Striker Vicente Sanchez struck from close range to hand Uruguay a precious 1-0 win over Bolivia, and a lifeline in group A of the Copa America on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Mouloudia Alger of Algeria and Real Banjul of Gambia have secured places in the 2009 African Football Confederation club competitions. . . . more . . .
The rights to broadcast the Euro 2012 football championships are going to be sold for one billion euros, Adam Olkowicz, head of the Polish committee for organizing the championships, said Saturday in Yalta. . . . more . . .
Japan coach Ivica Osim announced his final squad for the defence of the Asian Cup led by the 2004 most valuable player Shunsuke Nakamura, the Japan Football Association said. . . . more . . .
The Burkina Faso Football Federation executive committee has quit after a disastrous 2008 African Nations Cup qualifying campaign. . . . more . . .
Uruguay striker Diego Forlan is poised to sign for Atletico Madrid, his club Villarreal disclosed on Saturday. . . . more . . .
England striker Wayne Rooney will follow in the footstepps of Manchester United legend Dennis Law by wearing the number 10 jersey at Old Trafford next season. . . . more . . .
A rusty Australia made heavy work of minnows Singapore Saturday, struggling in the heat before two goals from Mark Viduka and a Harry Kewell rocket handed them a morale-boosting 3-0 victory. . . . more . . .
Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho took a turn in carrying the torch ahead of the 2007 Pan-American Games, to be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 13-29. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea's flying Dutch winger Arjen Robben according to reports in a Spanish newspaper on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Spanish press reported on Saturday that Atletico Madrid star Fernando Torres was closer than ever to making a move to English Premiership side Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Greek champions Olympiakos announced Friday that Argentine striker Luciano Martin Galletti has penned a four-year contract. . . . more . . .
France striker Djibril Cisse is close to making his loan switch from Liverpool to Marseille permanent, his agent said Friday. . . . more . . .
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has flown to Barcelona, hot on the heels of Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson. . . . more . . .
Toulouse have signed Swedish defender Jon Jonsson from Elfsborg, the French club's coach Elie Baup said Friday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich's star-studded new squad gathered on Friday for their first day of pre-season training before the German giants head to Hong Kong for a lucrative friendly match. . . . more . . .
Catalan giants Barcelona's spending spree continued on Friday as they signed French international defender Eric Abidal from French champions Lyon for 15 million euros on a four year contract. . . . more . . .
Bernd Schuster expects to be installed within days as Fabio Capello's successor at Real Madrid, the German coach of Spanish side Getafe told sports daily AS on Friday. . . . more . . .
Frank Lampard has urged Chelsea to speed up negotiations over a new contract as rumours of an impending bid from Barcelona intensify. . . . more . . .
Tottenham smashed their transfer record on Friday to sign England striker Darren Bent in a 16.5 million pounds deal from relegated Charlton. . . . more . . .
Mark Viduka was appointed Australian captain for the Asian Cup on Friday and immediately stressed the team must forget about last year's World Cup and focus on moving forward. . . . more . . .
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung will head back to England from South Korea next week, more than two months after surgery on his injured knee, his agent said Friday. . . . more . . .
Veteran striker Hernan Crespo scored two goals as Argentina trounced the United States 4-1 in its opening 2007 Copa America tournament match on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Relegated Real Sociedad said Thursday they have lined up former Fulham boss Chris Coleman as their new coach after Miguel Angel Lotina resigned last week to join Primera Liga club Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
English football star David Beckham will take his place as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy next month on Friday the 13th, a day notorious in American culture for bad luck. . . . more . . .
French champions Lyon on Thursday played down reports from Spain that Barcelona have already secured their French international defender Eric Abidal. . . . more . . .
Glasgow Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville was arrested by Brazilian customs officers two weeks ago with a bag containing 46,200 euros in cash, according to reports here Thursday. . . . more . . .
FIFA said on Thursday that it would decide within days whether or not to allow World Cup qualifiers to be played in Bolivia's high altitude capital, La Paz, after a request from Bolivian President Evo Morales. . . . more . . .
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce says he will do his utmost to try to persuade star striker Obafemi Martins to remain on Tyneside amid speculation that he could be a target for Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Mexico masterminded a stunning 2-0 win over defending champ Brazil in the opener for both teams at the 2007 Copa America championship on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Australia are taking a high-tech approach to the Asian Cup finals, equipping players with heart-rate monitors and GPS navigation equipment to keep track of their fitness levels. . . . more . . .
Coach Fabio Capello was sacked by newly-crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid on Thursday, announced their sporting director Pedja Mijatovic. . . . more . . .
Australia are taking a high-tech approach to the Asian Cup finals, equipping players with heart-rate monitors and GPS navigation equipment to keep track of their fitness levels. . . . more . . .
Japan coach Ivica Osim admits it won't be easy to clinch a third straight Asian Cup as tournament favourites, but has urged his team to rise to the challenge. . . . more . . .
Football's world governing body FIFA on Thursday announced a new 170 million dollar sponsorship deal with credit card group Visa International. . . . more . . .
Australian defender Lucas Neill is upbeat about West Ham's chances in the new English Premier League season, confident they can avoid another relegation battle. . . . more . . .
Chinese captain Zheng Zhi may have had an unhappy ending to his Premiership stint but his time in England made him a much better player, national teammate Sun Jihai believes. . . . more . . .
Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara has been urged to go wilder on the pitch to boost Japan's feeble frontline in their campaign for a third straight Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Australia are taking a high-tech approach to the Asian Cup finals, equipping players with heart-rate monitors and GPS navigation equipment to keep track of their fitness levels. . . . more . . .
Australian defender Lucas Neill is upbeat about West Ham's chances in the new English Premier League season, confident they can avoid another relegation battle. . . . more . . .
Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell have pinpointed Japan as favourites to win the Asian Cup, not Australia, but said the Socceroos have the desire and hunger to win. . . . more . . .
Chile rallied with two late goals to beat Ecuador 3-2 in the opening game for both clubs at the 2007 Copa America tournament. . . . more . . .
Chile rallied with two late goals to beat Ecuador 3-2 in the opening game for both clubs at the 2007 Copa America tournament. . . . more . . .
Betting on major sporting events is illegal in much of Asia but it remains rampant, and police across the region are on full alert ahead of the Asian Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Brazilian fullback Roberto Carlos has said that his move to Turkish champions Fenerbahce from Spanish titleholders Real Madrid has given him a new lease on life and he expects to play for another four years. . . . more . . .
Relegated Spanish outfit Real Sociedad are believed to be holding talks with former Fulham manager Chris Coleman, according to the BBC on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Spanish first division side Real Betis have hired experienced Argentine Hector Cuper as their new coach on a one year contract, Spanish radio reported on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Veteran French football coach Guy Roux's contract to coach first division side Lens next season has been overturned by the Professional Football League (LFP) on the grounds that he is too old. . . . more . . .
Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes became Fulham's first signing of the close season when he agreed a one-million-pound (two million dollars) move from Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
World football's governing body FIFA on Wednesday eased its ban on international matches at high altitude, following an uproar among Latin American countries in recent weeks. . . . more . . .
Barcelona defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst is set for a return home after signing for former club Feyenoord, the Spanish giants announced Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Japan international midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is happy at Scottish double winners Celtic, despite claims from an Italian agent claiming the player could use a get-out clause in his contract. . . . more . . .
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has said he is hopeful that Arsene Wenger will stay on with the club as coach, but admitted that his future hung in the balance. . . . more . . .
The Chinese team is pumped up and going "crazy" in training for the Asian Cup, in what coach Zhu Guanghu sees as a new-found determination to prove their critics wrong. . . . more . . .
Japan coach Ivica Osim has demanded his entire squad muck in and be flexible against Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam in their tough Group B at the Asian Cup next month. . . . more . . .
Mark Viduka says the pride of wearing the Australian shirt was behind his last-minute decision to play in the Asian Cup, insisting there was no pressure from new club Newcastle to miss the tournament. . . . more . . .
Peru kicked off its Copa America campaign by blanking Uruguay 3-0 in a group A match here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bomb squads, sniffer dogs and armed police are being deployed as security is ramped up in cities hosting the Asian Cup finals, although authorities are playing down any threats. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's new signing Thierry Henry claimed on Tuesday that his new team will strike fear throughout Europe next season. . . . more . . .
Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure said he was ready for the challenge ahead after the new Barcelona signing was presented to the press on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
German international striker Miroslav Klose has completed his transfer from Werder Bremen to Bayern Munich, both Bundesliga clubs said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Honduras international striker David Suazo has officially joined Inter Milan, the Serie A champions confirmed on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City on Tuesday played down premature speculation that former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has signed a three-year deal as the club's new manager. . . . more . . .
China's embattled football coach Zhu Guanghu has said he is in sole charge of the national side and will accept the axe if his team fails at next month's Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has joined Spanish first division side Atletico Madrid on a one-year loan, Milan confirmed on their website on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia coach Helio dos Anjos said Tuesday he considers Group D to be the toughest at next month's Asian Cup but believes his young team has what it takes to lift the trophy. . . . more . . .
Toulouse's footballers have done what many in the French city would once have thought impossible. . . . more . . .
David Trezeguet has ended speculation about his future by signing a three-year contract extension with Juventus, the newly-promoted Serie A club confirmed on Monday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona on Monday confirmed they have signed AS Monaco's Ivory Coast international midfielder Yaya Toure, without disclosing any transfer fee details. . . . more . . .
UEFA president Michel Platini on Monday hailed the decision by European football's governing body to introduce blood testing as part of their anti-doping campaign during next year's Euro 2008 tournament. . . . more . . .
England football hero David Beckham and American football star Reggie Bush tried out each other's sport as part of the marketing hype that is already under way regarding Beckham's new US adventure. . . . more . . .
The United States used two second-half goals to rally for a 2-1 victory over Mexico here Sunday in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup regional football tournament. . . . more . . .
Newcastle's Turkish international midfielder Emre said Monday that he would be committing his future to the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
England Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha on Monday signed a new four-year deal with Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Cagliari winger Mauro Esposito will next season play for the Sardinian club's Serie A rivals Roma, Cagliari president Massimo Cellino said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Schalke 04 are bidding to recruit Ghanian captain Stephen Appiah, the Bundesliga club's new president Josef Schnusenberg said Monday. . . . more . . .
Romania's most famous footballer, Gheorghe Hagi, known as the 'Maradona of the Carpathians' during his 16-year international career, confirmed Monday he has signed a three-year contract to coach his former club Steaua Bucharest. . . . more . . .
French striker Thierry Henry on Monday began life as a Barcelona star by vowing to land the Catalan club the silverware which eluded them last season. . . . more . . .
South American heavyweights Brazil and Argentina are set to enter battle with ten other nations as the world's oldest international football tournament, the Copa America, gets underway in Venezuela on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Iran has missed the deadline to submit its bid to host the 2011 Asian Cup and India has pulled out of the race, leaving Qatar as the only candidate left. . . . more . . .
A relaxed Mark Viduka and a fit Harry Kewell hooked up with the Australian squad Monday, boosting morale in the countdown to the Asian Cup finals next month. . . . more . . .
Australian striker Mark Viduka is in "great spirits" after finalising his move to Newcastle and is ready to give his all at the Asian Cup, coach Graham Arnold said Monday. . . . more . . .
Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has vowed to "fight like a challenger" as he cancelled his 29th birthday party to take part in Japan's crash training course ahead of their Asian Cup defence. . . . more . . .
The United States used two second-half goals to rally for a 2-1 victory over Mexico here Sunday in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup regional football tournament. . . . more . . .
The United States rallied with a pair of second-half goals to beat rival Mexico 2-1 on Sunday in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup regional football tournament. . . . more . . .
Hosts Vietnam beat Jamaica 3-0 in a friendly here Sunday, dealing the Caribbean visitors the second defeat of their Asian tour after the team dubbed the Reggae Boyz lost 2-1 against Indonesia. . . . more . . .
Malian striker Frederic Kanoute, who has been linked with a return to the English Premiership, said Sunday he intends to stay at UEFA Cup holders Sevilla. . . . more . . .
UEFA president Michel Platini announced here on Sunday that Europe's flagship club competition the Champions League will undergo slight changes from 2009. . . . more . . .
Barcelona are in talks with Monaco over the French first division club's Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure, the Spanish club said Sunday. . . . more . . .
South American heavyweights Brazil and Argentina are set to enter battle with ten other nations as the world's oldest international football tournament, the Copa America, gets underway in Venezuela on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Romania's most famous footballer, Gheorghe Hagi, known as the 'Maradona of the Carpathians' during his 16-year international career, is set to take over as coach of his former club Steaua Bucharest. . . . more . . .
The United States and Mexico renew their rivalry at Soldier Field on Sunday when they meet in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup regional football tournament. . . . more . . .
FAR Rabat of Morocco had two players sent off as they fell 1-0 to Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in the African Champions League this weekend. . . . more . . .
Australia's defensive midfielder Vince Grella expects the heat at the Asian Cup to become more of a factor in the later stages of the tournament than in the initial group games. . . . more . . .
Funds being used by the ousted Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Manchester City are clean, according to the man who is brokering the deal. . . . more . . .
UEFA Cup holders Sevilla won the King's Cup on Saturday for the fourth time in their history with a 1-0 win over Getafe thanks to a first half goal by Malian striker Frederic Kanoute at Madrid's Bernabeu stadium. . . . more . . .
French striker Thierry Henry arrived in Spain on Sunday to finalise his transfer to Barcelona from Premiership side Arsenal. . . . more . . .
UEFA Cup holders Sevilla won the King's Cup on Saturday for the fourth time in their history with a 1-0 win over Getafe thanks to a first half goal by Malian striker Frederic Kanoute at Madrid's Bernabeu stadium. . . . more . . .
Spanish coach Miguel Angel Lotina, who has resigned from relegated Real Sociedad, said Saturday he was very close to a move to Primera Liga club Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Spanish midfielder Valdo has turned his back on Champions League football to join Espanyol, the Barcelona-based team said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Greek football club Aris Salonica announced Saturday that they had signed midfielder Toni Calvo on a three-year contract for an undisclosed sum. . . . more . . .
Japanese international midfielder Yuki Abe tuned up for the upcoming Asian Cup with a goal to give defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds a 1-0 win over Shimizu S-Pulse in the J-League on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Al-Ittihad of Libya marked their African Champions League group debut with a surprise 1-0 victory over JS Kabylie of Algeria this weekend. . . . more . . .
AC Milan have dropped their bid to sign striker David Suazo, leaving the way now open for the Honduras international to join Serie A champions Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Saturday he is delighted to welcome back Ze Roberto after the Brazilian midfielder signed a two-year deal with the German giants. . . . more . . .
Scottish champions Celtic have clinched the transfer of Massimo Donati from AC Milan on a four-year deal worth around three million pounds (4.5 million dollars), the club website announced on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Newly promoted Birmingham City have signed Scotland striker Garry O'Connor to play in the English Premiership next season, his current club Lokomotiv Moscow announced on their website. . . . more . . .
Arsenal confirmed on Saturday that they had reached agreement to transfer their star striker Thierry Henry to Spanish giants Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Real Sociedad's Miguel Angel Lotina said Friday he was leaving the relegated club after less than a season in charge, the club confirmed on its website. . . . more . . .
Barcelona have agreed to sign Arsenal's French international striker Thierry Henry for 24 million euros (32 million dollars), a Barcelona spokesman said Friday, but denied media reports a four-year deal was sealed and delivered. . . . more . . .
Paris Saint Germain's Czech international defender David Rozehnal is set to sign a four-year deal with Premiership side Newcastle on Monday, his agent revealed. . . . more . . .
Manchester City's possible new owner Thaksin Shinawatra has his eyes on other managers for the club should talks with former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson founder. . . . more . . .
Australia have never been favourites to win a football tournament before and they are revelling in it, while being cautious about underestimating any team at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer refused to commit Friday to another season with Middlesbrough amid speculation that he could follow Mark Viduka out of the Riverside. . . . more . . .
Blackburn Rovers are the latest English Premiership side to come under the scrutiny of foreign ownership, press reports said on Friday. . . . more . . .
The United States scored two first-half goals here Thursday en route to a 2-1 victory over Canada and a berth in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. . . . more . . .
No-nonsense Dutch coach Pim Verbeek has won his battle with K-League bosses who have caved in and agreed to cancel crunch matches this weekend so players can attend an Asian Cup training camp. . . . more . . .
Brazilian midfielder Lincoln is set to sign for 14-times Turkish champions Galatasaray early next week according to the manager of his current club Schalke 04, it was revealed on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Bundesliga side VfL Bochum have added Swedish defender Matias Concha to their squad after the 27-year-old signed a four-year contract, it was announced on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Host Indonesia beat Jamaica 2-1 in a friendly here Thursday in a slow game that pitted the mostly defensive visitors against an aggressive but uncoordinated home team. . . . more . . .
Football world governing body FIFA will pay 90 million dollars to MasterCard Worldwide in an out-of-court settlement announced Thursday over a dispute regarding sponsorship of future World Cups. . . . more . . .
The United Arab Emirates carved out an emphatic 3-1 victory over joint Asian Cup hosts Malaysia in a friendly match ahead of the tournament here Thursday. . . . more . . .
Spanish champions Real Madrid, looking to cement their league dominance next season, may bid for West Ham's Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, AS sports daily reported on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Japan coach Ivica Osim has kept the door open for former Asian footballer of the year Hidetoshi Nakata to come out of retirement but said his star may have already fallen. . . . more . . .
The best attack by a distance, the joint best defence and the most exhilarating football proved a recipe for failure for Barcelona this season as they went from kings of Europe and Spain to empty-handed bridesmaids. . . . more . . .
Lyon midfielder Tiago is close to joining newly-promoted Serie A side Juventus, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Australia deserve to be favourites to win next month's Asian Cup and if the Socceroos do not make the Jakarta final it will be considered a failure, national coach Graham Arnold said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, facing corruption charges at home, won acceptance on Thursday for an 81.6-million-pound bid for English Premiership football club Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Confident Chinese captain Zheng Zhi believes his team can shake off its indifferent form, get through the "Group of Death" and prove the doubters wrong by making the final of the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
French coach Bruno Metsu is confident newly-crowned Gulf Cup champions United Arab Emirates can spring a surprise in the Asian Cup finals but he knows they have a tough fight on their hands. . . . more . . .
Dave Sarachan, an American who guided the Chicago Fire for parts of five seasons, was fired Wednesday as coach of the Major League Soccer club, team officials announced here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Speculation that Theirry Henry could leave Arsenal this summer has mounted after Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o was quoted as saying his friend would soon be joining him at the Nou Camp. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins escaped unhurt here Tuesday after gunmen fired several shots at his car. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan were on Wednesday accused of presenting false accounts before the start of the 2005-06 season, but the title they won that season is not believed to be at risk. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka has not ruled out a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid, the player's spokesman said in comments published on Wednesday in sports daily AS. . . . more . . .
Roma completed the full signing of David Pizarro on Wednesday after the club bought Inter Milan's stake in the Chilean international. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson looks set to be offered a route back into football if Thaksin Shinawatra's long-awaited takeover of Manchester City finally goes ahead this week. . . . more . . .
Croatia defender Robert Kovac has backed out of a deal negotiated earlier this month to play for Dinamo Zagreb, the club said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira believes the London club must splash out on some big name players if they want to prevent Thierry Henry from being lured to a major club in Europe. . . . more . . .
Premiership side Middlesbrough have confirmed the signing of French striker Jeremie Aliadiere from Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Bolivia president Evo Morales said Tuesday he hopes to meet with FIFA chief Sepp Blatter next week in Zurich in a bid to overturn a ban on high-altitude stadiums being used for international matches. . . . more . . .
Wigan have made Swedish defender Andreas Granqvist's loan move from Helsingborgs permanent after persuading the 22-year-old to sign a two-year deal. . . . more . . .
South Africa still faces a major challenge to upgrade its infrastructure, including transport network and hotels, to host a successful World Cup in 2010, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United's bid to have their relegation from the Premiership reversed remained unresolved after an arbitration panel hearing here on Tuesday concluded without a decision. . . . more . . .
Rising Italian star Fabio Quagliarella says Premiership champions Manchester United have increased their offer to bring him to Old Trafford this summer. . . . more . . .
Barcelona chairman Joan Laporta, said Tuesday that he expected Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard and top stars Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o to stay at the club next season. . . . more . . .
City rivals AC Milan and Inter were involved in a bitter tug-of-war over Cagliari striker David Suazo on Tuesday, with both clubs claiming to have signed the Honduras international. . . . more . . .
Qatar on Tuesday formally submitted a bid to host the 2011 Asian Cup, two days before the deadline expires. . . . more . . .
Thousands of fans cheered Roberto Carlos on Tuesday as the Brazilian full-back formally signed with Turkish champions Fenerbahce. . . . more . . .
Stung by suggestions David Beckham is heading into semi-retirement in Major League Soccer (MLS), the President of LA Galaxy has branded the English Premiership an over-hyped, "inferior product." . . . more . . .
Juventus on Tuesday confirmed the signing of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta from Udinese. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello, who guided Real Madrid to the Spanish league title on Sunday, could quit coaching altogether if the club decide to sack him, media reported Tuesday amid speculation on who might replace him. . . . more . . .
Veteran midfielder Kim Nam-Il has been ruled out of South Korea's Asian Cup side with a groin injury, dealing a further blow to the injury-plagued side ahead of next month's tournament, officials said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer expects World Cup top-scorer Miroslav Klose to join the German giants by the end of the summer, it was revealed on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Australia's Harry Kewell said Tuesday he was looking forward to playing as a central striker at the Asian Cup and felt 100 percent fit despite a recent lack of match practice. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe emerged from the first day of a two-day hearing still hopeful the club could rejoin the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
An ankle injury that saw David Beckham removed from the field in the 66th minute of his final match for Real Madrid on Sunday has Los Angeles Galaxy officials waiting and worrying about his health. . . . more . . .
Former Real Madrid player Bernd Schuster said Monday he has primed himself to become a possible replacement for Fabio Capello, the current coach of the Spanish giants, as of next season. . . . more . . .
Former England footballer Teddy Sheringham "categorically denies" allegations that he gave police false details regarding an alleged speeding offence, his lawyer said Monday. . . . more . . .
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer said Monday he is convinced Michael Owen has no choice but to stay with the Magpies next season becase no club will run the risk of buying a player who has spent nearly two seasons struggling with injuries. . . . more . . .
FIFA president Sepp Blatter declared Monday that South Africa was on course to stage a "wonderful" World Cup in 2010, dismissing criticism as nothing more than jealousy. . . . more . . .
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against both Serbia and England after a number of incidents in Sunday night's Under-21 Championship match in the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said on Monday that Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is their number one transfer target, despite the club being linked with Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United's fight to rejoin the English Premiership continued on Monday with an arbitration panel sitting to rule on whether another hearing would be needed in the Carlos Tevez affair. . . . more . . .
Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, the most valuable player of the 2004 Asian Cup, will return to defend Japan's title next month, spearheading the squad announced here Monday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho revealed Monday that he has failed to buy South African striker Benni McCarthy from Blackburn. . . . more . . .
West Ham's Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has been contacted by Real Madrid, but is still awaiting a concrete offer from the newly-crowned Spanish champions, his agent Adrian Ruocco claimed Monday. . . . more . . .
FIFA president Sepp Blatter arrived in South Africa on Monday for talks with organisers of the 2010 football World Cup and for his first on-site inspection of work to build and upgrade the stadiums. . . . more . . .
Pitched battles between police and some Real Madrid supporters marred the Spanish football club's league title celebrations early on Monday. . . . more . . .
Pitched battles between police and some Real Madrid supporters marred the Spanish football club's league title celebrations in the early hours of Monday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona had to settle for second best on Sunday in the first Spanish title race to finish level on points since 1994, despite handing a 5-1 thrashing to bottom club Gimnastic Tarragona. . . . more . . .
Barcelona had to settle for second best on Sunday in the first Spanish title race to finish level on points since 1994, despite handing a 5-1 thrashing to bottom club Gimnastic Tarragona. . . . more . . .
Jared Borgetti scored in extra time as Mexico advanced to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica at Reliant Stadium on Sunday. . . . more . . .
When David Beckham came off the field after 65 minutes on Sunday, he looked doomed to leave Real Madrid empty-handed. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello guided Real Madrid to the Spanish title on Sunday but the big question now is: will the Italian coach be at the helm of the Spanish giants next season? . . . more . . .
Angola and Cameroon qualified for the 2008 African Nations Cup Sunday in contrasting style. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid captured a record 30th Spanish League title on Sunday with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Real Mallorca. . . . more . . .
Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo, who were both in the Champions League just three seasons ago, will spend the next year in the Spanish second division after they were relegated on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Hong Kong billionaire Carson Yeung is set to make further steps to purchase Birmingham City, who have been promoted to the Premiership, in the coming week. . . . more . . .
The president of the German Football Federation (DFB) insisted on Sunday Bayern Munich's new signings, World Cup finalists Franck Ribery and Luca Toni, are a "gift to the Bundesliga". . . . more . . .
Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says Mark Viduka's commitment should not be questioned for next month's Asian Cup despite the striker's backflip on retirement plans. . . . more . . .
Some of England's top footballers woke up as married men Sunday after a clutch of extravagant, glitzy nuptials dubbed the ultimate WAG wedding weekend. . . . more . . .
Landon Donovan scored on a penalty kick in the 59th minute and Carlos Bocanegra headed in a goal as the US advanced to the semis of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Panama. . . . more . . .
Morocco became the first qualifiers for the 2008 African Nations Cup in Ghana after a gift-wrapped 1-0 victory in Malawi Saturday. . . . more . . .
Mali striker Frederic Kanoute claimed FIFA have caved in to pressure from Spanish giants Real Madrid by forcing him to turn his back on international duty this weekend. . . . more . . .
Coach Fabio Capello, who confirmed that David Beckham was fit to play, is counting on Real Madrid beating Mallorca on Sunday to clinch the Spanish title so he can keep his job. . . . more . . .
Striker Abdulkader Keita and midfielder Mathieu Bodmer have signed four-year contracts with six-time reigning French league champions Lyon, the club said on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Former Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen midfielder Mario Basler insisted on Saturday German international striker Miroslav Klose will struggle if he joins Bayern this summer. . . . more . . .
Billionaire businessman Mike Ashley announced Friday that he will withdraw Newcastle United from the stock market after increasing his stake in the club to 77.06 percent. . . . more . . .
Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who has come to the end of his contract with English Premiership side Liverpool, said Friday that he has been contacted by Spanish giants Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
The South American football confederation (CONMEBOL) confirmed Friday that they will be calling on FIFA to temporarily suspend their ban on high-altitude stadiums being used for international matches. . . . more . . .
Former Bundesliga coach Michael Krueger admitted on Friday he took a banned stimulant as a player and says he saw other footballers use the same drug. . . . more . . .
British football legend Sir Bobby Charlton will visit Cambodia next month to take part in a landmine victim awareness programme, football officials here said Friday. . . . more . . .
The deal which took Didier Drogba to Chelsea, the 'super-agent' Pini Zahavi and Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce all face further investigation after 17 transfers were identified as suspect in a report presented to the FA Premier League on Friday. . . . more . . .
English Premier League stars Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill are ready to be unleashed at next month's Asian Cup, Australian coach Graham Arnold said Friday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's misfiring striker Andriy Shevchenko could soon be on his way back to AC Milan after just one season in the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Defender Mario Melchiot has joined English Premiership club Wigan from French first division side Rennes on a free transfer. . . . more . . .
Australia striker Mark Viduka has committed himself to playing in next month's Asian Cup after being on the verge of retiring from international football, national coach Graham Arnold said Friday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea on Thursday completed the signing of Bolton's out-of-contract Israel centre-back Tel Ben Haim on a four-year deal. . . . more . . .
The agent of rising Italian star Fabio Quagliarella said on Thursday the player could be heading to Manchester United if the Premiership champions confirm a bid he says they made for the 23-year-old striker a month ago. . . . more . . .
Former England captain David Beckham said Thursday he would have loved to stay on at Real Madrid but has no plans to reverse his decision to move to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the month. . . . more . . .
Britain's media on Thursday linked Lakshmi Mittal, boss of the world's biggest steel group Arcelor Mittal, with a takeover of Birmingham City football club. . . . more . . .
Liverpool have confirmed that they would like to sign West Ham's Yossi Benayoun in a surprise development that has prompted the Israeli playmaker to stall on signing a new deal at the east London club. . . . more . . .
Marco Tardelli, a World Cup winner with Italy in 1982, said on Thursday he is to resign from the board of newly-promoted Juventus. . . . more . . .
Even winning the Spanish title might not save Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello from the sack, according to Spanish press reports on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Premiership champions Manchester United will kick off the defence of their title against former player Steve Coppell's Reading at Old Trafford on the weekend of August 11. . . . more . . .
Thailand's deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra should has enough money to buy English Premier League club Manchester City, even after Thai authorities froze 1.5 billion dollars of his assets, his lawyer said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Australian A-League player of the year Nick Carle is poised to sign with Turkish champions Fenerbahce, his club said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Australian A-League player of the year Nick Carle is poised to sign with Turkish champions Fenerbahce, his club said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara are likely to be called up for Japan's defence of the Asian Cup in July. . . . more . . .
Hours after being traded by the struggling Los Angeles Galaxy to Toronto FC, Jamaican defender Tyrone Marshall was suspended for three games by Major League Soccer for a leg-breaking tackle. . . . more . . .
Former Bundesliga coach Peter Nuerurer admitted on Wednesday he saw players take a banned stimulant in the 1990s and claims the practice was not unusual in German football at that time. . . . more . . .
Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos admitted Wednesday that he never wanted to leave Real Madrid, who he will quit at the end of the season to join Turks Fenerbahce. . . . more . . .
Mauro Camoranesi could be on his way out of Juventus after his agent failed to secure a contract extension for the right-sided midfielder on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
After the biggest spending spree in Bayern Munich's history, coach Ottmar Hitzfeld admitted on Wednesday he expects a few personality clashes within his German 'dream team'. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan star Patrick Vieira believes referees are becoming too scared to make crucial, match-turning decisions because of the pressure put on them by fans and media critics. . . . more . . .
Former Fulham manager Jean Tigana has been cleared of slandering the English Premiership club's owner Mohamed Al Fayed following an appeal before a court here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Angelo Pagotto, who plays for recently-relegated Italian second division side Crotone, could be banned for life after testing positive for cocaine a second time. . . . more . . .
Germany's World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus has been sacked as coach of Red Bull Salzburg to ease tensions between the German and Salzburg's director of football Giovanni Trapattoni. . . . more . . .
Manchester United striker Louis Saha has undergone knee surgery in the United States to repair an injury that kept him sidelined for much of last season. . . . more . . .
Manchester City have stepped up their search for a new manager in a move that casts further doubt on whether Thaksin Shinawatra's planned takeover of the club will go ahead. . . . more . . .
Fenerbahce and Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli is set to step into Mark Viduka's boots at Middlesbrough after agreeing personal terms with the English Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insists he will not be tempted by a move to either AC Milan or Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Former World Cup winners France have moved up two places in the FIFA rankings, released by world football's ruling body on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Cagliari's Honduras international striker David Suazo is set to become the first summer signing for Serie A champions Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
European Champions League runners-up Liverpool will play Hong Kong team South China on the opening day of the Barclays Asia Trophy next month, organisers said here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Spain's football federation said Tuesday that it could do little to stop so-called "motivational payments" allegedly paid by one club to another to beat certain opponents, which are illegal. . . . more . . .
France's World Cup winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez will not be joining Mexican club Nexca Aguascalientes next season, his agent insisted Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Retired Japanese star Hidetoshi Nakata will lead a distinguished group of veterans at next month's Reunification Cup, organisers said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Former World Cup-winner Guido Buchwald said on Tuesday he is delighted to be given his first coaching role in his native Germany after he was revealed as the new coach of relegated Alemannia Aachen. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba admitted Tuesday that he was tempted by a move to either Spain or Italy. . . . more . . .
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce on Tuesday slammed Manchester City over the cash dispute which is delaying the 5.5 million pound (10.8 million dollar) transfer of midfielder Joey Barton. . . . more . . .
Australian A-League champions Melbourne Victory signed Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez Tuesday, saying they had beaten several European clubs chasing the midfielder's services. . . . more . . .
Thierry Henry's agent on Tuesday categorically denied reports that the Arsenal striker has agreed terms with Spanish giants Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Swedish international midfielder Tobias Linderoth on Tuesday signed a three-year contract with Turkish first division side Galatasaray from Danish outfit FC Copenhagen. . . . more . . .
Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra still plans to buy English Premiership side Manchester City despite authorities freezing 1.5 billion dollars of his assets, his lawyer said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Greek international defender Efstathios Tavlaridis on Monday signed a three-year deal with Saint Etienne from French first division rivals Lille. . . . more . . .
Mirko Slomka, head coach of Bundesliga runners-up Schalke 04, expressed his delight on Monday after completing the signing of defender Heiko Westermann from Armina Bielefeld. . . . more . . .
German midfielder Tim Borowski on Monday became the latest Werder Bremen player to suggest Miroslav Klose's future lies elsewhere as Bayern Munich chase the World Cup hot-shot. . . . more . . .
European football's governing body UEFA will allow Denmark to play its next four matches at home, easing sanctions imposed after a fan attacked a referee in a game against Sweden, according to local reports. . . . more . . .
Coach Graham Arnold wants to use Harry Kewell in a central attacking role for Australia at next month's Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Tunisian international defender David Jemmali has extended his contract with French first division side Bordeaux for an additional season until June 2008. . . . more . . .
Udinese and Italy striker Vincenzo Iaquinta is on the verge of a move to newly-promoted Serie A rivals Juventus, Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Birmingham City football club, newly-promoted to the Premiership, said on Monday that it had received a takeover approach from an unnamed suitor. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello sounded a note of caution on Monday, saying in a newspaper interview that the club still has not won the Spanish title despite leading the table with just one match to go. . . . more . . .
Portuguese star Luis Figo has decided to stay with Inter Milan for another season, the Italian Serie A champions confirmed on Monday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City are seeking clarification of would-be buyer Thaksin Shinawatra's financial status after Thailand's anti-graft panel said it would freeze 1.5 billion dollars worth of assets held by the former premier and his family. . . . more . . .
Consumer electronics giant LG Electronics has announced a three-year sponsorship deal with Fulham in the latest tie-up between a South Korean firm and an English Premier League club. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said on Sunday that the Spanish giant's were going to explore ways of trying to keep former England captain David Beckham at the club. . . . more . . .
Unsettled striker David Trezeguet seems set to leave newly-promoted Juventus after revealing his contract negotiations are at a standstill. . . . more . . .
Struggling Real Betis have sacked their coach Luis Fernandez, the club announced after an emergency directors' meeting on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said on Sunday that the Spanish giant's were going to explore ways of trying to keep former England captain David Beckham at the club. . . . more . . .
Napoli and Genoa were both promoted to Serie A on Sunday after the two teams played out a goalless draw on the final day of the second division season. . . . more . . .
It was 17 or 18 seconds depending on your watch but the Spanish title dramatically fell into Real Madrid's grasp on Saturday, in roughly the amount of time it takes to run the length of a football pitch. . . . more . . .
Big-spending German giants Bayern Munich revealed on Sunday they have made a "generous" bid for Werder Bremen's World Cup top-scorer Miroslav Klose. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid have to beat Real Mallorca next Sunday to clinch their 30th La Liga title but the Spanish giant's one remaining opponent have promised not to give them the crown on a plate. . . . more . . .
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be aiming not only to clinch the Spanish title for Real Madrid next Sunday but also get sole possession of the European Golden Boot award. . . . more . . .
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce admitted Sunday that he fears Michael Owen will quit the Magpies. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger pledged on Sunday to see out the year remaining on his contract with Premiership giants Arsenal ending speculation that he would leave because of the stunning departure of vice-chairman David Dein earlier this year. . . . more . . .
England manager Steve McClaren has claimed the impressive form of David Beckham at the moment has been sparked off by his being dropped from the national team. . . . more . . .
The Spanish title race will go right down to the wire after league leaders Real Madrid drew 2-2 at Real Zaragoza while their bitter rivals Barcelona were also held 2-2 draw by Espanyol on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admitted on Saturday he spurned a move back to the Bundesliga and Hertha Berlin last season because the standard in Germany was too low. . . . more . . .
Japan international midfielder Yasuhito Endo struck home a penalty to seal a 2-1 win for front-runners Gamba Osaka over Yokohama FC in the J-League on Saturday. . . . more . . .
England have put their worst behind them and are now very much in the running to claim top spot in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, midfielder Steven Gerrard insisted Saturday. . . . more . . .
Argentina coach Alfio Basile on Saturday called up a group of ten players, including nine who are based in Europe, for the Copa America which gets underway in Venezuela on June 26. . . . more . . .
Coach Graham Arnold has delayed a decision on who will lead the Socceroos at next month's Asian Cup until the squad assembles in Singapore later this month, reports said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Brazilian international midfielder Ze Roberto has revealed that his appearance in the Copa America starting later this month will be his final call-up for the national side. . . . more . . .
Iranian international midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia has agreed a three-year deal with Eintracht Frankfurt after spending eight years with Bundesliga rivals Hamburg. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's French striker Jeremie Aliadiere has agreed a move to Middlesbrough following Mark Viduka's departure for Newcastle. . . . more . . .
England's footballers have pledged to play for their country for free, donating their match fees to help charitable causes in the run up to the next World Cup, the Football Association (FA) said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso on Friday signed a new deal with the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Dutch winger Arjen Robben is set to sign a new deal with the Premiership side that will keep him at the club for another five years, his father and agent said Friday. . . . more . . .
AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino, whose future with the Serie A side had been in doubt, will be sticking with the club next season after a clear-the-air meeting with club bosses. . . . more . . .
Croatian international striker Mladen Petric on Friday agreed a four-year deal to join Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund from Swiss outfit Basel. . . . more . . .
World Cup winning defender Laurent Blanc became a coach for the first time on Friday when he took over at League Cup winners Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos on Friday formally signed with Turkish champions Fenerbahce, saying he was looking forward to working with an ambitious club coached by his countryman Artur Zico. . . . more . . .
England star David Beckham has been warned of the potentially career-threatening health risks he will run as a result of his commute from Los Angeles next season. . . . more . . .
Former Japan international Hidetoshi Nakata has chosen to return to the pitch -- at least for a charity game hosted by Portuguese star Luis Figo. . . . more . . .
Sweden were awarded a 3-0 victory over Denmark by European football's governing body UEFA on Friday for their Euro 2008 qualifier last weekend. . . . more . . .
French midfielder Franck Ribery and Italian striker Luca Toni insisted on Friday they have joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to win titles and get them back to the pinnacle of German football. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is unsure about Middlesbrough's ambitions after star striker Mark Viduka left for English Premier League rivals Newcastle United. . . . more . . .
The president of football's world governing body FIFA, Sepp Blatter, will pay his first visit to 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa this month since work began to build and upgrade stadia. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has reassured former club Celtic that he has no interest in trying to lure their star midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura to the Premiership. . . . more . . .
David Beckham's future with England appears to have been fully endorsed by Los Angeles Galaxy's general manager, Alexi Lalas. . . . more . . .
Barcelona forward Ludovic Giuly is set to leave the Spanish champions at the end of this season - and could sign with either Marseille or Monaco, his father said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Ze Roberto is set to rejoin Bayern Munich next season, the German first division club's general manager Uli Hoeness said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has extended his contract with Juventus by a year till 2012, the Italian second division club said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
David Beckham is doubtful for Real Madrid's key league match away to Zaragoza on Saturday due to the ankle knock he picked up while playing for England, the Spanish giants said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Australian international striker Mark Viduka has completed his move from Middlesbrough to Newcastle after passing a medical on Thursday. . . . more . . .
France striker Sidney Govou on Thursday launched a scathing attack on his Brazilian team-mate Juninho, accusing him of being egotistical. . . . more . . .
Star striker Benni McCarthy was left out of a South Africa squad named Thursday for an African Nations Cup qualifier in Congo next weekend. . . . more . . .
French international midfielder Franck Ribery has joined Bayern Munich from Marseille in a four-year deal, the German giants announced on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina has penned a new deal with Champions League finalists Liverpool, the club said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Real president Ramon Calderon said on Thursday that his club has held discussions with Chelsea's flying Dutch winger Arjen Robben. . . . more . . .
German striker Miroslav Klose admitted for the first time on Thursday he will join Bayern Munich in 2008 or earlier if his club Werder Bremen accepts the German giants' asking price. . . . more . . .
Despite losing to a world class Netherlands 3-1, Thailand coach Chanvit Phalajivin says his team's confidence has been boosted as they prepare for a pre-Asian Cup training camp in Germany. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United are on the verge of a takeover by billionaire businessman Mike Ashley after club chairman Freddy Shepherd agreed to sell his shares to the tycoon on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Tim Cahill boosted Australia's hopes of winning next month's Asian Cup when he confirmed Thursday he would be fit for the tournament opener against Oman on July 8. . . . more . . .
Two clinical strikes from Fabio Quagliarella kept Italy on course for a place at Euro 2008 as the world champions beat Lithuania 2-0 in a Group B qualifying match here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
France maintained their grip on top spot in their Euro 2008 qualifying group B after a frustrating 1-0 victory over Georgia at the Stade de France in Paris on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
German striker Miroslav Klose buried the hatchet with national and Werder Bremen team-mate Torsten Frings on Wednesday over comments in the German press that Klose should quit the Bundesliga club. . . . more . . .
Valencia striker David Villa lifted the spirits of an unconvincing Spain side with both goals in a 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying group F win over Liechtenstein on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Thomas Hitzlsperger was delighted to fire Germany five points clear at the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group as his first-half goal sealed a 2-1 win over Slovakia on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker is to sign for Aston Villa, his agent Tony Finnigan said on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Scotland rode their luck before emerging 2-0 winners against the Faroe Islands in a true Euro 2008 qualifier of two halves here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
French midfielder Franck Ribery is expected to sign for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the next few days, Olympique Marseille's president confirmed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Scott Parker has signed a five-year, seven-million pound (10.3-million euro) contract for West Ham, the London club said on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Thailand were given plenty to think about before next month's Asian Cup campaign after a quality Netherlands side coasted to a 3-1 victory in their international friendly on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Japan completed the Asian second qualifying round for next year's Beijing Olympics by defeating Malaysia 3-1 on Wednesday for a perfect record of six straight wins. . . . more . . .
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster is to undergo knee surgery this month that will rule him out of the game for a lengthy spell. . . . more . . .
VfL Bochum boss Marcel Koller wants to launch an audacious bid to sign talented German international striker Lukas Podolski from German giants Bayern Munich on loan, it was revealed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Werder Bremen are interested in signing France international midfielder Alou Diarra from French champions Lyon, the Bundesliga side's manager, Klaus Allofs, revealed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Bolton Wanderers midfielder Andranik Teymourian is hoping a new-look Iran can forget the disappointment of the World Cup with a successful Asian Cup campaign, but is wary of Australia. . . . more . . .
A David Beckham-inspired England eased the pressure on manager Steve McClaren on Wednesday with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Estonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier. . . . more . . .
Turkish champions Fenerbahce said Wednesday that they had signed veteran Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos from Spanish giants Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Japan striker Naohiro Takahara has warned that Australia's arrival in the Asian Cup has made his country's bid for a third straight Asian Cup more difficult. . . . more . . .
Brazil drew 0-0 with Turkey in a friendly at German side Borussia Dortmund's stadium on Tuesday as the South Americans warmed-up for the Copa America. . . . more . . .
England manager Steve McClaren has called on England to have patience when they face Estonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Greek footballing giants Panathinaikos appointed Jose Peseiro as their coach on Tuesday on a two year contract. . . . more . . .
Former international referee Anders Frisk has hit out at Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for creating an unfair aura around the club's games during their failed bid to win the Champions League this season. . . . more . . .
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admitted on Tuesday that Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is top of their shopping list this summer. . . . more . . .
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has promised transfer activity next week in a bid to improve the club's Premiership record and make a serious title challenge next season. . . . more . . .
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is in transfer talks with Premiership rivals Newcastle and West Ham. . . . more . . .
Liverpool officials have stepped up their attacks on European governing body UEFA for its claims that the club's fans are the worst behaved in Europe. . . . more . . .
Guy Roux, who retired after 43 years as Auxerre coach two years ago, is to make a comeback in charge of French first division outfit Lens, club cources said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Australia's national coach has expressed concern that striker Mark Viduka will miss next month's Asian Cup finals as he considers a number of big-money offers from English Premiership clubs. . . . more . . .
The lawyer of Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is bidding for Manchester City, remained tight-lipped on Tuesday on a report that a deal was close. . . . more . . .
Thailand fear they may be overrun by the all-out attacking style of the Netherlands in their Asian Cup warm-up match here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech has warned against taking football minnows Georgia for granted when the sides meet Wednesday in the final Euro 2008 qualifier before the summer holidays. . . . more . . .
Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom believes David Beckham's return to the England line-up has made Steve McClaren's side a more potent threat. . . . more . . .
Monaco coach Laurent Banide has been released by the principality club, a source close to the team said Monday. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have given manager Rafael Benitez a post-Champions League boost by signing new four-year contracts with the club. . . . more . . .
Brazil has the "right" to host the 2014 World Cup because of its rich footballing heritage and the fact that the last tournament held there was in 1950, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday. . . . more . . .
France winger Franck Ribery appears to be close to sealing a deal to join German giants Bayern Munich after Marseille revealed Monday that talks between the two clubs were progressing smoothly. . . . more . . .
Cameroon fired a six-goal warning as the group phase of the 2008 Beijing Olympics football qualifiers kicked off in Africa. . . . more . . .
Claudio Ranieri was appointed as the new coach of newly-promoted Juventus on Monday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United's veteran Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be out of action until July after undergoing an operation on an injured knee on Monday. . . . more . . .
Liverpool officials have hit back angrily at a new report from European football's governing body UEFA which slated the club's fans as being the worst behaved in Europe. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho, whose expanding waistline has raised alarm bells in the Spanish press, needs to train more, Brazil's national coach Dunga has said. . . . more . . .
Francesco Totti could end his sabbatical from international duty this September, but is only prepared to make himself available for Italy's crucial matches. . . . more . . .
Wigan have made a double raid on Newcastle United to snap up centre-back Titus Bramble and French forward Antoine Sibierski on free transfers, the club said Monday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United have shown no interest in signing Bolton's French international striker Nicolas Anelka according to Bolton chairman Phil Gartside. . . . more . . .
South Korean winger Seol Ki-hyeon says that if he is not an automatic pick by Reading boss Steve Coppell come January he will consider leaving the club. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe believes the club will be reinstated to the Premiership following their relegation on the final day of last season. . . . more . . .
Scottish Football Association (SFA) president George Peat has called on the Tartan Army, the fans of the country's football team, to come up with a new national anthem after branding Flower of Scotland a "total dirge". . . . more . . .
Roman Abramovich take note - Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack admitted on Sunday the best coach he has ever worked with is not Jose Mourinho, but German national coach Joachim Loew. . . . more . . .
Werder Bremen admitted in the German press on Sunday they are ready to discuss a multi-million euro transfer with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for German international striker Miroslav Klose. . . . more . . .
Rejuvenated France striker Nicolas Anelka has called for talks with Bolton in a bid to determine his future destination in English football. . . . more . . .
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa ordered an inquiry Sunday into the cause of a stampede that killed 12 supporters and left dozens more wounded at a stadium following an international football match. . . . more . . .
The European Championships qualification group F match between Denmark and Sweden here on Saturday was abandoned in the 90th mniute with the scores level at 3-3. . . . more . . .
Australia have asked English Premier League side Middlesbrough to get under-used goalkeeper Brad Jones more playing time, hoping to prepare him for his national duties. . . . more . . .
Michael Owen is no stranger to fighting battles. . . . more . . .
David Beckham has told LA Galaxy they must do everything they can to help him continue his unexpected England revival. . . . more . . .
Euro 2008 joint hosts Switzerland held Argentina to a surprising 1-1 draw in a friendly on Saturday, after a combative performance that stifled the Albiceleste's trial Copa America line-up. . . . more . . .
Second half goals from Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka shot France to the top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group B putting them well on course to qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland. . . . more . . .
VfB Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez scored twice as Germany went back to the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group with a 6-0 win over minnows San Marino in Nuremberg on Saturday night. . . . more . . .
Ryan Giggs's final match for Wales saw the hosts hold high-flyers the Czech Republic to a goalless draw in a Group D Euro 2008 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Angola and Nigeria had hopes of becoming the first qualifiers for the 2008 African Nations Cup dashed on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Russia gained an expected easy three points after a confident 4-0 win over Andorra in their 2008 European championship's Group E qualifier here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
German international midfielder Torsten Frings said on Saturday he thinks his Werder Bremen teammate - and Bayern Munich target - Miroslav Klose will not stay with the Bundesliga side. . . . more . . .
Hertha Berlin's new coach Lucien Favre said Saturday he had fulfilled his life-long ambition by moving to the German capital to coach the Bundesliga side. . . . more . . .
Understudy goalkeeper Brad Jones dropped a clanger to allow Uruguay to come from behind and beat Australia 2-1 in a football friendly here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
New Eintracht Frankfurt signing Junichi Inamoto wants to sit out Japan's Asian Cup defence next month and focus on the Bundesliga club's pre-season training, a press report said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and two fellow Togo team-mates will not be in the side to face Sierra Leone in an African Nations Cup group nine qualifier on Sunday, a team official has confirmed. . . . more . . .
Ethiopia edged the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 to throw their African Nations Cup qualifying group wide open. . . . more . . .
France and Ukraine go head to head in Paris on Saturday with both teams deprived of some of their star players and the top spot in Group B of Euro 2008 qualifying at stake for the winner. . . . more . . .
David Beckham won universal praise from his team-mates after his triumphant comeback in Friday's 1-1 draw with Brazil at the new Wembley. . . . more . . .
Chelsea have followed Manchester United's recent spending spree by boosting their attacking reserves with the signing of Peruvian forward Claudio Pizarro. . . . more . . .
David Beckham does not do low key. . . . more . . .
A French court on Friday sentenced a Nigerian former footballer who played for a top French club, Godwin Okpara, to 13 years in prison for the rape of his adopted daughter. . . . more . . .
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said Friday that he agreed a new contract at the London club, despite knowing he was not guaranteed a starting berth in Arsene Wenger's team. . . . more . . .
Indonesia easily outclassed Hong Kong 3-0 in a friendly here Friday but took a big blow ahead of next month's Asian Cup after losing star striker Boas Salossa with a possible broken leg. . . . more . . .
France and Ukraine go head to head in Paris on Saturday with both teams deprived of some of their star players and the top spot in Group B of Euro 2008 qualifying at stake for the winner. . . . more . . .
Emblematic skipper Raul and his Real Madrid team-mate Guti will be missing for Spain as they go in search of the points that could revive their sagging Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. . . . more . . .
Former Norwich boss Nigel Worthington has been appointed Northern Ireland manager until the end of their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. . . . more . . .
The football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana ranks among the most intense in Africa. . . . more . . .
Manchester United have been forced to cancel a proposed match in Kuala Lumpur as part of their Far East tour. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are vying for the signature of Paris Saint Germain's Czech international defender David Rozehnal, according to the player's agent. . . . more . . .
Villareal sharpshooter Diego Forlan will spearhead a three-pronged strike force for Uruguay in their Copa America warm-up football match against Australia here Saturday. . . . more . . .
Star French forward Thierry Henry sidestepped questions on Friday about his Arsenal future amid speculation that Barcelona and Inter Milan are ready to sign him. . . . more . . .
Marseille's emblematic midfielder Frank Ribery could be set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, according to a report here Friday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United fans will be in for a treat when Brazilian Anderson joins a star-studded midfield at Old Trafford, according to Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa. . . . more . . .
As England's fortunes have gone from bad to worse during Steve McClaren's troubled reign, the beleaguered coach has increasingly resembled a gambler desperately trying to claw back his losses with one big bet. . . . more . . .