more . . .
Iraq's World Cup qualifier with Australia will go ahead this weekend after football's world governing body FIFA on Thursday "provisionally and conditionally" lifted its 12-month ban on Iraq taking part in international competition. . . . more . . .
Three-time world footballer of the year Zinedine Zidane has pulled out of his trip to Australia, forcing the cancellation of a weekend exhibition match here, organisers said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Football's world governing body FIFA on Thursday "provisionally and conditionally" lifted its 12-month ban on Iraq taking part in international competition. . . . more . . .
England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that seven players involved in last week's Champions League final have been excused from Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. . . . more . . .
Giovanni Trapattoni will be chasing his first win as Republic of Ireland coach when his side face Colombia in Thursday's friendly at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
John Terry finally had something to smile about as he marked his return as England captain with a goal in Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over the United States. . . . more . . .
AC Milan defender Marek Jankulovski was Wednesday voted Czech footballer of the year in a poll of players and coaches in Prague. . . . more . . .
Italian international striker Alberto Gilardino has left AC Milan after three seasons to join Fiorentina on a five-year contract, his new club said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Russia recorded a 2-1 win in a Euro 2008 warm-up match with Serbia played in the German town of Burghausen on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Experienced French coach Henri Stambouli was charged with guiding Togo to the 2010 World Cup finals and the African Nations Cup finals the same year when he signed a two year contract on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
World Cup-winning Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta could soon be joining the ranks of giants AC Milan, if the club can agree terms with Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Former Espanyol manager Ernesto Valverde was Wednesday named as the new coach for Greek champions Olympiakos. . . . more . . .
Austria coach Josef Hickersberger opted to recall veteran Ivica Vastic at the age of 38 to the Austrian squad for Euro 2008 when he named his final squad of 23 on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz were found not guilty of improper conduct by the Football Association on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Premier League new-boys West Bromwich Albion signed South Korea midfielder Do-heon Kim and England Under-21 striker Luke Moore on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
French international striker Djibril Cisse could be returning to English football according to his agent on Wednesday as the Marseille star came to terms with being left out of the France squad for Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Iraq's football governing body was not sacked under a decree that covered other sports, the government said on Wednesday in a move that could see them play its World Cup qualifier in Australia. . . . more . . .
Avram Grant insists Chelsea would have won the Premier League if he had been in charge from the start of the season. . . . more . . .
Djibril Cisse was one of seven members of France's Euro 2008 squad to be dropped by manager Raymond Domenech on Wednesday, the third successive time the former Liverpool star has missed out on a major tournament. . . . more . . .
Germany head coach Joachim Loew has dropped striker Patrick Helmes plus midfielders Jermaine Jones and teenager Marko Marin from his Euro 2008 squad, it was announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Djibril Cisse was one of seven members of France's Euro 2008 squad to be dropped by manager Raymond Domenech on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
The European Commission rejected on Wednesday a call from FIFA president Sepp Blatter for a curb on the number of foreign players appearing for club sides, warning it would break EU labour rules. . . . more . . .
Germany head coach Joachim Loew has dropped striker Patrick Helmes plus midfielders Jermaine Jones and teenager Marko Marin from his Euro 2008 squad, it was announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Iraq are confident of playing Australia in their World Cup qualifier this weekend, but have been rattled by moves back home that could see the game abandoned, coach Adnan Hamad said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Japan's coach Takeshi Okada on Wednesday announced a 25-strong squad, including Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura, for World Cup qualifiers due to resume at home against Oman next week. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid on Wednesday took steps to cool down the heated row that has blown up with Manchester United over their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello has warned England's tired stars they could be embarrassed if they take it easy in Wednesday's friendly against the USA. . . . more . . .
Japan coach Takeshi Okada admitted Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura was vital to their World Cup qualifying campaign after being recalled from eight months on the sidelines. . . . more . . .
Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria's hopes of a welcome boost ahead of the finals which begin on June 7 were erased here on Tuesday as they were held 1-1 by African Nations Cup quarter-finalists Nigeria. . . . more . . .
An early goal by Maciej Zurawski gave Euro 2008 finalists Poland a 1-0 win over Albania here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
A double from seasoned striker Jan Koller gave the Czech Republic a morale boosting 2-0 victory over Lithuania in a Euro 2008 warm-up match here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bafetimbi Gomis became the first French player since Zinedine Zidane to score a double on his international debut here on Tuesday as the French beat Ecuador 2-0 in a Euro 2008 warm-up match. . . . more . . .
Greek First Division side OFI Crete appointed seasoned Czech coach Frantisek Straka on Tuesday on a one year contract it was announced by the Czech Football Federation (CMFS). . . . more . . .
Paul Le Guen was retained on Tuesday as coach of ailing French football giants Paris Saint Germain despite having been one match away from seeing them relegated this season. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's long anticipated return to coaching looked set to be confirmed later on Tuesday as it was reported that Serie A champions Inter Milan were to let coach Roberto Mancini go. . . . more . . .
Second-half goals from striker Vitali Bulyga gave minnows Belarus a shock 2-2 draw on Tuesday against Germany - one of the favourites for next month's Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Hardman defender Khalid Boulahrouz was the unlucky player on Tuesday as Dutch coach Marco van Basten decided he was excess to demands and cut him from his final squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 championships. . . . more . . .
Second-half goals from striker Vitali Bulyga gave minnows Belarus a shock 2-2 draw on Tuesday against Germany - one of the favourites for next month's Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Injury-plagued Dutch striker Robin van Persie will sit out Thursday's Euro 2008 warm-up match with Denmark as Netherlands coach Marco van Basten does not want to risk him aggravating a thigh injury. . . . more . . .
Veteran Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi was on Tuesday named captain of the national side for the upcoming European Championships, which are being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland and gets underway on June 7. . . . more . . .
Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has described his often fractious relationship with national coach Marco van Basten as "professional". . . . more . . .
Some 100,000 Indians came together to bid legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn a fond farewell when he played his last match as a professional for Bayern Munich on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Liverpool have told Chelsea that Spain striker Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price. . . . more . . .
Avram Grant revealed he turned down the chance to return to his role as Chelsea's director of football before being sacked by the Premier League club. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink on Tuesday unveiled his final selection of 23 players to play in the Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .
John Terry has been restored as England captain for Wednesday's friendly against the United States at Wembley. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid is awaiting a decision by Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo on his possible transfer to the Spanish champions, but are hopeful of signing him, Spanish newspapers said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
John Terry has been restored as England captain for Wednesday's friendly against the United States at Wembley. . . . more . . .
English Premier League plans for a 39th round of fixtures to be played across the world are back on the agenda according to Everton chief executive Keith Wyness. . . . more . . .
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra sidestepped questions Tuesday on the future of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is rumoured to be facing the chop in an end-of-season review. . . . more . . .
Manchester United sold Spanish defender Gerard Pique to his former club Barcelona on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
World governing body FIFA has shelved its controversial ban on international football matches played at high altitude, its president Sepp Blatter said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal have ruled out looking for an new investor who could provide the cash injection needed to keep up with Manchester United and Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Liverpool have told Chelsea that Spain striker Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price. . . . more . . .
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Iraq must back down from 'political interference' in its national football federation so the team can play their World Cup qualifier in Australia this weekend. . . . more . . .
The United Arab Emirates will host the Club World Cup in 2009 and 2010 after beating off rival bids from Australia, Japan and Portugal, world governing body FIFA announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
One man died and at least 10 people were wounded in clashes between hundreds of football fans in Vietnam, state media reported Tuesday, in the most serious in a spate of similar incidents. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello has warned England's weary stars they can't afford to start their holidays early by coasting through Wednesday's friendly against the USA. . . . more . . .
German captain Michael Ballack shrugged off his disappointment at losing out to Manchester United in last Wednesday's Champions League by saying on Monday he couldn't wait for Euro 2008 to begin. . . . more . . .
Italy foward Luca Toni likened controversial striker Antonio Cassano to France star Franck Ribery during Italy's pre-Euro 2008 training camp near Florence on Monday. . . . more . . .
Poland's dreams of making an impression at their first ever appearance at a European championship finals looked anything but likely after a 1-1 draw with Macedonia in a warm-up match on Monday. . . . more . . .
Tobias Linderoth's first goal in more than seven years for Sweden saw the Euro 2008 finalists beat Slovenia 1-0 in a warm-up match for the finals on Monday, though, worryingly star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sat out the match with his knee bandaged. . . . more . . .
Ernesto Valverde resigned as coach of Spanish First Division side Espanyol on Monday just over a year after guiding them to the UEFA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Genoa striker Marco Borriello admitted on Monday he is interested in a move to Italian giants AC Milan, but not if that means playing second fiddle to other forwards at the club. . . . more . . .
The Romanian squad going to Euro 2008 will be fighting for national pride and not any bonuses on offer, their captain Cristian Chivu said on Monday. . . . more . . .
David Bentley has warned David Beckham he is determined to end his England career. . . . more . . .
Barcelona on Monday signed Malian midfielder Seydou Keita from Sevilla on a four-year deal, the Catalan club said. . . . more . . .
Chelsea received a double blow in their search for a successor to Avram Grant on Monday as Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini and Russia coach Guus Hiddink both denied they want the Stamford Bridge job. . . . more . . .
Iraq's suspension from international football by world governing body FIFA sparked howls of dismay among both sportsmen and politicians on Monday and calls for the government to reverse the decision that triggered it. . . . more . . .
Rafa Benitez admits he cannot guarantee Liverpool will challenge for the Premier League title next season. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink is not interested in taking charge at Chelsea, the Dutchman's agent said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Rafa Benitez admits he cannot guarantee Liverpool will challenge for the Premier League title next season. . . . more . . .
FIFA Monday suspended Iraq from international competition ahead of this weekend's World Cup qualifier against Australia after the government in Baghdad dissolved the Iraq Football Association. . . . more . . .
FIFA is to decide on Tuesday whether to suspend Iraq from international competition ahead of this weekend's World Cup qualifier against Australia, its president Sepp Blatter said. . . . more . . .
Journalist Charles Villeneuve is set to be named the new president of Paris Saint Germain football club as a replacement for Simon Tahar, radio station RMC announced on its internet site on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Turkey lost a Euro 2008 warm-up friendly 3-2 to Uruguay here on Sunday as Fatih Terim's Turks suffered a setback. . . . more . . .
Manchester City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, facing the sack from the English Premiership side, can count Mexico's national side as his next possible destination, Mexican media reported on Sunday. . . . more . . .
John Terry, whose penalty miss cost Chelsea the chance of winning the Champions League final, said he will be "haunted forever" by the memory of that moment. . . . more . . .
Under-pressure coach Takeshi Okada said that a 1-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast had boosted Japan's stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign. . . . more . . .
Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has vowed to help Japan win all their four remaining World Cup qualifiers after admitting "a sense of crisis" -- and help ease the pressure on coach Takeshi Okada. . . . more . . .
David Beckham and Landon Donovan contributed two of Los Angeles' three second-half goals Saturday as the Galaxy rallied for a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Wizards in a Major League Soccer contest. . . . more . . .
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has said that Alex Ferguson's deputy at Manchester United, Carlos Queiroz, could take over from him as coach once he stands down. . . . more . . .
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear his future career path is up to him and claimed he would not be swayed by the speculation surrounding a possible move to Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Hull manager Phil Brown will copy Bolton's survival blueprint to ensure his side's first experience of the Premier League doesn't turn sour. . . . more . . .
Walter Smith hailed his weary Rangers players after their Scottish Cup triumph on Saturday put some gloss on a disappointing end to their season. . . . more . . .
Lyon completed a memorable first league-cup double on Saturday when they beat Paris Saint Germain 1-0 in the French Cup final to add to their seventh successive championship. . . . more . . .
Andy Keogh's goal marked the beginning of what Irish fans hope will be a renaissance in fortunes under new coach Giovanni Trapattoni following their 1-1 draw with Serbia on Saturday night. . . . more . . .
AS Roma retained the Italian Cup after a 2-1 victory over Champions Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico here on Saturday to gain revenge for their defeat in the Serie A title race. . . . more . . .
Liverpool pair Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel were both on target as the Netherlands beat Ukraine 3-0 in a Euro 2008 warm-up match here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
England coach Fabio Capello on Saturday handed a shock international call up to goalkeeper Joe Lewis who last season was playing in English League Two, the fourth tier of football in the country. . . . more . . .
Switzerland enjoyed a 2-0 friendly win over Slovakia on Saturday, just two weeks before the Euro 2008 championships, which they are co-hosting, get underway. . . . more . . .
Kenya faces imminent suspension after failing to meet the 72-hour deadline handed down by FIFA to break the deadlock between the two feuding bodies running the Kenya Football Federation (KFF), FIFA said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Croatia won 1-0 against Moldova at the coastal town of Rijeka on Saturday in their first warm-up match ahead of next month's Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .
Avram Grant was sacked as manager of Chelsea on Saturday after less than one season in charge and in the immediate aftermath of the club's heartbreaking Champions League final defeat. . . . more . . .
Kris Boyd was Rangers' Hampden hero after his brace helped clinch a 3-2 victory over Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Bad boy Lerato Chabangu came good with a superb goal as Mamelodi Sundowns snatched a 1-0 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces in the South African Cup final Saturday. . . . more . . .
Juventus forward David Trezeguet blasted France coach Raymond Domenech in an interview printed Saturday in the Gazzetta dello Sport after he was left out of the Euro 2008 preliminary squad. . . . more . . .
Sacked Valencia coach Enrique Sanchez Flores has signed a two year contract to manage Benfica, the Portuguese side announced on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Japan struggled past understrength Ivory Coast 1-0 here Saturday, giving a morale boost to their comeback World Cup qualifying campaign. . . . more . . .
Home fans have their first opportunity to gauge their dreams of future glory when the Republic of Ireland take on Serbia for their first international match under new manager Giovanni Trapattoni here Saturday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona have lined up Sevilla's Malian midfielder Seydou Keita on a four-year deal, media reports said Saturday, adding he had already had a medical exam. . . . more . . .
Barcelona have lined up Seville's Malian midfielder Seydou Keita on a four-year deal, media reports said Saturday, adding he had already had a medical exam. . . . more . . .
Just hours after winning a legal battle over a police raid on his home last November Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has again been questioned, media reports said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Roberto Mancini will take charge of Inter Milan in Saturday's Italian Cup final against AS Roma at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, possibly for the last time. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid's enthusiasm to land Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is such that they even have a club car ready and waiting for the Portugal star, Marca sports daily reported on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Stephen Dobbie may be a life-long Rangers fan but on Saturday he hopes to put them to the sword when he lines up for Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden. . . . more . . .
Hull will play in the Premier League for the first time in their 104-year history after a stunning goal from Dean Windass clinched a 1-0 win over Bristol City in Saturday's Championship play-off final. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson has given a tongue-in-cheek hint that assistant coach Carlos Queiroz could one day succeed him as manager of Manchester United, two days after winning the Champions League title. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will play his last match for Lyon in the French Cup final on Saturday, the France international announced on the club's website on Friday. . . . more . . .
Russia thrashed Kazakhstan 6-0 in a Euro 2008 warm-up at Lokomotiv's 32,000-seater ground here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is set to rejoin Barcelona after he claimed talks with the Catalonian club were "at an advanced stage." . . . more . . .
Fulham's American defender Carlos Bocanegra is keen to remain in the English Premiership after being let go by the London club which avoided relegation by a whisker. . . . more . . .
Giovanni Trapattoni's enthusiasm for the Republic of Ireland coach's job was apparent on Friday as he spoke on the eve of their Dublin friendly against Serbia. . . . more . . .
Australia striker Scott McDonald has backed himself to improve on the 31 goals he scored in a memorable first season at Celtic. . . . more . . .
Michael Owen is set to miss England's upcoming friendlies against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. . . . more . . .
Derby County midfielder Mile Sterjovski scored the winner before he was red-carded in Australia's 1-0 win over Ghana in a football friendly on Friday. . . . more . . .
France striker Thierry Henry admitted Friday he has had thoughts about quitting after next month's Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spanish league runners-up Villarreal have signed up Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson, whose contract with Barcelona was at an end. . . . more . . .
Alex Ferguson has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid, accusing the Spanish champions of 'lacking morals' in their attempts to lure Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu. . . . more . . .
As Chelsea beat a weary retreat from Moscow after their Champions League final defeat, Avram Grant's side were facing up to the end of an era. . . . more . . .
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan paid tribute to his players after they clinched the Scottish Premier League title on Thursday, an achievement he hailed as one of the best experiences of his life. . . . more . . .
Michael Owen is set to miss England's upcoming friendlies against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has won his legal battle over a police raid on his home that may have scuppered his hopes of becoming the manager of England. . . . more . . .
Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura will stay on with Scottish Premier League champions Celtic, despite claims that he would return to his old J-League side next season, a press report said Friday. . . . more . . .
Chinese trailblazer Sun Jihai may be set for a return to his homeland after admitting he had probably played his last match for Manchester City. . . . more . . .
As Chelsea beat a weary retreat from Moscow after their Champions League final defeat, Avram Grant's side were facing up to the end of an era. . . . more . . .
Celtic clinched their third Scottish Premier League title in a row with a 1-0 victory at Dundee United in a dramatic finale on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne are set to figure in the Republic of Ireland's friendly with Serbia here on Saturday - Giovanni Trapattoni's first game as manager. . . . more . . .
Raymond Domenech believes that his choice of a trio of latin sides as friendly fodder for France will serve as ideal preparation for next month's European championships. . . . more . . .
Arsenal starlet Carlos Vela will join Arsene Wenger's first-team squad next season after being granted a work permit. . . . more . . .
FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has reiterated his call for a curb on the number of foreign players appearing for club sides. . . . more . . .
Manchester United fans prepared Thursday to welcome home their heroes after a dramatic Champions League victory in Moscow, as bitterly disappointed Chelsea fans began arriving back in London. . . . more . . .
Kenya faces imminent suspension after failing to meet the 72-hour deadline handed down by FIFA to break the deadlock between the two feuding bodies running the Kenya Football Federation (KFF), FIFA said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Valencia have unveiled Spaniard Unai Emery as their new coach, the Spanish cup winners announced Thursday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City were embarrassed 3-1 by a makeshift South China invitation team on Thursday in what could be Sven Goran-Eriksson's last match in charge. . . . more . . .
The one cloud on Manchester United's horizon after their Champions League triumph here is the continuing uncertainty over the future of their most valuable asset, Cristiano Ronaldo. . . . more . . .
England striker Wayne Rooney insisted that Manchester United's Champions League and Premier League double is only the beginning for Sir Alex Ferguson's latest star side. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to commit his long-term future to Manchester United in the aftermath of Wednesday's Champions League final triumph. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Edwin van der Sar's penalty shoot-out heroics as "no accident" after the Manchester United goalkeeper clinched the Champions League trophy with his stop from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka. . . . more . . .
Manchester United fans prepared Thursday to welcome home their heroes after a dramatic Champions League victory in Moscow, as bitterly disappointed Chelsea fans began arriving back in London. . . . more . . .
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said Thursday he had signed a two-year deal with English Premier League side Fulham, ending an 11-year career with Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was Manchester United's hero as Sir Alex Ferguson's side claimed the club's third European Cup with a penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea on a night of almost unbearable drama in Moscow. . . . more . . .
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said Thursday he had signed a two-year deal with English Premier League side Fulham, ending an 11-year career with Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Edwin van der Sar's penalty shoot-out heroics as "no accident" after the Manchester United goalkeeper clinched the Champions League trophy with his stop from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka. . . . more . . .
Chelsea boss Avram Grant insisted his side had done enough to lift the Champions League trophy after losing out to Manchester United in a final decided on penalties here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
It was fate that Manchester United would beat Chelsea in the Champions League final claimed Sir Alex Ferguson after an epic penalty shootout saw United prevail 6-5 after the match had finished 1-1 following extra-time. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson used all of his 34 years of managerial experience to try to find a way to spark Manchester United to Champions League glory against Chelsea but in the end it was penalty-shoot out nerve that proved decisive. . . . more . . .
Match ratings from Wednesday's Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United here in Moscow: Chelsea (4-3-3) Petr Cech - 8 Had no chance with Cristiano Ronaldo's goal but kept Chelsea in the match with a brilliant double stop to deny Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was Manchester United's hero as Sir Alex Ferguson's side claimed the club's third European Cup with a penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea on a night of almost unbearable drama in Moscow. . . . more . . .
The first all-English final of the Champions League went into extra-time on Wednesday with Manchester United and Chelsea locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. . . . more . . .
Dutch duo Robin van Persie and experienced defender Mario Melchiot are giving The Netherlands cause for concern just a week before they have to name their squad for Euro 2008 as both could only train lightly on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Swiss coach Jakob "Kobi" Kuhn faced fresh headaches Wednesday with the news that key players Tranquillo Barnetta and Steve von Bergen were the latest to fall foul of injuries, the latter certain to miss the finals. . . . more . . .
Thousands of police patrolled the streets of Moscow on Wednesday amid fears of violence as some 50,000 English football fans descended on the Russian capital for the Champions League final. . . . more . . .
France international playmaker Samir Nasir has not had his move from Marseille to Arsenal finalised, his agent Jean-Pierre Bernes told AFP on Wednesday afternoon. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's latest signing Mathieu Flamini has spoken about his decision to leave Arsenal, saying that only a dream move to the Italian giants could have tempted him away from London. . . . more . . .
While Manchester United were preparing for the Champions League final, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was already planning to overthrow the Premier League champions next season. . . . more . . .
Park Ji-Sung admits his success at Manchester United has been driven by a desire to prove that Asian players belong at Europe's biggest clubs. . . . more . . .
The first all-English final of the Champions League was always going to be a dramatic affair. . . . more . . .
Chinese hopes of making the AFC Champions League quarter-finals are on a knife-edge with Beijing Guoan needing to win on Wednesday and Changchun having to wait an extra day to discover their fate. . . . more . . .
World Cup semi-finalists Turkey beat Slovakia 1-0 to give themselves a timely boost ahead of the Euro 2008 finals which begin on June 7. . . . more . . .
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie boosted Dutch hopes of landing their second European title on Tuesday as he told AFP he believed he would be fully fit by the time Euro 2008 starts on June 7. . . . more . . .
Steve Morrow of Northern Ireland was fired Tuesday as coach of FC Dallas here on Tuesday after the Major League Soccer club went winless in four games. . . . more . . .
Paris Saint Germain striker Pedro Pauleta said on Tuesday he would have liked a chance to discuss his future at the club and admitted that the failure of the club to enter talks as his contract ran out meant it was "difficult" to see him postponing his departure. . . . more . . .
Frank Lampard is hoping to end a couple of emotional months for his extended family by inspiring Chelsea to Champions League glory and sealing a family double. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's hopes that uncertainty over the future of manager Avram Grant and key players could be put aside until after the Champions League final were dashed on the eve of the biggest match in the club's history. . . . more . . .
Jorge Jesus on Tuesday signed a two-year deal as coach of Portuguese top flight outfit Sporting Braga, a day after resigning as coach of top flight outfit Belenenses, his new club said. . . . more . . .
Alessandro Del Piero made the cut on Tuesday as Italy coach Roberto Donadoni trimmed his Euro 2008 list of possibles down to 24 - though he has to drop one name by May 28. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson laughed off suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way out of Manchester United and claimed he was ready to put "a very big bet" on the Portuguese winger staying at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson played down concerns over the pitch for Wednesday's Champions League final as a key groundsman said he was "totally disappointed" with the new grass surface. . . . more . . .
Mikael Silvestre believes winning the Champions League with Manchester United will make up for a nightmate season which has been blighted by injury. . . . more . . .
Reading manager Steve Coppell ended speculation over his future on Tuesday by announcing he will stay at the Championship club. . . . more . . .
A hosts of football stars and thousands of mourners paid their last respects to Celtic legend Tommy Burns at his funeral on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
UEFA president Michel Platini said Tuesday he believed FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter's plan to get football clubs to play with six home-grown players and a maximum five foreigners was "a good idea - but illegal." . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Tuesday there is nothing to choose between his old side and Manchester United in Wednesday's Champions League final in Moscow, while UEFA supremo Michel Platini said he did not fear English domination of the event. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton was jailed for six months Tuesday after admitting assault during a night out in Liverpool in December last year. . . . more . . .
Frank Lampard's agent insists there is no truth in reports the Chelsea midfielder is set to join Inter Milan after the Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Chelsea defender John Terry has vowed to give Rio Ferdinand a week to forget by beating Manchester United in the Champions League final and then reclaiming the England captaincy. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson and team-mate Jamie Ashdown had their FA Cup winners' medals stolen in the aftermath of the club's victory celebrations. . . . more . . .
Australian midfielder Harry Kewell on Tuesday dismissed criticism he was an expensive flop at Liverpool but admitted lingering regret that Reds' manager Rafael Benitez never saw his best form. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be allowed to leave Manchester United at any price according to the club's chief executive David Gill. . . . more . . .
Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Dele Aiyenugba have pulled out of Nigeria's squad for a friendly against Austria on May 27 in Vienna because of club engagements. . . . more . . .
Swiss international right-back Philipp Degan will join Liverpool on a free transfer as the first move in coach Rafael Benitez' remodelling of his under-achieving side. . . . more . . .
With a number of changes in their starting lineup, defending European champions Greece easily defeated Cyprus 2-0 in a friendly Monday played in this southern Greek port city. . . . more . . .
Rangers manager Walter Smith claims he will not be listening out for Celtic's result on Thursday - despite the fact his side's title aspirations depend on their rivals tripping up at Tannadice. . . . more . . .
Mexico's Javier Aguirre said Monday he turned down the possibility of coach his country's national side again to stay on as Atletico Madrid manager next season after leading the club to the Champions League qualifiers. . . . more . . .
Rangers joined Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League on Monday with a 3-0 victory away to St Mirren - setting-up a final day showdown for the title. . . . more . . .
The European Champions' League finalists English Premiership sides Chelsea and Manchester United both arrived to the Russian capital on Monday. . . . more . . .
New South Africa coach Joel Santana warned on Monday that the host team will succeed at the 2010 World Cup only if the country unites behind them. . . . more . . .
With a number of changes in their starting lineup, defending European champions Greece easily defeated Cyprus 2-0 in a friendly Monday played in this southern Greek port city. . . . more . . .
Former Turkish international midfielder Tugay looks likely to extend his stay at Premiership side Blackburn Rovers by signing a one year contract it was revealed on Monday. . . . more . . .
Italian World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso scotched any rumours about his quitting AC Milan when he extended his contract with the Serie A giants by three years. . . . more . . .
Diego Maradona, star of Bosnian director Emir Kusturica's documentary to be released Tuesday at the Cannes Film Festival, was a footballing genius upon whom Argentina fans bestowed godlike status even before he starred in their 1986 World Cup success. . . . more . . .
The European Champions' League finalists English Premiership sides Chelsea and Manchester United both arrived to the Russian capital on Monday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona vice-chairman Marc Ingla and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain on Monday promised a "full overhaul" and said that they were set to land Manchester United's Spanish defender Gerard Pique. . . . more . . .
German coach Joachim Loew admitted he was delighted that the preparations were at last getting underway for the Euro 2008 finals as he jetted in with most of his squad for a training camp here. . . . more . . .
Sevilla's much coveted Brazilian defender and captain Daniel Alves said on Monday he wanted to leave the club as soon as possible. . . . more . . .
More than 40,000 English football fans started arriving in Moscow on Monday to a major security operation welcome ahead of the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has hinted that he could retire when his current Old Trafford contract expires in 12 months time - and he is determined to bow out with at least one more Champions League winners medal to his name. . . . more . . .
Brazil's two-time World player of the Year Ronaldinho is set to leave Barcelona, the club president Joan Laporta has said. . . . more . . .
Russia's coach Guus Hiddink said Monday that Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Igor Denisov had rejected his ivitation to join his squad in their preparations for the European championship's finals. . . . more . . .
Wayne Rooney wants Manchester United strike partner Carlos Tevez to stay on at Old Trafford when his loan period expires next year. . . . more . . .
AC Milan have told Brazil that they will not release star midfielder Kaka to take part in the Beijing Olympics football tournament in August. . . . more . . .
Roberto Mancini's future at Inter Milan was the topic of conversation following the club's third straight title triumph, secured with a 2-0 win at Parma on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Real Mallorca's Daniel Guiza is the recipient of this season's Pichichi crown for the top scorer in the Spanish first division with his tally of 27 goals three better than Sevilla's Luis Fabiano. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Joel Santana arrived here Sunday to begin a 27-month contract as coach of 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa. . . . more . . .
Ivan Bolado scored an 86th minute winner to fire Racing Santander into the UEFA Cup with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan won their third straight Italian Serie A title with a 2-0 victory at Parma on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan won their third straight Italian Serie A title with a 2-0 victory at Parma on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan won their third straight Italian Serie A title with a 2-0 victory at Parma on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Sunday's match between Spanish champions Real Madrid and Levante, whose players had threatened not to play in a dispute over pay, will go ahead. . . . more . . .
Harry Redknapp has been told he can stay at Portsmouth for as long as he wants after masterminding the club's first FA Cup success for 69 years. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has nothing to prove to the critics who claim the Manchester United winger will never be a truely great player until he shines in the biggest matches. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has risked Didier Drogba's wrath by accusing the Chelsea striker of diving. . . . more . . .
Steven Gerrard has pleaded with Liverpool's owners to give Rafa Benitez the cash he needs to turn the Anfield club into serious Premier League title challengers. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said Sunday that he hoped to return to coaching within four weeks. . . . more . . .
Australian football officials on Sunday said they had submitted a bid to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2010. . . . more . . .
Walter Smith believes there could still be another twist in the Scottish Premier League title race after Rangers' draw at Motherwell put Celtic in the driving seat. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp challenged his side to make a swift return to Wembley after seeing them beat Cardiff City 1-0 in the FA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Barcelona president Joan Laporta paid tribute to the successful work of outgoing coach Frank Rijkaard, saying the club now had to rebuild with their new manager Pep Guardiola and some fresh personnel. . . . more . . .
It was a day of farewells for Barcelona on Saturday as coach Frank Rijkaard said an emotional goodbye after five years and his team gave him the perfect send-off with a 5-3 win at relegated Real Murcia. . . . more . . .
Lyon wrapped up their seventh straight French championship on Saturday with a 3-1 win at Auxerre while Paris St Germain saved their top flight status by winning 2-1 at Sochaux to relegate Lens. . . . more . . .
Alessandro Del Piero scored twice to help Juventus complete their Serie A season with a 3-3 draw against Sampdoria and deliver a timely Euro 2008 reminder to national team coach Roberto Donadoni. . . . more . . .
After spending his entire career trying in vain to gatecrash English football's grandest occasions, Harry Redknapp finally savoured success on the big stage on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid fully deserved their second consecutive Spanish league title win, Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who left the club last year, said on Saturday in an interview. . . . more . . .
Manchester City's embattled manager Sven-Goran Eriksson declined to comment about his future on Saturday after his side were humbled 3-1 by a team of Thai League all-stars in a post-season friendly in Bangkok. . . . more . . .
Luca Toni scored a hat-trick to secure his place as the Bundesliga's top-scorer as Bayern Munich broke the 20-year record for the least goals conceded in a league season after Saturday's 4-1 win over Hertha Berlin. . . . more . . .
Nwankwo Kanu's goal was good enough to give Portsmouth a 1-0 win in the FA Cup final against Cardiff City at Wembley here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Motherwell handed Celtic the initiative in the Scottish Premier League title race after holding Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Fir Park on Saturday. . . . more . . .
On-form Real Madrid striker Raul has not been handed a recall to Spanish colours after he was omitted from the 23-man squad Spain coach Luis Aragones named on Saturday for Euro 2008 in June. . . . more . . .
Lyon's big match nerves will be tested to the full on Saturday as they play their final French league match of the season with a seventh successive title at stake. . . . more . . .
AS Roma are relishing their unexpected opportunity to snatch the Serie A title from a faltering Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Lyon's big match nerves will be tested to the full on Saturday as they play their final French league match of the season with a seventh successive title at stake. . . . more . . .
When the German season concludes on Saturday, Bayern Munich's stalwarts Oliver Kahn and Ottmar Hitzfeld will take their Bundesliga bows. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth play Cardiff for the FA Cup on Saturday in their first major Wembley final for 69 years. . . . more . . .
Manchester United have postponed plans for a homecoming parade should they capture the Champions League trophy after violence flared in the city following the UEFA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Germany defender Philipp Lahm said Friday conversations with new coach Jurgen Klinsmann had persuaded him to extended his contract at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich until 2012. . . . more . . .
Veteran Brazilian defender Cafu, a World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002, said on Friday he was quitting Italian giants AC Milan after six years with the club. . . . more . . .
Rafael Benitez has moved to bolster Liverpool's local links by bringing homegrown former midfielder Sammy Lee back to the club as his assistant manager. . . . more . . .
Manchester City have been awarded a 'Fair Play' place in next season's UEFA Cup, the English Premier League announced on Friday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is desperate to pick up a Champions League winners medal in Moscow to erase four years of pain. . . . more . . .
European football's ruling body will investigate the sale of luxury VIP packages by Croatian travel agencies for the upcoming Euro 2008 tournament, a UEFA official told a Croatian business daily Friday. . . . more . . .
Everton's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill on Friday said he expects to bounce back from foot surgery in time for the start of the next English Premier League season. . . . more . . .
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a potential bombshell on the club by telling Spanish television he could consider his future following the Champions League final on May 21. . . . more . . .
Manchester United forward Ronaldo has dropped a potential bombshell on the club by telling Spanish television he could consider his future following the Champions League final on May 21. . . . more . . .
French football legend Zinedine Zidane will play an exhibition match in Sydney next month alongside a number of teammates from his 1998 World Cup winning side, the promoter said Friday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho was again ignored by Brazil coach Dunga when the squad for the next round of 2010 World Cup qualifiers was announced on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Nine-time Russian champions Spartak Moscow moved into second place in the table ahead of the Euro 2008 break with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Ramenskoye on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Eleven Glasgow Rangers football fans were charged by British police Thursday after violence erupted following the UEFA Cup final, drawing condemnation from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. . . . more . . .
Portuguese international midfielder Deco handed Spanish giants Barcelona another bombshell on Thursday by announcing he will not be with the club next season, Spanish media reported. . . . more . . .
Alex Ferguson has brushed off Avram Grant's claims that biased refereeing helped Manchester United clinch the Premier League title at Chelsea's expense. . . . more . . .
As Germany bid to conquer Euro 2008, head coach Joachim Loew will scale one of the country's highest mountains on Friday to announce his team for next month's European Championships. . . . more . . .
Wigan have released out-of-contract midfielders Josip Skoko and Salomon Olembe, the English Premier League club announced on Thursday. . . . more . . .
The EU and UEFA have launched an information campaign and helpline to advise fans travelling to Euro 2008 on their consumer rights and to provide support for those who run into problems. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan fans have been banned from travelling to Parma to watch their team's crucial title decider in a move designed at fairness in the Serie A battle with AS Roma. . . . more . . .
The managing director of J-League side Tokyo Verdy is trying to lure former Japan star Hidetoshi Nakata out of retirement, with the club saying on Thursday he had spoken to the midfielder's agent. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2013, the English champions announced Thursday. . . . more . . .
Former Celtic midfielder and manager Tommy Burns has died aged 51, the Scottish club confirmed Thursday. . . . more . . .
Embattled Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will have to wait at least another week before finding out if he still has a job. . . . more . . .
South Korean striker Lee Dong-Gook is talking to five Japanese teams including Kyoto Purple Sanga after being released by English Premier League side Middlesbrough this week, his agent said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Walter Smith has urged his Rangers players to forget the disappointment of their UEFA Cup final defeat here on Wednesday and concentrate on completing the domestic treble that remains in their grasp. . . . more . . .
Hull are 90 minutes away from playing in the top flight of English football for the first time in their 104-year history after beating Watford 4-1 on Wednesday in the Championship semi-final play-off. . . . more . . .
Rangers' quest for a first European trophy in 36 years ended in heartbreak as Zenit St Petersburg claimed Russia's second UEFA Cup in the space of four years with a 2-0 win in Wednesday's final. . . . more . . .
Chelsea manager Avram Grant laid himself open to disciplinary action by the Football Association after calling into question referee Steve Bennett's integrity. . . . more . . .
Zvonimir Soldo resigned as Dynamo Zagreb coach immediately after the Croatian champions won the national cup on Wednesday to complete a double. . . . more . . .
Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic, who returned to international football earlier this year after a kidney transplant, will leave Werder Bremen at the end of the season, it was announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson arrived in Thailand on Wednesday as his future with the team looked increasingly black after a rocky finish to his first season. . . . more . . .
Letting Brazilian star Ronaldinho leave Barcelona would be the biggest mistake in the Spanish club's history, Argentine football legend Diego Maradona said Wednesday in a newspaper interview. . . . more . . .
Czech manager Karel Bruckner on Wednesday sprung two surprises as he named his 23-strong squad to take part in June's Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Spanish champions Real Madrid are looking to English and Portuguese clubs to help save Sunday's strike-threatened league title celebration from turning to disaster. . . . more . . .
Sebastian Coe revealed Wednesday that he has held talks with Alex Ferguson to try and persuade the Manchester United manager to coach a British football team at the 2012 London Olympics. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa have begun talks with Gareth Barry as they try to persuade the England midfielder to stay with the Midlands club and turn down an offer from Premier League rivals Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol has been named as the new coach of Bundesliga side Hamburg, according to German media Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech dismissed speculation over his future insisting here Wednesday that he was committed to Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday signed an order allowing fans to use match tickets as entry visas for next week's Champions League final in Moscow. . . . more . . .
Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool will only challenge for the Premier League title next season if Rafa Benitez spends big money. . . . more . . .
Patrice Evra is relishing life in the fast lane with Manchester United and the France defender is determined not to let his side's Champions League bid get shunted off the road. . . . more . . .
Rangers must defy the odds and their critics if they are to overcome stylish Russian side Zenit St Petersburg and lift the UEFA Cup here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Austria and Switzerland are ready to host the European football championship on June 7-29, having completed their preparations on schedule, one month before the kick-off. . . . more . . .
Barcelona'a Argentine striker Lionel Messi, who has reportedly sparked interest from English Premiership side Chelsea, said on Tuesday he wants to stay at the Spanish club. . . . more . . .
Javier Aguirre should stay on as Atletico Madrid coach next season after he led the club to the Champions League qualifiers, the Spanish club's captain Maxi Rodriguez said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Veteran Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved has signed a one-year contract extension with Juventus, the club said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has thrown his considerable weight behind the clamour for the inclusion of veteran striker Alessandro Del Piero in the country's Euro 2008 squad. . . . more . . .
Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat has dismissed suggestions his side will start as favourites in Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against his old club Rangers. . . . more . . .
South Korea striker Lee Dong-Gook was released by Middlesbrough on Tuesday as Gareth Southgate started a clear-out that also saw Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta leave the Premier League club. . . . more . . .
Former France coach Roger Lemerre is to take over from compatriot Henri Michel as coach of Morocco, the Moroccan Football Federation announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Rock-bottom J-League club JEF United Chiba are making ambitious moves to sign England striker Michael Owen, a newspaper said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo has denied reports that he would consider a move to Real Madrid by insisting Manchester United is the perfect club for him. . . . more . . .
Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, out of contract at Arsenal this summer, is in discussions to join Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart according to German tabloid Bild on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Swiss national football coach Jakob "Kobi" Kuhn said he was taking a gamble by including defender Patrick Muller in his initial Euro 2008 squad released on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Birmingham managing director Karren Brady has accused Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung of being instrumental in her team's relegation from the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Chelsea manager Avram Grant believes John Terry and Didier Drogba will play through the pain barrier to face Manchester United in next week's Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Alex Ferguson has won two Manager of the Year awards in recognition of Manchester United's Premier League triumph. . . . more . . .
Rock-bottom J-League club JEF United Chiba are making ambitious moves to sign England striker Michael Owen, a newspaper said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich's domination of the Bundesliga this season may have gone down well at the Allianz Arena, but their fourth domestic double in six years is causing alarm bells to ring in Germany. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson believes his young Manchester United stars will become Old Trafford legends if they win the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan midfielder Maniche was the surprise absentee from the Portuguese squad selected by coach Felipe Scolari for the Euro 2008 finals which are being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland and runs from June 7-29. . . . more . . .
Relegated Spanish First Division side Levante could be set to spoil Real Madrid's title glory after announcing on Monday they are to go on strike over unpaid wages totalling up to 18 million euros. . . . more . . .
Nwankwo Kanu can already boast to be the most decorated player ever to have emerged from African shores. . . . more . . .
John Obi Mikel has warned Manchester United that Chelsea will make up for the misery of losing the Premier League title race by winning the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Parma stunningly sacked coach Hector Cuper on Monday with just one match of the season remaining, the club's president Tommaso Ghirardi said. . . . more . . .
Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is out of Inter Milan's final league match of the season against Parma on Sunday due to an ankle injury, Italian press reported on Monday. . . . more . . .
Sparta Prague president Jozef Chovanec will have a double role to play for the remaining two games of the season as he takes over the manager's job left vacant by the resignation of Michal Bilek. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's French defender Lilian Thuram said Monday he wants to keep playing football next season even though his contract with the Spanish giants is not expected to be renewed when it expires at the end of June. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill wants the club's owner Randy Lerner to help him persuade Gareth Barry to turn down a move to Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Sir Bobby Charlton insisted he was delighted to see Ryan Giggs equal his Manchester United appearance record. . . . more . . .
Lyon striker Karim Benzema has picked up the award of France's Player of the Year awarded by his fellow professionals accepting the trophy from former winner Zinedine Zidane. . . . more . . .
Sven Goran Eriksson will fly to Thailand on Tuesday to discover if his brief reign as Manchester City manager is over. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo believes he could score 50 goals for Manchester United next season after striking 41 times during his side's current campaign. . . . more . . .
Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg will go into Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Scotland's Glasgow Rangers weakened by the absence of top striker Pavel Pogrebnyak. . . . more . . .
Chelsea signed Portugal right-back Jose Bosingwa from Porto for 16.2 million pounds (20.5 million euros) on Monday. . . . more . . .
Birmingham face a close-season of uncertainty after chairman David Gold hinted he may resign and director David Sullivan insisted he wants to quit following abuse from supporters as the club was relegated despite a 4-1 win over Blackburn at St Andrew's. . . . more . . .
Sven Goran Eriksson is poised to leave Manchester City in the next few days after a humiliating 8-1 defeat to Middlesbrough on the final day of the Premier League season. . . . more . . .
Reading manager Steve Coppell will spend the next few days considering his future and talking with Royals chairman John Madjeski following the club's relegation to the Championship. . . . more . . .
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hit out at critics of his team's defensive style but accepted that a trophy-free season represented failure as the English Premier League campaign came to an end. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson claims Manchester United will be 'bouncing' all the way to Moscow for next week's Champions League final after a 2-0 win at Wigan secured the club's 10th Premier League title. . . . more . . .
Diego Forlan repaid back a huge chunk of his 21 million euro transfer fee as he fired Atletico Madrid into the money-spinning Champions League for the first time in over a decade with a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Liverpool ended their eventful English Premier League season on a high note with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's frustrating season ended on an optimistic note with England under-21 international Theo Walcott underlining his potential with the goal that earned the Gunners a 1-0 win over Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Ayegbeni Yakubu was the hero as his double-salvo ensured Everton booked a return to European competition with a 3-1 win over visitors Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa missed out on a place in the UEFA Cup after being held to a 2-2 draw against West Ham on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Reading went down fighting as Steve Coppell's side accompanied Derby and Birmingham into the Championship despite their 4-0 victory at Pride Park on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea coach Avram Grant paid a glowing tribute to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after the Londoners were beaten to the Premier League title by the Red Devils on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Danny Murphy earned himself a place in Fulham folklore by heading the only goal of a 1-0 win over Portsmouth that keeps the Cottagers in the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Sven Goran Eriksson's hopes of staying on as manager of Manchester City suffered a devastating setback as his side ended the Premier League season with a humiliating 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson insisted he has no intention of retiring after Manchester United clinched the 10th Premier League of the Scot's glorious reign at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League for the second time in three seasons despite a 4-1 win over Blackburn at St Andrew's on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United beat Wigan 2-0 on Sunday to clinch the club's 17th English title. . . . more . . .
Plucky Siena produced a stunning backs-to-the-wall display at the San Siro to keep the Serie A title race alive with a 2-2 draw against Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Celtic moved four points clear in the Scottish Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Hibernian in their final home game of the season on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said Sunday that he will return to coaching shortly, but refused to reveal for which club or in what country. . . . more . . .
Wayne Rooney returned to the Manchester United side for Sunday's decisive Premier League clash with Wigan at the JJB Stadium. . . . more . . .
Chelsea captain John Terry had to be stretchered off the pitch after just quarter of an hour of his side's crucial final Premier League game of the season against Bolton on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Celtic moved four points clear in the Scottish Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Hibernian in their final home game of the season on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Hull moved a step closer to playing in the Premier League for the first time after beating Watford 2-0 in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg on Sunday. . . . more . . .
The English Premier League's global expansion plans have not been scrapped, chief executive Richard Scudamore insisted Sunday. . . . more . . .
Juan Pablo Angel scored his first goal of the Major League Soccer season Saturday to deliver a 2-1 victory for the New York Red Bulls over David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is confident his side have what it takes to claim their first French league crown in nine years at the expense of champions Lyon as both won their penultimate games on Saturday to ensure the title race will be decided on the final day of competition. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has rejected taunts from Chelsea's Michael Ballack that Sir Alex Ferguson's squad are experiencing the 'longest week of their lives' ahead of Sunday's Premier League decider against Wigan. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has rejected taunts from Chelsea's Michael Ballack that Sir Alex Ferguson's squad are experiencing the 'longest week of their lives' ahead of Sunday's Premier League decider against Wigan. . . . more . . .
Avram Grant believes Chelsea and Manchester United should decide the destiny of the Premier League title with a winner-takes-all play-off if both teams finish level on points after Sunday's dramatic finale. . . . more . . .
Tottenham star Dimitar Berbatov looks set to play his last game for the club against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday in what promises to be a farewell fixture for a number of players on both sides. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has rejected taunts from Chelsea's Michael Ballack that Sir Alex Ferguson's squad are experiencing the 'longest week of their lives' ahead of Sunday's Premier League decider against Wigan. . . . more . . .
Reading manager Steve Coppell says he will accept sole responsibility should his side be relegated from the Premier League on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson, the beleaguered Manchester City manager, enters what could be his final game in charge of the Premiership club at Middlesbrough on Sunday insisting he would still like to remain in the post. . . . more . . .
Dejan Stefanovic has tipped old club Portsmouth to send his Fulham side tumbling into the Championship at Fratton Park on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan are hoping to sew up the first leg of a potential domestic double as they face little Siena on Sunday in their penultimate Serie A match of the season. . . . more . . .
Alex McLeish has made it clear he will not be looking for an exit route out of Birmingham City if they are relegated on Sunday and he firmly believes that if he gets the right kind of support he can build a new dynasty at St Andrews - even if he has to start in the Championship. . . . more . . .
For the most gifted footballer of his generation UEFA president Michel Platini probably didn't accrue the titles his talents deserved. . . . more . . .
This year's European football championship will be hosted by two countries - Austria and Switzerland - better known for their mountains and their prowess on skis rather than with the round ball. . . . more . . .
Craig Levein launched a scathing attack on Scottish referees and claimed Rangers are protected from defeat after watching his Dundee United side lose 3-1 at Ibrox on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux maintained their title push with a 2-0 win against Sochaux which ensures their French championship duel with Lyon will go down to a nail-biting finale next week. . . . more . . .
Duisburg and Hansa Rostock were relegated from the Bundesliga on Saturday while champions Bayern are on the verge of the record for the least amount of league goals conceded in a season. . . . more . . .
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti lauded his own team as they look to sew up a place in next season's Champions League at their trip to Napoli on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Camerooon club Cotonsport Garoua reached the group phase of the African Champions League for the first time despite losing 2-1 to Jeunesse Sportive Kayblie in Algeria this weekend. . . . more . . .
Veteran Portuguese winger Luis Figo is under fire from animal rights groups in Italy after apparently deliberately killing a black cat, Ansa said on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Nacho Novo was Rangers hero as they achieved the perfect pre-UEFA Cup Final boost with a 3-1 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Kevin Keegan believes Everton, who will try to clinch a UEFA Cup place against his Newcastle side on Sunday, could be the only team capable of breaking into the top four next season. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery insisted Saturday that his successful first season in Germany has given him the confidence he needs to be a team leader with France during Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard believes he will finish his career at Anfield but is desperate for the side to challenge for the Premier League title. . . . more . . .
New coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be an interested observer when Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich face relegation-candidates Duisburg on Saturday as he looks to finalise his squad for next year. . . . more . . .
Rangers' Charlie Adam hopes to help his side achieve the four Scottish Premier League wins needed to secure the title after making a quicker than expected return from injury. . . . more . . .
Defending champions Lyon have the chance to move within one game of a seventh successive French league title when they play third-placed Nancy on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Wayne Rooney is set to hand Manchester United a massive boost by declaring himself fit to take part in this weekend's dramatic finale to an exhilarating Premier League title battle. . . . more . . .
Newly proclaimed Spanish league champions Real Madrid will travel to Riyadh in Saudia Arabia to face local side Al-Nasr in a friendly on May 20, the club said Friday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan's midfielder Luis Figo, who played for Barcelona for five seasons, says the Spanish club's newly appointed coach, former team captain Pep Guardiola, has what it takes to manage the team. . . . more . . .
Seam bowler Chris Tremlett made England selectors take note as he underlined his credentials for an international return as he shined for England Lions against the New Zealand Tourists on Friday. . . . more . . .
Tottenham star Dimitar Berbatov looks set to play his last game for the club against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday in what promises to be a farewell fixture for a number of players on both sides. . . . more . . .
The crisis at Barcelona over its poor season deepened Friday as two club members launched a censure motion against the management of the Spanish club that seeks the ouster of is president, Joan Laporta, and his board of directors. . . . more . . .
Brazilian goalkeeper Doni has signed a contract extension at Italian Cup finalists AS Roma until June 2012. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has accused Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez of "disingenuous" behaviour in his courting of Villa's England midfielder Gareth Barry. . . . more . . .
FC Porto president Jorge Pinto da Costa has been suspended for two years and Boavista relegated to the second division for their part in match-fixing, the Portuguese league (LPFP) said on Friday. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson has publicly admitted for the first time that he could be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
The Football Association (FA) have been awarded an extra place in the first qualifying round of next season's UEFA Cup after finishing first in UEFA's Fair Play competition, European football's governing body announced on Friday. . . . more . . .
The Czech Republic's injured captain Tomas Rosicky announced Friday that he will not be taking part in next month's European Championships due to a recurring knee injury. . . . more . . .
The Czech Republic's injured captain Tomas Rosicky announced Friday that he will not be taking part in next month's European Championships due to a recurring knee injury. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that title rivals Chelsea's final fixture of the season will be against a Bolton side that has "been out celebrating all week" and hit out at claims Manchester United will have it easy at Wigan. . . . more . . .
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is concerned that his Euro 2008 side could be handicapped by the absence of talismanic players like Inter Milan veteran Luis Figo and PSG skipper Pedro Pauleta. . . . more . . .
Alexander Hleb, the Belarus midfielder who has been one of Arsenal's outstanding players this season, is set to follow Mathieu Flamini out of the Emirates Stadium, according to his agent. . . . more . . .
Sun Jihai's future at Manchester City is in doubt with reports saying he will not be offered a new contract, but the Chinese star remains upbeat with other English clubs showing an interest. . . . more . . .
Corruption and match-fixing remain key areas of concern for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamad bin Hammam who Friday vowed to rid them from the game. . . . more . . .
AS Roma and Inter Milan will battle each other for silverware on two fronts after the capital-based club reached the Coppa Italia final on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Atletico Madrid's formidable South American strike pair of Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan fired them one win away from the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Thursday. . . . more . . .
AS Roma and Inter Milan will battle each other for silverware on two fronts after the capital-based club reached the Coppa Italia final on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Frenchman Herve Renard will sign a two-year contract next week to coach Zambia, the national football association said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Poland's Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker on Thursday released a 26-player list from which he plans to draw his final 23-member squad for Euro 2008, the country's first ever European championships appearance. . . . more . . .
Liverpool have slapped a 15-million-pound (30-million-dollar) price tag on unsettled England striker Peter Crouch while Tottenham have indicated that they are resigned to losing Dimitar Berbatov at the end of this season. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Brazilian international defender Sylvinho will miss the rest of the season after he injured his right knee during the club's 4-1 loss to Real Madrid, the Spanish club said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Less than 24 hours after their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico Barcelona have announced that the club's reserve team coach Pep Guardiola, a former player, will take over from Frank Rijkaard at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure said Thursday his side have had a "mediocre" season after the Spanish giants failed to win a trophy for the second straight year. . . . more . . .
A new reality television show along the lines of hit singing series American Idol is to be launched to find the next global football superstar. . . . more . . .
Russians wanting to attend the May 14 UEFA Cup final between Zenit St Petersburg and Glasgow Rangers in Manchester will be able to receive visas for free, Britain's embassy in Moscow said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Mark Viduka's Achilles injury is more serious than had been thought and the Australian forward is facing a lay-off of up to six months, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan revealed on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Harry Kewell's time as a Liverpool player will come to an end at the end of this season, manager Rafael Benitez confirmed on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has confirmed that he has been summoned to talks with Mike Ashley, the club owner who has reportedly been infuriated by the manager's comments that his current squad are a "million miles" away from the top four in English football. . . . more . . .
FC Bruges' Belgian international Francois Sterchele was killed in a car accident on Wednesday night, Belgian media report Thursday. . . . more . . .
Walter Smith has warned his Rangers players and the club's supporters to prepare themselves for some nervy moments as the Scottish Premier League reaches its climax. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he is considering an offer to return to his old club Benfica after being told he has no future at Manchester City under Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra. . . . more . . .
Three days after wrapping up the title Real Madrid showed Barcelona why they are the new Spanish champions crushing their arch rivals 4-1 in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Three days after wrapping up the title Real Madrid showed Barcelona why they are the new Spanish champions crushing their arch rivals 4-1 in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Lyon's Juninho Pernambucano scored the only goal of the game against Sedan at the Gerland stadium on Wednesday to set up a French Cup final against Paris Saint Germain at the Stade de France later this month. . . . more . . .
Rangers reduced Celtic's Scottish Premier League lead to four points with a nervy 1-0 victory at home to Motherwell on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Inter Milan's virtual second string side battled to a 2-0 victory at Lazio in Rome's Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday to qualify for the Italian Cup final. . . . more . . .
Argentine midfielder Fazio was Sevilla's hero scoring twice as the club boosted their chances of a second successive season in the Champions League with a 3-0 win at rivals Racing Santander on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Five people were arrested here Wednesday after police found a suitcase containing one million euros in cash reportedly put up by Steaua Bucharest in a bid to help them win the title. . . . more . . .
French midfielder Franck Ribery and Germany striker Lukas Podolski fired Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich to a 2-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld on Wednesday, but the German giants show no sign of easing up. . . . more . . .
Japan's Gamba Osaka and Iranian giants Saipa secured their places in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals Wednesday, as Adelaide, Kashima Antlers, and Beijing Guoan all inched closer. . . . more . . .
England coach Fabio Capello will be tried for false testimony and obstructing the course of justice by Rome judicial authorities, Italian news agency Ansa reported on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Former defender Fernando Giner and his Valencia teammates received a "substantial" cash incentive from Barcelona to perform well against Deportivo La Coruna in a 1994 Spanish league match. . . . more . . .
England goalkeeper David James has declared himself fit to play for Portsmouth in next week's FA Cup final against Championship side Cardiff. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger has voiced his disappointment at Mathieu Flamini's decision to quit Arsenal for AC Milan but insisted the midfielder's departure does not herald the start of a more significant exodous from the Emirates Stadium. . . . more . . .
Scotland manager George Burley has backed Rangers' criticism of the Scottish Premier League bosses after their refusal to further extend the domestic season condemned the UEFA Cup finalists to play seven games in 18 days. . . . more . . .
English first division side Tottenham are in talks with Barcelona over the Spanish giant's Cameroonian international striker Samuel Eto'o, sports daily Marca reported Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Greek champions Olympiakos on Wednesday asked for a court freeze on the assets of their Brazilian former star Rivaldo after he reportedly cast doubt about their recent championship victory and past title wins, the club said. . . . more . . .
England striker Peter Crouch is to meet with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez to discuss whether or not he has a future at the club. . . . more . . .
Chelsea have offered Real Madrid 70 million euros (108 million dollars) for their defender Sergio Ramos, daily newspaper El Mundo reported Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Non-European footballers who cannot speak English will be barred from England's big-money Premier League under tougher immigration rules to be introduced this year, reports said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will be in charge for his team's tour of Asia this month, a report said Wednesday, as speculation mounts that Luiz Felipe Scolari will be his successor. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid are set to rub salt into the wounds of arch rivals by parading their 31st Spanish league trophy when they host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Serie A top two Inter Milan and AS Roma are one step away from also contesting the Coppa Italia final. . . . more . . .
Rangers may be feeling the heat in the Scottish Premier League title race - after failing to win their last four league games - but Walter Smith could not be happier. . . . more . . .
England coach Fabio Capello believes he will be able to meet the Football Association's demand to see the national team reach at least the semi-finals of the next World Cup or Euro 2012. . . . more . . .
Avram Grant believes Chelsea were a fading force before he took over and led his team to within touching distance of a Premier League and Champions League double. . . . more . . .
Paris St Germain took one step towards silver-lining their disastrous league season by beating second division Amiens 1-0 Tuesday to book a spot in the French Cup final. . . . more . . .
A goal by Germany striker Gerald Asamoah launched Schalke 04's 3-0 win over VfL Bochum on Tuesday to put the Royal Blues second in the Bundesliga and seal their Champions League berth next season. . . . more . . .
Russian Premier League leaders Kazan battled from a goal down to clinch their season's eighth win 2-1 here on Tuesday against the hosts FC Moscow. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's redesigned plans for a new stadium were given the green light on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello has been told he is expected to take England to at least the semi-finals of the next World Cup or Euro 2012 as part of ambitious targets announced by the Football Association. . . . more . . .
Kevin Keegan started his Newcastle clear-out on Tuesday as Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage and Australian youngster James Troisi were told they are free to leave the Premier League club. . . . more . . .
Germany defender Christian Lell has extended his Bayern Munich contract for two years, the Bundesliga champions announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Former Tottenham Hotspur coach Martin Jol could be set to replace compatriot Huub Stevens as boss of Bundesliga side Hamburg, according to reports in the German press on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United winger Nani has pleaded with his team-mates to forgive him for his needless red card against West Ham. . . . more . . .
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy plans to build a football academy in Sierra Leone in an attempt to help the country's young players develop into global stars. . . . more . . .
Thierry Henry has insisted he will stay for at least another year with Barcelona despite a mixed first season in Spanish football. . . . more . . .
Fernando Torres has enjoyed one of the most prolific debut seasons in Premier League history, but Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina believes his Anfield team-mate will be even better next season. . . . more . . .
Manchester United winger Nani has pleaded with his team-mates to forgiven him for his needless red card against West Ham. . . . more . . .
North Korea want to relocate next month's World Cup qualifier against South Korea away from Seoul, a South Korean football official said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Rangers' attempts to land a quadruple trophy haul have suffered a setback after Scottish football's governing bodies opted not to ease the Glasgow club's fixture pile-up. . . . more . . .
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has apologised to the Thai people after a group of the club's fans emblazoned his name on the national flag, a crime in his homeland. . . . more . . .
Avram Grant has promised Manchester United a fight to the very finish after his Chelsea side beat Newcastle to ensure the English Premier League title race will go right down to the wire. . . . more . . .
Barcelona have lined up their former player and current reserves coach Pep Guardiola to succeed Frank Rijkaard as manager next season, Spanish media suggested Monday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal striker Eduardo Da Silva is being sued for 1.2 million euros (1.8 million dollars) by his wife's uncle over unpaid transfer commission when he joined Arsenal last year. . . . more . . .
Brazilian star striker Ronaldo revealed Monday that he was "incredibly ashamed" over last week's encounter with a trio of transvestites which he believes will mark him for life. . . . more . . .
Chelsea ensured the English Premier League battle will continue to the final day of the season by beating Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park on Monday. . . . more . . .
Newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich have pledged to play a friendly against cash-strapped former Bundesliga side Darmstadt 98 in a bid to ward off bankruptcy. . . . more . . .
Fans travelling to Moscow for the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea on May 21 will be able to use match tickets as entry visas, UEFA announced on Monday. . . . more . . .
Croatia have beaten off reported interest from top clubs to secure the coaching services of Slaven Bilic for an extra two years, Croatian football federation (HNS) president Vlatko Markovic said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Troubled former England football star Paul Gascoigne was back in hospital on Monday after police were called to a disturbance at a luxury London hotel. . . . more . . .
AC Milan have signed Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a four-year deal after capturing the Frenchman on a free transfer, the Italian giants announced Monday. . . . more . . .
American star Clint Dempsey has displayed his confidence in Fulham's future by signing an extended contract that will keep him at the west London club until the end of the 2009-10 season. . . . more . . .
Blackburn Rovers have agreed new deals with three players - Stephen Warnock, Martin Olsson and Matt Derbyshire - that will keep them at Ewood Park until the summer of 2012. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld says he is looking forward to handing his replacement Jurgen Klinsmann a championship-winning team after capturing the Bundesliga title at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid have been crowned Spanish champions for the 31st time after defeating Osasuna 2-1 after scoring twice in a sensational final three minutes. . . . more . . .
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani praised his players following their 2-1 victory over Inter and proclaimed that their Champions League destiny was in their own hands. . . . more . . .
Kevin Keegan will forever be associated with a televised rant against Sir Alex Ferguson more than a decade ago. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini insisted he was still confident of landing the Serie A crown despite Sunday's 2-1 defeat against AC Milan in the city derby. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson has conceded not even Manchester City fans' mass show of support for him in the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool will be enough to prevent owner Thaksin Shinawatra from sacking him before the start of next season. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger's ceaseless pursuit of footballing perfection makes evolution his favoured method of team-building, but the Arsenal manager faces a close-season revolution as he steels himself for the departures of several key players. . . . more . . .
Walter Smith has blasted the Scottish Premier League for failing to assist Rangers in their bid to win the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
A last-gasp strike from Pierre Ducasse handed Bordeaux a crucial 2-1 victory over Marseille on Sunday to keep the French title race alive and kicking. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's French midfielder Mathieu Flamini was due to arrive in Milan on Sunday night to sign a deal with AC Milan, club vice-president Adriano Galliani said on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid were crowned Spanish champions for the 31st time on Sunday after defeating Osasuna 2-1 after scoring twice in a sensational final three minutes. . . . more . . .
The beer flowed as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title on Sunday after a lacklustre 0-0 draw at VfL Wolfsburg gave them the precious point to be crowned German champions for the 21st time. . . . more . . .
Fernando Torres marked Liverpool's final match of the season at Anfield by scoring the winner in their 1-0 win over Manchester City here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Rangers were held to a goalless draw away to Hibernian on Sunday to provide renewed hope to Celtic's Scottish Premier League hopes. . . . more . . .
Everton missed a chance to wrap up a UEFA Cup spot as Nicklas Bendtner's late goal condemned David Moyes's side to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday. . . . more . . .
West Bromwich Albion were promoted to the Premier League after two seasons away as champions of the second-tier Championship following a 2-0 win away to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. . . . more . . .
AC Milan triumphed 2-1 over Inter in the Milan derby at the San Siro on Sunday to boost their hopes of Champions League football next season and delay their city rivals' title celebrations. . . . more . . .
Everton missed a chance to wrap up a UEFA Cup spot as Nicklas Bendtner's late goal condemned David Moyes's side to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan's hopes of a summer transfer treasure chest may have risen after the club's billionaire owner Mike Ashley won a windfall on the roulette wheel, the Mail on Sunday reported. . . . more . . .
David Beckham scored two first-half goals to deliver a 2-2 draw for the Los Angeles Galaxy against Real Salt Lake in a Major League Soccer contest Saturday. . . . more . . .
US midfielder Angela Hucles scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute to lead the Americans past Australia 5-4 in a women's football friendly here Saturday. . . . more . . .
Everton will be motivated by revenge as they try to wrap up a UEFA Cup spot against Arsenal on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan's robust centre-back Marco Materazzi said it would be a dream to sew up the Serie A title in Sunday's crunch derby against AC Milan at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has called on his players to end their season on a high in the light of mounting speculation that he could soon be sacked. . . . more . . .
Roy Hodgson warned Fulham to guard against complacency after they took a huge stride towards Premier League survival with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Reading manager Steve Coppell believes next Sunday's match at Derby could be the biggest in the club's history after watching his team pushed to the brink of relegation from the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson praised Cristiano Ronaldo's courage as Manchester United put one hand on the Premier League trophy after a 4-1 victory over West Ham. . . . more . . .
Gordon Strachan has ditched all notions of demanding fancy play from Celtic after a "common sense" 2-1 win at Motherwell Saturday boosted his side's late title charge. . . . more . . .
Atletico Madrid heaped the pressure on their Champions League rivals with a 3-0 home victory over Recreativo Huelva to move five points clear of fifth-placed Racing Santander. . . . more . . .
Bolton edged closer to securing their Premier League survival after Gary Megson's side beat Sunderland 2-0 on Saturday. . . . more . . .
French league minnows Nice held Lyon to a scoreless draw on Saturday to boost Bordeaux's hopes of causing a late championship upset. . . . more . . .
Derby earned the unwanted tag of the worst team in Premier League history as Paul Jewell's side slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Fulham kept their remarkable survival bid on course with a priceless 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Birmingham on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists now only a miracle will prevent Bayern Munich being crowned Bundesliga winners as they need just a point at VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday to be German champions for the 21st time. . . . more . . .
Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia struck a second-half double to secure a shock win over Aston Villa that ensures Wigan will be playing top flight football again next season. . . . more . . .
Robbie Keane's first-half goal left Reading in the bottom three of the Premier League and staring relegation in the face. . . . more . . .
Middlesbrough ended their lingering relegation fears on Saturday at the Riverside with a 2-0 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth courtesy of goals in either half from Chris Riggott and Tuncay. . . . more . . .
A Cristiano Ronaldo double helped Manchester United coast to a 4-1 win over West Ham that leaves them on the brink of retaining the Premier League title. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich president and German World Cup winner as player and coach Franz Beckenbauer on Saturday slammed the club's current crop as "joggers" after their UEFA Cup semi-final slaughter in St Petersburg. . . . more . . .
Celtic moved eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Motherwell on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Sweden's star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic insisted Saturday that he was confident he would be fit for Euro 2008 despite suffering from a lingering knee injury. . . . more . . .
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted Saturday he would like the England captaincy on a regular basis. . . . more . . .
Manchester United and Chelsea, who already have a date in the Champions League final to determine continental bragging rights, first must settle the matter of domestic dominance this weekend entering the final strait of a thrilling English Premiership season. . . . more . . .
Celtic must beat Motherwell on Saturday to go eight points clear if they are to keep their Scottish Premier League hopes alive - according to Paul Hartley. . . . more . . .
Harry Redknapp's lawyer accused the police in court Friday of using an unlawful warrant and tipping off the press when they raided the Portsmouth manager's home as part of a football corruption probe. . . . more . . .
Russian league leaders Kazan suffered their first loss of the season on Friday, falling 3-0 to visiting Spartak Moscow. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hit back at title rival Avram Grant on Friday as the race for the Premier League erupted into a war of words. . . . more . . .
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso admitted on Friday that he dreams of playing in the English Premier League. . . . more . . .
Liverpool have kicked off what promises to be a busy summer transfer period by tabling a bid for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry that values the England midfielder at around ten million pounds (20 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Mark Viduka is to have an injection to help him recover from a niggling Achilles problem but will not require full-scale surgery, Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan revealed on Friday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hit back at title rival Avram Grant on Friday as the race for the Premier League erupted into a war of words. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo been voted footballer of the year by English Football Writers' Association, completing a double after receiving the same accolade from his professional peers last week. . . . more . . .
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has slammed Alan Curbishley after the West Ham boss admitted he wants Manchester United to win the Premier League. . . . more . . .
The turmoil at Manchester City deepened on Friday as it emerged that players at the club threatened to boycott a planned trip to Thailand and Hong Kong in support of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Plucky Rangers reached the UEFA Cup final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina in the semi-final second leg here on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Australia's A-League clubs will be able to boost the number of players on their squads to 35 and operate under an increased salary cap next season, Football Federation Australia said Friday. . . . more . . .
Plucky Rangers reached the UEFA Cup final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina in the semi-final second leg here on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Extra-time was needed to separate Fiorentina and Rangers after the pair drew 0-0 following 90 minutes of the UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg here in Italy. . . . more . . .
Dutch coach Dick Advocaat was delighted as his Zenit St Petersburg side reached their first UEFA Cup final after out-classing Bayern Munich with a 4-0 rout in Russia on Thursday night. . . . more . . .
Dutch coach Dick Advocaat was delighted as his Zenit St Petersburg side reached their first UEFA Cup final after out-classing Bayern Munich with a 4-0 rout in Russia on Thursday night. . . . more . . .
Tunisian international Mejdi Traoui has agreed to play for Salzburg from next season, the Austrian first division runners-up confirmed on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Zenit St Petersburg booked their first UEFA Cup final place in Manchester on May 14 after out-classing Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich with a 4-0 rout in Russia on Thursday night. . . . more . . .
Leeds United have failed in their bid to claim back the 15 points they were deducted by the Football League after an independent tribunal on Thursday upheld the penalty. . . . more . . .
Giovanni Trapattoni took his bow as Ireland's new coach here on Thursday charged with qualifying his adopted country for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. . . . more . . .
Joe Cole on Thursday hailed teammate Frank Lampard after the England midfielder's penalty helped Chelsea to reach their first ever Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Thousands of English football fans face potential travel nightmare getting to Moscow for the Champions League final, reports said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's managing director Keith Edelman is to stand down after eight years at the helm, the club announced to the London Stock Exchange early Thursday. . . . more . . .
France captain Patrick Vieira claimed in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday that he intends to finish his career with Italian champions Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Chelsea captain John Terry believes that manager Avram Grant's future should no longer be called into question after he guided the Londoners to the first Champions League final in their history. . . . more . . .
Rangers manager Walter Smith had mixed injury news ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg clash against Fiorentina here. . . . more . . .