German striker Patrick Helmes struck with two second-half goals as a weakened Bayern Munich side were beaten 3-1 in their pre-season friendly at second division Cologne on Tuesday night. . . . more . . .
Two scrappy second half goals handed Rangers an unconvincing victory over Montenegro minnows FK Zeta in a Champions League second preliminary round first leg match at Ibrox here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid's new coach Bernd Schuster expressed relief on Tuesday the Spanish giants have lost their star players - Los Galacticos - and can concentrate on being a European force again. . . . more . . .
The ruler of Dubai has awarded 5.5 million dollars to Iraq's national football team for its victory in the Asian Cup final, a football official said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's tour of China and Japan is not the best way of preparing for the upcoming season, the team's French World Cup and Euro winning defender Lilian Thuram said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Freddy Adu, the 18-year-old Ghana-born US forward who joined Major League Soccer at age 14, has departed Real Salt Lake to play for Benfica of Portugal, the European club announced. . . . more . . .
Spanish side Villarreal's penchant for Manchester United's unwanted strikers continued on Tuesday as they signed Italian Under-21 international Giuseppe Rossi for 6.7million pounds. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster says his side "needs" Chelsea's Dutch international winger Arjen Robben who has two years left on his contract with the London club. . . . more . . .
Carlos Tevez is expected to give evidence when his long-running transfer saga reaches the High Court on August 22. . . . more . . .
Tottenham signed Germany Under-21 midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng from Hertha Berlin on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness branded himself "stupid" on Tuesday for not spending the German giants' millions to assemble Bavaria's dream team sooner. . . . more . . .
Sunderland manager Roy Keane hopes to complete the signings of Cork City striker Roy O'Donovan and another unnamed player this week. . . . more . . .
South Korea winger Seol Ki-Hyeon has admitted he is considering a move to Fulham. . . . more . . .
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has rubbished reports that he is ready to sell Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins. . . . more . . .
Brazil, the only candidate bidding to host the 2014 World Cup, on Tuesday officially presented its bid at the headquarters of world football's governing body FIFA in Zurich. . . . more . . .
Barcelona midfielder Deco has admitted he would love to be reunited with Jose Mourinho. . . . more . . .
Chelsea face a nervous wait to see if Brazil defender Alex will be given a work permit after he was unable to link up with his new club. . . . more . . .
A human rights organisation has slammed the Premier League for allowing former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Barcelona head to Asia on Thursday for a pre-season tour reinvigorated by their new signing Thierry Henry who scored during his debut last week for the club at an exhibition match in Scotland. . . . more . . .
Celtic will begin the defence of their Scottish Premier League title against Kilmarnock on Sunday but their supporters have loftier ambitions than mere domestic success. . . . more . . .
The promotion champagne has only just gone flat in Derby, Sunderland and Birmingham, but already the English Premiership's three newcomers will be fearing the inevitable hangover. . . . more . . .
The jury is still out on Obafemi Martins, who scored 17 goals in his first season at Newcastle United, but failed to convince all their supporters that he represents a worthy successor to the great names who have worn the No.9 jersey. . . . more . . .
Spanish international winger Jose Antonio Reyes became the eighth player to join Atletico Madrid in the close season when he moved from English Premiership side Arsenal for a fee believed to be 12million euros on a four year contract. . . . more . . .
Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham will not play in Tuesday's Superliga match at Major League Soccer rival FC Dallas, missing his third game since joining the US club due to a sore ankle. . . . more . . .
Newly-promoted Premiership side Birmingham City continued their overhaul of the squad on Monday by signing Egyptian international midfielder Hossam Ghaly from Premier League rivals Spurs for around 3million pounds. . . . more . . .
Brazil, the only candidate bidding to host the 2014 World Cup, is set to officially present its bid at the headquarters of world football's governing body FIFA in Zurich on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona head to Asia on Thursday for a pre-season tour reinvigorated by their new signing Thierry Henry who scored during his debut last week for the club at an exhibition match in Scotland. . . . more . . .
Marseille have loaned out Slovenian international defender Bostjan Cesar to English Championship side West Bromwich Albion with the option to buy, revealed Marseille club president Pape Diouf on Monday. . . . more . . .
Atletico Madrid will move to a bigger capacity stadium in 2010 under an agreement reached with the local council, the Spanish first division club's president and city officials said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Freddy Adu, the most recognisable name in the Major League Soccer, was on Monday poised to sign a five year deal with Portuguese side Benfica. . . . more . . .
Bundesliga club SV Hamburg said Monday they had completed the signing of Dutch international winger Romeo Castelen from Feyenoord on a four-year contract. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid will later this week offer AC Milan 90 million euros (123 million US dollars) for the Italian side's Brazilian star Kaka, Spanish sports daily Marca reported Monday. . . . more . . .
Japan's national squad and coach Ivica Osim returned home Monday after losing the Asian Cup but their spirit remained intact as attention turned to making the 2010 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger faces his biggest challenge in a decade at Arsenal as he tries to stop his club slipping into Premiership obscurity. . . . more . . .
Rangers manager Walter Smith admits to having a 10-million-pound headache ahead of his side's Champions League qualifier against Montenegro minnows FK Zeta at Ibrox on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Rafael Benitez launches his fourth season in charge at Liverpool under real pressure to deliver silverware to the Anfield trophy room. . . . more . . .
Spanish international Jose Antonio Reyes, on-loan from Arsenal to Real Madrid last season, is set to join Atletico Madrid on a four-year contract, Spanish sports daily Marca reported on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Iraq erupted in joy and celebratory gunfire on Sunday when the country's national football squad won the Asian Cup and united its bitterly divided communities in a rare moment of celebration. . . . more . . .
A memorable piece of individual skill by Dutch international Robin van Persie helped Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Italian champions Inter Milan on Sunday which also secured the Emirates Cup trophy. . . . more . . .
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed bin Hammam vowed improvements to the Asian Cup as Qatar was officially confirmed Sunday as host country for the next tournament in 2011. . . . more . . .
David Beckham's sore ankle meant the Los Angeles Galaxy's new star could again only watch Saturday as they fell 2-1 to Chivas Guadalajara in a SuperLiga tournament group match. . . . more . . .
England's hopes of staging the 2018 World Cup received a major boost on Sunday from Franz Beckenbauer who insisted there was "only one serious candidate". . . . more . . .
Iraq declared an overnight vehicle curfew in Baghdad and stepped up security as the country braced itself for celebrations and possible bomb attacks following the Asian Cup football final. . . . more . . .
Skipper Younis Mahmoud's thumping headed goal crowned Iraq as the Asian Cup champions for the first time with a stirring 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the final here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Australian Vince Grella has lashed the gamesmanship and chicanery of the Socceroos' rivals and the standard of refereeing at the Asian Cup, calling it disgraceful. . . . more . . .
Jose Mourinho has found himself in the unusual position of being out-gunned in the transfer market, but he believes his decision to go back to basics will prove decisive in the race for the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo could have gone in one of two directions at Manchester United last season. . . . more . . .
Arsenal beat Paris St Germain 2-0 on Saturday to win their opening game of the four-team Emirates Cup at the London club's home ground. . . . more . . .
Club record signing Darren Bent scored twice as English Premiership club Tottenham brushed aside Orlando Pirates of South Africa 3-0 to lift the Vodacom Challenge Saturday. . . . more . . .
Miroslav Klose struck for Bayern Munich as the Bavarian giants won the German League Cup with a 1-0 win over Schalke 04 on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Glasgow Rangers warmed up for their Champions League campaign by beating Chelsea 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho scored twice as Barcelona beat Hearts 3-1 in a pre-season friendly watched by 57,857 people at Murrayfield on Saturday. . . . more . . .
South Korea battled a man short and embroiled in their third straight penalty shootout to beat Japan in a marathon play-off for third place at the Asian Cup here Saturday. . . . more . . .
Nine-time champions Spartak Moscow remained top of the Russian league although they were held to a 1-1 draw at Vladivostok on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Fulham have agreed a fee for highly-rated Irishman Roy O'Donovan and he will undergo a medical this week, manager Lawrie Sanchez said. . . . more . . .
Rafael Benitez shrugged off concerns over new-look Liverpool's firepower after they failed to find the net in the Asia Trophy loss to Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid need a Michael Ballack type player in midfield to help them defend their Spanish title, coach Bernd Schuster believes. . . . more . . .
The best defence takes on the best attack in the tournament as Iraq and Saudi Arabia play off for the region's premier football crown in the Asian Cup final here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Brazil's Jorvan Vieira will quit as Iraqi national coach after their Asian Cup final with Saudi Arabia here on Sunday and is in talks to take over from Dutchman Pim Verbeek at South Korea. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger says midfielder Gilberto will continue to wear the captain's armband for Arsenal this season. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp launched a furious tirade at Niall Quinn after the Sunderland chairman accused him of spending "silly money" in the transfer market. . . . more . . .
When the whistle blows at the Stadium of Light to start the Premiership season on August 11, attention will finally turn to players rather than pound notes. . . . more . . .
Romanian international defender Cristian Chivu finally completed his 13-million euro move from Rome to Inter Milan on Friday, bringing to an end the most protracted transfer saga in Serie A this summer. . . . more . . .
Thierry Henry insisted on Friday that he will always have affection for Arsenal despite his summer move to Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Thierry Henry said Friday he was delighted to have made a goalscoring start on his Barcelona debut in Thursday's 1-0 friendly win at Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Bernd Schuster's reign at Real Madrid began with a 2-0 friendly win over English Championship side Stoke City on Friday with Raul and Roberto Soldado on target. . . . more . . .
David Beckham will not play Saturday for the Los Angeles Galaxy in a Superliga match here against Chivas of Mexico because of his injured left ankle, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Gabriel Heinze that Manchester United remain confident they will not be forced to sell him to Liverpool - despite the Argentinian's decision to enlist Anfield solicitors in a bid to force the move. . . . more . . .
Dutch international Boudewijn Zenden said on Friday he had no regrets moving from Liverpool to mediterranean giants Marseille. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper David James was the hero as Portsmouth withstood a Liverpool barrage before snatching the Asia Trophy title 4-2 on penalties here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United new boy Nani wrapped up the club's Far East tour with a stunning goal in a 3-0 win against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in China on Friday. . . . more . . .
Benfica captain Simao Sabrosa, who had been targeted by Liverpool, was officially unveiled on Friday as a player of Spanish Primera Liga side Atletico Madrid for the next four seasons. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz could join Blackburn in the next 24 hours according to Mark Hugues, the manager of the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger has hinted France defender William Gallas could captain Arsenal this season despite publicly criticising the club. . . . more . . .
French international striker Thierry Henry enjoyed a goal-scoring debut for Barcelona as the Spanish giants defeated Scottish Premier League side Dundee United 1-0 in a friendly on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Sunderland boss Roy Keane on Thursday completed his sixth signing of the summer when he lured defender Paul McShane from West Brom. . . . more . . .
UEFA decided on Thursday to ban Serbia's Partizan Belgrade from European competitions for a one-year period due to violence at last week's UEFA Cup qualifier in Bosnia, the club said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Portuguese international striker Simao was expected to finalise his move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid later Thursday, the Spanish club announced. . . . more . . .
Cristian Chivu's protracted transfer saga appears to be almost over with the Romanian international close to completing a move from Roma to Serie A rivals Inter Milan, his agent said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Egypt striker Mido's proposed move to Birmingham is close to collapse, according to the Premiership club's manager Steve Bruce. . . . more . . .
England defender Luke Young completed his 2.5 million pounds move to Middlesbrough on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson vowed to carry on spending after signing Bulgarian international winger Martin Petrov for 4.7 million pounds from Atletico Madrid. . . . more . . .
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez on Thursday said it was up to Michael Brown whether to move to Wigan after an offer was accepted for the midfielder. . . . more . . .
Bolton have agreed to sign Sweden winger Christian Wilhelmsson on loan from Nantes. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper David James on Thursday said he would fight to return to the England set-up after his rejuvenating first season at Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch on Thursday said he was confident of playing a key role this season despite intense new competition for places. . . . more . . .
The Iraqi team are on an emotional rollercoaster after reaching their first Asian Cup final as it took a bloody toll back home where at least 50 celebrating fans were killed. . . . more . . .
Spanish side Villarreal on Thursday became the latest club to indicate an interest in signing French international striker Nicolas Anelka from English Premiership outfit Bolton Wanderers according to sports daily Marca. . . . more . . .
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn into a new dispute with Jose Mourinho on Thursday after the latest verbal salvo from the Chelsea boss. . . . more . . .
Liverpool will be at full strength for the Asia Trophy final after record signing Fernando Torres was given permission to play and Steven Gerrard recovered from injury, their coach said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
British football legend Bobby Charlton on Thursday led a training session for young Cambodian players, as the impoverished country tries to boost its ailing football set-up. . . . more . . .
Japanese media on Thursday blamed fatigue for the national team's 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia who ended Japan's bid for a third straight Asian Cup victory. . . . more . . .
Three Thai international players have secured trials at Manchester City at the request of the club's new owner and deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, local newspapers reported Thursday. . . . more . . .
The Iraqi team are on an emotional rollercoaster after reaching their first Asian Cup final as it took a bloody toll back home where at least 26 celebrating fans were killed. . . . more . . .
Coach Pim Verbeek says crushed South Korean will recover from the anguish of their defeat on penalties to Iraq and regroup mentally for Saturday's "terrible" play-off for third place at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Portuguese international Deco, who has been linked to a move to the English Premiership, will be staying put at the Spanish club, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
French star Franck Ribery continued his impressive early form by scoring the opening goal and creating a second in Bayern Munich's 2-0 League Cup semi-final win over German champions VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Saudi football fans poured on to the streets of the main cities Riyadh and Jeddah in celebration on Wednesday after their national team powered their way into the final of the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Premiership new-boys Derby completed Claude Davis's three million pounds transfer from Sheffield United after the Jamaican defender was granted a work permit on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused agents of causing Gabriel Heinze to consider quitting Manchester United for a move to Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia reached the final of the Asian Cup for the sixth time in seven tournaments with a smash-and-grab 3-2 win over Japan here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
German midfielder Torsten Frings was a relieved man on Wednesday night after discovering his knee ligament injury was only a strain - not a tear as first feared. . . . more . . .
Iraq stunned South Korea 4-3 on penalties Wednesday and Saudi Arabia upset defending champions Japan 3-2 to set up an Asian Cup final few expected to see. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan's general manager Ernesto Paolillo on Wednesday confirmed the club's interest in signing Christian Chivu from Roma, but said no agreement had yet been struck with their Serie A rivals. . . . more . . .
England defender Luke Young is on the verge of completing his move to Middlesbrough after passing a medical with the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Jose Mourinho has warned Rafa Benitez that the pressure is on Liverpool to end their long wait for the Premiership title. . . . more . . .
China striker Dong Fangzhou insists he has not given up hope of becoming a Manchester United star. . . . more . . .
Steven Gerrard admitted he can't wait to lead Liverpool out at their new 60,000-seat stadium after the club unveiled the plans for the spectacular Stanley Park arena. . . . more . . .
His wonder-goal against Liverpool drew comparisons with Ronaldinho, but Li Haiqiang is not packing his bags just yet. . . . more . . .
Celtic and Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura believes that his international duty at the Asian Cup has made him a more complete player. . . . more . . .
Los Angeles Galaxy coach Frank Yallop wants to keep England football icon David Beckham on the bench until his sore left ankle is healed and the midfielder is 100 percent fit. . . . more . . .
The Czech Republic's hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals suffered a second blow on Tuesday when experienced defender Martin Jiranek was ruled out of their next two qualifiers. . . . more . . .
French first division side Paris Saint Germain on Tuesday agreed terms with league rivals Lens over the transfer of their Ivory Coast international striker Bonaventure Kalou, announced PSG club president Alain Cayzac. . . . more . . .
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira launched a furious tirade Tuesday against the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after his team was forced to wait six hours to get into their hotel. . . . more . . .
British football legend Bobby Charlton arrived in Cambodia Tuesday for a goodwill visit that is hoped to boost the country's ailing football programme. . . . more . . .
Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez was left frustrated on Tuesday after red tape and an injury to Steven Gerrard forced him to field a makeshift side in an unimpressive 3-1 win over South China. . . . more . . .
The Carlos Tevez transfer saga is to be settled in the High Court after it emerged that the Argentine striker's representatives are set to launch legal action against West Ham. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka pledged his future to the European champions on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Fulham accepted an offer from Wigan for midfielder Michael Brown on Monday, according to manager Lawrie Sanchez. . . . more . . .
Liverpool find themselves in a familiar position as everyone's outside bet to win the Premiership this season, but the club's stars are fed up of talking a good game. . . . more . . .
Zimbabwe international Benjani Mwaruwari struck just before half-time as Portsmouth edged Fulham 1-0 to reach the Asia Trophy final on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery said on Tuesday he is looking forward to taking on Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday and forging a midfield partnership with Bastian Schweinsteiger. . . . more . . .
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra expects Sven Goran Eriksson to sign at least two Thailand stars as he continues rebuilding the Premiership team. . . . more . . .
Italian Serie A club Catania on Tuesday cancelled their tour of Japan, blaming a powerful earthquake that caused a small nuclear radiation leak. . . . more . . .
Ivory Coast international Boubacar Sanogo has waved goodbye to Hamburg's boo boys and signed a four-year contract at Werder Bremen, the club announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Defending champions Japan are wary of an "all-new" Saudi Arabia led by danger man Yasser Al Qahtani as the long-time rivals gear up for their Asian Cup semi-final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira has refused to say whether he will sign a new contract after defying the odds to guide his team to the Asian Cup semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira launched a furious tirade Tuesday against the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after his team was forced to wait six hours to get into their hotel. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has expressed anger at the conduct of Gabriel Heinze's agent and again vowed to block any move by Liverpool for the Argentinian defender. . . . more . . .
Paul Scholes is set to miss the start of the Premiership season after flying home early from Manchester United's Asian tour with a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Los Angeles, where Magic Johnson brought "Showtime" to the Lakers and Jack Nicholson defined courtside cool, has a new game in town thanks to David Beckham. . . . more . . .
England star David Beckham, suffering a sore left ankle that trimmed his much-heralded debut with Los Angeles to a 12-minute substitute's cameo, is questionable for the Galaxy's game Tuesday. . . . more . . .
German international striker Mario Gomez declined a possible move to Italian giants Juventus on Monday and extended his contract with German champions VfB Stuttgart till 2012. . . . more . . .
Czech international David Lafata is likely to miss their Euro 2008 Group D qualification ties against San-Marino and Ireland in September after suffering a torn back muscle, reported the press agency CTK on Monday. . . . more . . .
World football's governing body FIFA on Monday met with representatives of the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League to discuss the transfer of Argentina striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham to Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Lyon's Brazilian playmaker Juninho has fully recovered from the thigh injury that kept him out of the Peace Cup in South Korea, announced the French champions on Monday. . . . more . . .
English Premier League champions Manchester United handed FC Shenzhen a footballing lesson with a 6-0 victory in Macau Monday, even though they were missing injured midfielder Paul Scholes. . . . more . . .
Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has completed his move to fellow London club West Ham. . . . more . . .
Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, the new main shareholder of English Premier League side Birmingham City, said Monday he planned to bring Hong Kong and mainland Chinese players to the club. . . . more . . .
Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez on Monday said the club's lawyers were working on ways to prise defender Gabriel Heinze away from Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has been handed a new three-year contract and is expected to sign the deal on return from the Reds' tour of Asia. . . . more . . .
Liverpool star Steven Gerrard on Monday predicted a wide-open Premier League season with several teams challenging for the title. . . . more . . .
Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has gained effective control of Manchester City football club and will delist it from the stock exchange, his lawyer said Monday. . . . more . . .
Record Liverpool signing Fernando Torres on Monday said he hoped his big-money move would make him famous around the globe. . . . more . . .
South Korea's elation at staying alive in the Asian Cup has been tempered by only two days' recovery from their draining two-hour win over Iran on penalties. . . . more . . .
Disgruntled coach Ivica Osim has told Japan to forget about Australia and start working harder as they brace themselves for an Asian Cup semi-final clash with arch-rivals Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
South Korea's elation at staying alive in the Asian Cup has been tempered by only two days' recovery from their draining two-hour win over Iran on penalties. . . . more . . .
Newcastle suffered another injury blow on Sunday when England midfielder Joey Barton was ruled out for six weeks after breaking a metatarsal in his left foot. . . . more . . .
The Premier League on Sunday agreed to pump more than 90 million pounds (133.9 million euros) into the Football League in a bid to reduce the financial chasm that separates the top flight clubs and the lower league sides. . . . more . . .
Egyptian giants Al-Ahly were slammed by their own coach Manuel Jose Sunday despite a win that virtually sealed an African Champions League semi-finals place. . . . more . . .
South African striker Benni McCarthy illustrated why he was targetted by Chelsea with one of the goals in Blackburn Rovers' 2-0 Intertoto Cup win over FK Vetra of Lithuania on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Spanish gaints Barcelona will step up measures aimed at enforcing player discipline after a series of bust-ups that damaged the team's performance last season. . . . more . . .
Spanish champions Real Madrid headed to Austria on Sunday for a pre-season training camp without their unsettled Italian international striker Antonio Cassano. . . . more . . .
The 2008 African Nations Cup draw in Ghana has been moved forward one day to October 19, the organisers said Sunday. . . . more . . .
Heavyweights South Korea and Saudi Arabia earned their places in the Asian Cup semi-finals Sunday, joining Japan and Iraq as the teams still standing in the regional showpiece. . . . more . . .
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa staged a heroic comeback this weekend to get their African Confederation Cup group campaign off to a winning start. . . . more . . .
Injured Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski, voted the best young player at last year's World Cup, has vowed on Sunday to win back his place with the German giants. . . . more . . .
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman on Sunday warned fans that a takeover by an overseas investor may not be good news for the club, amid mounting speculation that American billionaire Stan Kroenke is set to launch a bid. . . . more . . .
Australian captain Mark Viduka is considering his international future following the Socceroos exit from the Asian Cup, but insists he has no regrets about playing in the tournament. . . . more . . .
Dong Fangzhou will link-up with Manchester United's Asian tour party Sunday, but the China international has been told he will not be selected to face Shenzhen of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical. . . . more . . .
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira is far from happy despite his side cruising into the Asian Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Vietnam. . . . more . . .
Australia and its highly paid European-based stars were hotly tipped to waltz through the Asian Cup on their debut appearance, but they learnt a hard lesson. . . . more . . .
David Beckham made a low-key start to his US football career here Saturday, making a 12-minute cameo appearance for Los Angeles Galaxy in a 1-0 defeat by English giants Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Following a troubled final season at French champions Lyon, former Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord wants to put his career back on track at Rennes, the club where his professional career began ten years ago. . . . more . . .
Etoile Sahel of Tunisia equalled the best result in the African Champions League group phase this year by walloping Jeunesse Sportive Kabylie of Algeria 3-0 Saturday. . . . more . . .
French midfielder Franck Ribery struck either side of half-time to book Bayern Munich's place in the German League Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 defeat of Werder Bremen on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra is expected here on Monday to sign a four-year deal with the French first division side, club president Jean-Louis Triaud said on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Spanish international defender Ivan Helguera has signed a three-year contract with Valencia after leaving champions Real Madrid on a free transfer. . . . more . . .
Skipper Younis Mahmoud powered Iraq into only their second Asian Cup semi-final with a double to sink Vietnam 2-0 here Saturday. . . . more . . .
French league champions Lyon on Saturday agreed terms with domestic league rivals Rennes over the transfer of striker Sylvain Wiltord, announced Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Saturday striker Miroslav Klose's move to Bayern Munich will benefit both the player and the German national side in their quest to reach Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
French club Lyon made it third time lucky when they claimed the Peace Cup by defeating English Premiership side Bolton 1-0 in South Korea on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Armin Veh, the coach of reigning Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart, insisted on Saturday Bayern Munich must start the new season as favourites after their multi-million summer signings. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia's Brazilian coach Helio Dos Anjos said Saturday that former Asian player of the year Hamad Al Montashari can still be an important player for his country. . . . more . . .
Japan won a tense penalty shootout here Saturday to beat a desperately unlucky Australia after a high-octane game in gruelling conditions to make the Asian Cup semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that Manchester United have no other plans in place should they fail to sign West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. . . . more . . .
Al-Ahly of Egypt moved closer to a record third consecutive African Champions League title by outclassing Esperance of Tunisia 3-0 this weekend. . . . more . . .
Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has firmly denied that he is to launch a takeover bid for English soccer team Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Former England striker Robbie Fowler has agreed to join Championship side Cardiff on a two-year deal. . . . more . . .
Manchester United will tour South Africa in 2008 after admitting that Africa and Asia, rather than the United States, are the regions where their fan-base is most fanatical. . . . more . . .
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has found Asia to a baptism of fire from a footballing perspective, and an eye opener on a more personal front. . . . more . . .
Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas says his players will have to learn to deal with the massive scrutiny that comes with playing alongside new star David Beckham. . . . more . . .
Toronto police on Friday denied heavy-handed tactics were to blame for ugly clashes between officers and members of Chile's Under-20 football team. . . . more . . .
Relegated Charlton lost two of their international stars on Friday as Danish striker Dennis Rommedahl was sold to Ajax Amsterdam and defender Luke Young was set to move to Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Newcastle striker Michael Owen, who has been cursed by injury in the last two years, suffered another setback on Friday when he hurt his thigh in training. . . . more . . .
Everton made their second signing of the summer on Friday when they captured South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar on a 12-month loan deal from Borussia Dortmund. . . . more . . .
Bolton coach Sammy Lee admitted on Friday that French striker Nicolas Anelka will be allowed to leave if the club receives an offer from a major team. . . . more . . .
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insisted Friday that he would not be looking to recruit a striker to replace Thierry Henry and had no intention of bidding for Bolton's French forward Nicolas Anelka. . . . more . . .
Borussia Dortmund's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar has joined Everton on a one-season loan, the German first division club said on Friday. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo enhanced his standing as arguably the most popular player in the Far East by producing a magical 45-minute display as Manchester United defeated FC Seoul 4-0 here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Spanish champions Real Madrid on Friday unveiled Polish international keeper Jerzy Dudek, formerly of Liverpool, as their new goalkeeper after he signed a two-year deal. . . . more . . .
Birmingham have agreed a six-million-pound (12.3m dollar) fee with Tottenham for Egyptian striker Mido. . . . more . . .
Italy's Francesco Totti announced his retirement from international football on Friday. . . . more . . .
Australian captain Mark Viduka has credited widespread criticism at home of their early struggle in the Asian Cup for driving them to a quarter-final against defending champions Japan. . . . more . . .
Former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler has rejected an offer from Australian A-League side Sydney FC, the club said Friday. . . . more . . .
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira insisted Friday his side will not be taking Vietnam lightly when the teams meet here in the Asian Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Vietnam's Austrian coach Alfred Riedl has called on his team to play like men and not boys in Saturday's Asian Cup quarter-final against Iraq. . . . more . . .
Manchester United chief executive David Gill said Friday he remains hopeful that their 30 million pound move for Carlos Tevez will be wrapped up before the transfer window closes on August 31. . . . more . . .
With two first-half goals from Colombian imports, Major League Soccer's All-Stars posted a 2-0 victory over Scottish champions Celtic here Thursday in the MLS All-Star game exhibition. . . . more . . .
David Beckham sounded a pessimistic note Thursday as he discussed his race for fitness ahead of his proposed Los Angeles Galaxy debut against English FA Cup champions Chelsea on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Players at fallen English giants Leeds United have not been paid for nearly six weeks as a result of the ongoing saga surrounding the club's ownership, according to the players trade union. . . . more . . .
Michael Owen believes the new Wembley Stadium will help inspire England grab a place in the Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .
Michael Owen believes the new Wembley Stadium will help inspire England grab a place in the Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .
Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra moved to rivals Bordeaux in a 7.75 million euro deal on Thursday, the French champions announced. . . . more . . .
West Ham's 6.1-million-pound signing Julien Faubert has been ruled out of action for six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Thursday ruled out the possibility of letting defender Gabriel Heinze join Premier League rivals Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has been confirmed as the full-time coach for England Under-21s. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid are reported to be planning a dramatic 60 million euro bid to lure arch rival Barcelona's star midfielder Andres Iniesta to the Bernabeu. . . . more . . .
Former Italian international striker Christian Vieri is set to join Fiorentina, according to Italian media reports on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says the Socceroos will move up a gear for their "massive game" against Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. . . . more . . .
West Ham have denied making "inconsistent" statements about the status of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, whose proposed move to Manchester United hit fresh controversy on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Indonesia's Bulgarian coach Ivan Kolev expressed pride in his players after they bowed out of the Asian Cup in honourable fashion, as local media praised the team as heroes. . . . more . . .
Coach Amir Ghalenoei is pleased with the way his team is attacking if not the finishing as Iran gear up for an Asian Cup quarter-final with South Korea here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Defiant China coach Zhu Guanghu has apologised but is refusing to step down after a shock first-round exit at the Asian Cup, as state-run media demanded heads roll. . . . more . . .
Sacked coach Norizan Bakar has hit out at his dismissal as Malaysia's cabinet ordered the embattled football association to explain the "national disaster" at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Newly-crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid and runners-up Barcelona have killed the proverbial fatted calf this summer in an attempt to establish preeminence in La Liga next season. . . . more . . .
The Major League Soccer All-Stars will hope to turn up the heat against Scottish champions Celtic on Thursday in the mid-season MLS All-Star Game. . . . more . . .
Technique won over youth and agility when football legends past and present played a celebrity match in Cape Town Wednesday to mark statesman Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday. . . . more . . .
Malaysia coach Norizan Bakar paid the price for his team's atrocious Asian Cup showing when he was sacked on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
French World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu said on Wednesday that compatriot Franck Ribery will have to stamp his authority at his new club Bayern Munich if he wants to be a success. . . . more . . .
Uzbekistan shocked China 3-0 on Wednesday to hand the regional giants their first Asian Cup group-stage exit in 27 years. . . . more . . .
Triple champions Iran coasted to a 2-0 win over whipping boys Malaysia to finish top of group C in the Asian Cup here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia thrashed Bahrain 4-0 Wednesday to secure the points they needed to book a place in the Asian Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Paraguay international striker Roque Santa Cruz looks to be on his way out of Bayern Munich, the club's manager Uli Hoeness revealed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan announced the signing of Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez and Colombian defender Nelson Rivas on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Dutch international Arjen Robben has agreed personal terms over a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid, the BBC said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
South Korea squeezed into the Asian Cup quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Indonesia, silencing 90,000 heartbroken fans in the heaving Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Veteran Argentine defender Roberto Ayala, officially presented by Real Zaragoza on Wednesday, used the occasion to reveal he is quitting international football after winning a national record 115 caps. . . . more . . .
New Liverpool signings Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel have been confirmed for next week's Barclays Asia Trophy tournament here, organisers said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Carlos Tevez is to plead with FIFA to be allowed to join Manchester United after seeing his 30 million pound move tied up in red tape that could wreck his hopes of starting the season at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Japanese defender Yuji Nakazawa believes the hot and humid weather in Vietnam will be an advantage for his side when they take on Australia in an Asian Cup quarter-final here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Didier Drogba's 80th-minute strike lifted Chelsea to a 1-0 victory over South Korean side Suwon Bluewings here Tuesday in a friendly football match. . . . more . . .
Australia have no illusion that their defeat of Japan at last year's World Cup will give them a mental edge to beat the defending champions in their Asian Cup quarter-final on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Wayne Rooney has given the thumbs up to Manchester United's 30 million pound move for Argentina striker Carlos Tevez after admitting that he is desperate to team-up with the West Ham star. . . . more . . .
The Los Angeles Galaxy put on an unimpressive show for new star David Beckham on Tuesday, slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Mexican club Tigres UANL in a friendly football match. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at critics of Manchester United's four-game Asian tour, denying the English club merely serve their own interests when they jet out for lucrative visits. . . . more . . .
Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung may have made headlines by buying into an English Premier League team, but little is known about the low-profile tycoon. . . . more . . .
England striker Michael Owen scored his first Newcastle goal for more than 18 months as Sam Allardyce enjoyed a winning start to his new reign as coach of the English Premiership side on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin scored twice to shine on his Liverpool debut as the Premier League side enjoyed a 3-2 friendly win over Bundesliga team Werder Bremen on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Veteran Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel is on the verge of a free transfer move to Everton, the English Premiership club said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
English Premiership club Bolton reached the final of the Peace Cup on Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat of Spain's Racing Santander while Mexico's Chivas beat Seongnam Ilhwa of the South Korean K-League 1-0. . . . more . . .
Manchester United's hopes of finally capturing Carlos Tevez suffered another deley on Tuesday when they failed to secure permission from West Ham to carry out a medical on the Argentinian striker. . . . more . . .
Juventus confirmed on Tuesday the signing of Portuguese international Jorge Andrade from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna for a fee of 10 million euros. . . . more . . .
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Tuesday said it would be unwise to appoint a new director of football in the coming days because it could jeopordize his team's preparations for the new season. . . . more . . .
European champions AC Milan are to make a bid for Barcelona's Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto'o, local media reported. . . . more . . .
Brazilian international Ewerthon has become Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart's fifth new signing for the new season, the club announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa on Tuesday announced the signing of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood. . . . more . . .
Sunderland boss Roy Keane on Tuesday continued to beef up his squad ahead of the 2007-2008 season by signing Norwich City's Nigerian midfielder Dickson Etuhu on a four-year-deal. . . . more . . .
Shinji Ono denied Manchester United victory in the first game of their Asian tour with a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Paraguay international striker Oscar Cardozo on Tuesday was set to put pen to paper on a deal taking the player from Argentine club Newell's Old Boys player to Portuguese first division side Benfica. . . . more . . .
Roma completed the signing of Ludovic Giuly from Spanish side Barcelona on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni is sidelined for the next ten days and the Italian World Cup winner's knee injury is a concern for coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, the club revealed on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
European champions AC Milan are to make a bid for Barcelona's Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto'o, Marca sports daily reported on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
South Korea's Dutch coach Pim Verbeek hit back at rebel Lee Dong-guk on Tuesday after the Middlesbrough striker slammed his bosses tactics in the 2-1 defeat to Bahrain. . . . more . . .
Tim Cahill says Australia's fighting win over Thailand to progress to the Asian Cup quarter-finals was motivated by media reports of a split within the team. . . . more . . .
Iraq are thrilled to be staying in Bangkok to face Vietnam in their Asian Cup quarter-final and avoiding defending champions Japan in Hanoi on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Defiant Malaysia coach Norizan Bakar on Tuesday refused to contemplate quitting after his team's disastrous Asian Cup, despite admitting even the best psychologists can't help his players now. . . . more . . .
Arsenal are confident that coach Arsene Wenger will stay at the Emirates Stadium with chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealing on Monday that talks over a new contract for the Frenchman have opened. . . . more . . .
Thailand might be out of the Asian Cup but the whole country can be proud of what the team achieved, national coach Chanvit Polchovin says. . . . more . . .
England midfielder Kieran Richardson on Monday completed his move from Premiership champions Manchester United to top-flight newcomers Sunderland for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal. . . . more . . .
Arsenal are confident that coach Arsene Wenger will stay at the Emirates Stadium with chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealing on Monday that talks over a new contract for the Frenchman have opened. . . . more . . .
English Premiership outfit Reading edged out French side Lyon 1-0, while Argentina's River Plate beat Japan's Shimizu S-Pulse by the same score in Monday's Peace Cup action in South Korea. . . . more . . .
Police raided top British clubs Rangers, Newcastle and Portsmouth on Monday as part of a probe into alleged corruption in football. . . . more . . .
Iraq secured a fourth successive quarter-finals appearance and a clash with co-hosts Vietnam after a dire 0-0 draw with Oman here Monday that was enough to ensure top spot in group A. . . . more . . .
Skipper Mark Viduka scored two crucial second-half goals to give Australia a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Thailand to stay alive in the Asian Cup Monday. . . . more . . .
Faisal Khalil ruined Qatar's Asian Cup ambitions Monday with his last minute winner earning United Arab Emirates a 2-1 victory to prevent their Gulf neighbours making the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Talented youngster Samir Nasri was back in training on Monday with French first division side Marseille following 10 days on the sidelines through injury, the club announced here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Defending champions Japan advanced to the Asian Cup quarter-finals in style Monday with an easy 4-1 win over co-hosts Vietnam who also went through for the first time in nearly half a century. . . . more . . .
New Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster is a cool-headed individual who will bring a "philosophical" approach to the job in the new season, his assistant says. . . . more . . .
Everton are to consult their fans over a move from Goodison Park to a new stadium at nearby Kirkby. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's record 20 million pound signing Fernando Torres is set to make his debut for his new club in a pre-season friendly in Switzerland on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester City's new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, believed to have been handed a 50 million pound transfer budget, says he's taking his time in identifying the right players. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid, who pipped Barcelona at the wire for their first title in four seasons, have laid down solid foundations for the future with a clutch of top summer signings, goalkeeper Iker Casillas says. . . . more . . .
Brazil stunned bitter rivals and overwhelming favourites Argentina 3-0 to win their eighth Copa America title. . . . more . . .
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei admits he is concerned after another Jekyll-and-Hyde performance from the three-time Asian Cup champions. . . . more . . .
Malaysian football officials faced more calls to quit on Monday after the Asian Cup co-hosts' embarrassing performances claimed their first victim. . . . more . . .
Brazil stunned bitter rivals and overwhelming favourites Argentina 3-0 to win their eighth Copa America title on Sunday. . . . more . . .
China remain confident of reaching the Asian Cup final despite letting slip a precious chance to top Group C in the 2-2 draw with Iran. . . . more . . .
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed Monday that midfield dynamo Park Ji-sung will be out of action until January. . . . more . . .
Bahrain admit their 2-1 victory against South Korea in a crucial Asian Cup group D fixture owed more to luck than anything else. . . . more . . .
Manchester United are hopeful of sealing the "over-complicated" transfer of Argentina striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham within the next week or so, according to chief executive David Gill. . . . more . . .
Ismaeel Abdullatif scored a late and undeserved winner as Bahrain kicked life into their Asian Cup hopes with a 2-1 group D victory over South Korea on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to unleash almost 40 million pounds of new talent when Manchester United begin their pre-season tour of Asia in Tokyo on Monday. . . . more . . .
Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira has an intimate knowledge of the workings of Oman's team ahead of their crunch Asian Cup game here Monday with up to nine team members his one-time proteges. . . . more . . .
Iran fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with China and take the box seat in Asian Cup Group C after a topsy-turvy clash of the regional giants on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Brazil stunned bitter rivals and overwhelming favourites Argentina 3-0 to win their eighth Copa America title on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea had goals from captain John Terry and new signing Florent Malouda as the English Premiership club kicked off a pre-season US tour with a 2-1 victory over Club America of Mexico on Saturday. . . . more . . .
In-form Japan marksman Naohiro Takahara has warned tournament co-host Vietnam they will show no mercy when the two sides meet on Monday. . . . more . . .
England's Chelsea Football Club and the entertainment giant Walt Disney Co. have aligned themselves under a four-year marketing and promotion deal, it was announced on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson returned to touchline duty on Saturday for the first time since England's World Cup exit last summer and admitted he was relishing being back in football. . . . more . . .
Now that the glitz, glamour and red-carpet reception is out of the way, David Beckham needs to show he can deliver the goods on the football field, America's newspapers said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Mexico defeated Uruguay 3-1 here Saturday to claim third place in the 42nd edition of the Copa America. . . . more . . .
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho revealed on Sunday that he and Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich have held clear-the-air talks in an effort to repair their stormy relationship. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger said Saturday he would speak about his future as Arsenal manager at the "right time." . . . more . . .
FIFA have done an about-turn on their high-altitude policy by allowing Bolivia to play their 2010 World Cup qualifying matches in the capital La Paz, announced the South American football federation (Conmebol) on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Dutch winger Arjen Robben, touted for weeks as a Real Madrid target, is "very close" to quitting Premiership giants Chelsea for the Bernabeu, Spanish media said Saturday. . . . more . . .
MSV Duisburg's Brazilian striker Ailton admitted on Saturday his move to Turkish side Besiktas was a mistake. . . . more . . .
Seongnam Ilhwa of South Korea's domestic K-League played to a scoreless draw against Spain's Racing Santander in the Peace Cup on Saturday, while English Premiership club Bolton defeated Mexico's Chivas 2-0. . . . more . . .
French striker David Trezeguet insisted on Saturday that his Juventus team can win the Serie A title this season. . . . more . . .
Man-of-the-match Maksim Shatskikh struck twice as Uzbekistan hammered Malaysia 5-0 on Saturday to leave the Asian Cup co-hosts with no realistic hope of reaching the knock-out rounds. . . . more . . .
Bahrain's Czech coach Milan Macala admitted Saturday that his team is in the last chance saloon ahead of Sunday's crunch Asian Cup group D clash against South Korea. . . . more . . .
It may be their glaring inexperience or the punishing tropical weather, but the United Arab Emirates' Asian Cup campaign was likely doomed before they even arrived. . . . more . . .
South Korea's Dutch coach Pim Verbeek says his team must learn from the mistakes that cost them victory against Saudi Arabia as they prepare to tackle Bahrain in the Asian Cup on Sunday. . . . more . . .
China captain Zheng Zhi on Saturday revealed he is in talks with "one or two" clubs about a move back to the English Premier League. . . . more . . .
Outraged Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei on Saturday lashed out at his touchline ban for the crunch Group C match with China. . . . more . . .
Under-siege coach Graham Arnold back-tracked Saturday on his attack on the attitude of his misfiring team, saying he made the comments to spark them for their crucial Asian Cup clash with Thailand. . . . more . . .
An injury-time header from substitute Saad Al Harthi earnt Saudi Arabia a priceless Asian Cup win to break Indonesian hearts here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira hopes his team's famous win over diminished tournament favourites Australia at the Asian Cup may offer some temporary respite for people of the stricken country. . . . more . . .
Naohiro Takahara and Shunsuke Nakamura are proving why they have made the grade in Europe after guiding Japan to a 3-1 victory over UAE to finally wring a smile from coach Ivica Osim. . . . more . . .
David Beckham's bid to bring football in from the fringes of American sport began amid a burst of confetti and booming rock music Friday as he took his first bow for the Los Angeles Galaxy. . . . more . . .
Argentina are out to end their 14 year Copa America famine when they meet their rival South American footballing superpower Brazil in Sunday's final. . . . more . . .
Veteran striker Vincenzo Montella left AS Roma on Friday to return to Sampdoria where he spent three seasons in the 1990s. . . . more . . .
Werder Bremen on Friday said they had finally secured the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Carlos Alberto from Corinthians. . . . more . . .
England superstar David Beckham received a red-carpet welcome Friday as he vowed to help bring football in from the fringes of American sport. . . . more . . .
Frankfurt forward Naohiro Takahara struck twice as Japan whipped the United Arab Emirates out of Asian Cup contention Friday with a 3-1 win that kept alive their hopes of a third straight title. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson made his first signing as manager of Manchester City on Friday when Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi joined the former England coach at Eastlands. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United failed with a legal challenge Friday to force the Premier League to take fresh disciplinary action against West Ham regarding controversial striker Carlos Tevez. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Arsenal will be a better side next season even though they will be without star striker Thierry Henry. . . . more . . .
Paul Konchesky became new Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez's fifth pre-season signing on Friday after he joined on a four-year contract from London rivals West Ham for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
Exiled Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky denied any link Friday to the proposed transfer of Carlos Tevez to Manchester United after a warrant for his arrest was issued by Brazil. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson made his first signing as manager of Manchester City on Friday when Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi joined the former England coach at Eastlands. . . . more . . .
Liverpool confirmed Friday they had signed 20-year-old Dutch forward Ryan Babel from Ajax on a five-year contract. . . . more . . .
Australia were booed off the field with their Asian Cup hopes in tatters after a disastrous 3-1 defeat to Iraq Friday. . . . more . . .
Newcastle midfielder James Milner has committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year contract on Friday. . . . more . . .
Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas said Friday that he would be sticking with Premiership side Arsenal despite the interest shown in him by Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Vietnam's ace striker Le Cong Vinh believes he is seeing history in the making as the unheralded co-hosts gear up for a showdown with Asian Cup champions Japan on Monday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz has been loaned to Spanish outfit Sevilla for a year, the Premiership club confirmed Friday. . . . more . . .
Polish club Legia Warsaw confirmed Friday they have formally clinched a deal with Russia's CSKA Moscow for the transfer of up and coming striker Dawid Janczyk. . . . more . . .
Saudia Arabia coach Helio Dos Anjos says their Asian Cup clash against Indonesia on Saturday is "a matter of life or death", as he brushed aside a hail of criticism in his adopted homeland. . . . more . . .
Footballer David Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria were met by a crush of fans and photographers at Los Angeles International Airport as the celebrity couple embarked on a new chapter in the United States. . . . more . . .
Footballer David Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria were met by a welter of fans and photographers at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday, the night before his introduction as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy. . . . more . . .
Former Dutch international and Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit called Thursday on top clubs to concentrate on developing their youth academies rather than buying in star players on big money transfers. . . . more . . .
Ken Bates's buy-back of fallen English football giants Leeds United has still to be approved by the Football League - and without that approval the club will not be able to play league matches under the former Chelsea chairman's ownership. . . . more . . .
Carlos Tevez is to undergo a medical next Tuesday at Old Trafford with a view to completing a move to Premiership champions Manchester United, his advisor has said. . . . more . . .
Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday unveiled their new Brazilian defender Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira, otherwise known as "Pepe." . . . more . . .
England football star David Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria jetted out of Britain on Thursday to start a new life in the Hollywood limelight. . . . more . . .
Yossi Benayoun joined Liverpool for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal, the Premiership club announced on their website Thursday. . . . more . . .
The Los Angeles Galaxy, continuing to gear up for the arrival of David Beckham, unveiled a new uniform and logo on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Uruguayan-born striker Sebastian Quintana Soria rescued Qatar from the jaws of defeat as they battled back for a 1-1 draw against unfancied co-hosts Vietnam here Thursday. . . . more . . .
Seongnam Ilhwa of South Korea's domestic K-League held English Premiership side Bolton to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the Peace Cup on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal announced Thursday they'd signed French defender Bacary Sagna from Auxerre on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
Substitute Pipat Thonkanya was the hero of Thailand Thursday with his two goals nudging them towards an unexpected quarter-final spot at the Asian Cup following a 2-0 win over Oman. . . . more . . .
Fulham signed Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird from Southampton on Thursday for 3.025 million pounds. . . . more . . .
German league champions Stuttgart announced Thursday that they will be without the services of the French defender Matthieu Delpierre for the beginning of next season due to a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Brazilian forward Enilton has left the J-League first division club Omiya Ardija for personal reasons, club officials said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Czech international Vladimir Smicer has announced his return to top flight local team Slavia Prague after an 11-year absence. . . . more . . .
Former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler has touched down in Australia for talks with A-League club Sydney FC, media reports said Thursday. . . . more . . .
England striker Michael Owen has forecast good times ahead for Newcastle United after committing himself to the club under new manager Sam Allardyce. . . . more . . .
The Iraqi team Thursday dismissed talk of a feud between skipper Younis Mahmoud and star midfielder Hawar Mulla at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
United Arab Emirates coach Bruno Metsu fears that bad refereeing has doomed the Gulf Cup champions to a fate similar to that of football giants Italy and Spain at the World Cup in 2002. . . . more . . .
A floodlight failure cost South Korea the chance of opening their Asian Cup campaign with a morale-boosting victory against fellow group D heavyweights Saudi Arabia, according to midfielder Lee Chun-soo. . . . more . . .
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei shrugged off his red card during the 2-1 Asian Cup win over Uzbekistan, saying it was all down to a simple misunderstanding. . . . more . . .
Goal-hungry Japan are set to revamp their frontline for the crucial game against Gulf Cup champions United Arab Emirates on Friday in a bid to keep alive their tilt for a third straight Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
David Beckham's bid to redefine football's place in the US sports landscape begins in earnest on Friday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy introduce their sleek European import. . . . more . . .
Argentina defeated Mexico 3-0 here Wednesday to set up a tantalizing Copa America final with defending champions Brazil. . . . more . . .
Rangers on Wednesday completed the signing of Lee McCulloch from English Premiership side Wigan on Wednesday after agreeing a 2.5 million fee for the Scotland international. . . . more . . .
Guy Roux on Wednesday won his fight with the French football authorities who had told him that at the age of 68 he was too old to coach Lens. . . . more . . .
Luton Town's friendly against Turkish Cypriot team Cetinkaya scheduled for Wednesday has been called off amidst a storm of controversy. . . . more . . .
England's potentially decisive Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow will be played not on grass but on the artificial pitch at the 84,000-seat Luzhniki Stadium. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United's Joey Barton was re-bailed Wednesday by police investigating an alleged assault on a former team-mate during a training ground row. . . . more . . .
Ken Bates has bought back fallen English football giants Leeds United after heading up a consortium which has purchased the club from administrators. . . . more . . .
Premiership side Portsmouth completed Wednesday the signing of strikers David Nugent and John Utaka on four-year contracts for undisclosed fees. . . . more . . .
Rangers are poised to sign Lee McCulloch from English Premiership side Wigan after agreeing a fee for the Scotland international on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
European football's governing body UEFA has slapped a competition ban on Polish side Legia after a riot by its fans forced an Intertoto Cup match in Lithuania to be abandoned, the club said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Yossi Benayoun's transfer to Liverpool moved a step closer to completion Wednesday when the Anfield club agreed a fee with Premiership rivals West Ham for the Israel midfielder. . . . more . . .
Iran survived an early scare to beat Uzbekistan 2-1 on Wednesday and take a big step towards the Asian Cup knock-out stages, but the victory was soured when coach Amir Ghalenoei was sent off. . . . more . . .
Vietnam coach Alfred Riedl believes his Asian minnow side would have found their place in the international limelight if they were 10 centimetres (four inches) taller. . . . more . . .
West Ham United have rejected a bid by want-away striker Carlos Tevez to cancel his contract with the London club as he tries to move to Premiership champions Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Juventus's Czech midfield star Pavel Nedved will stay with the Turin club for the forthcoming season after agreeing to a one-year contract extension, Juve CEO Jean-Claude Blanc confirmed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Coach Graham Arnold has been having heart-to-heart talks with his players this week in a bid to shake up the mis-firing Australian team at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Injured defender Jetsada Jitsawad has not trained this week and may miss Thailand's crucial Group A Asian Cup match with Oman Thursday. . . . more . . .
New Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is taking his squad to his native Sweden to get their pre-season training underway. . . . more . . .
Oman warned Thailand Wednesday their confidence is sky high after an unexpected opening draw with Australia, with their minds firmly set on the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Brazil advanced to the final of the Copa America on Tuesday with a dynamic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Uruguay. . . . more . . .
Jose Mourinho, who is leading his Chelsea club on a three-game tour of California starting this week, said David Beckham and Major League Soccer are a good fit. . . . more . . .
Australian A-League side Sydney FC announced Wednesday that former Socceroos defender Tony Popovic had signed a two-year deal. . . . more . . .
Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara says he is ready to keep on ruffling the Asian Cup net for defending champions Japan, as they attempt to put behind them a disappointing 1-1 draw with Qatar. . . . more . . .
China coach Zhu Guanghu says months of loud criticism by fans and media galvanised his team, resulting in their 5-1 demolition of Asian Cup co-hosts Malaysia. . . . more . . .
Liverpool captain Stephen Gerrard says the arrival of Fernando Torres is a sign that the Reds are at last ready to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea for Premiership honours. . . . more . . .
Liverpool on Tuesday reached agreement over a fee with West Ham for midfielder Yossi Benayoun, the player's agent Ronen Katzav said. . . . more . . .
Lyon's Brazilian midfielder Juninho will miss the pre-season Peace Cup worth two million dollars to the winner in South Korea after picking up a right thigh injury in practice, the six-time French champions said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Paris Saint Germain striker Fabrice Pancrate has been demoted to the reserve team for a week as punishment for missing the beginning of pre-season training, the club told AFP on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Italian goalkeeper Morgan de Sanctis was on Tuesday unveiled as a Sevilla player after signing a four-year deal with the Spanish club. . . . more . . .
Indonesia scored a famous 2-1 victory over Bahrain Tuesday to kick off its Asian Cup campaign in style as China made mincemeat of minnows Malaysia. . . . more . . .
Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi is close to becoming Sven Goran Eriksson's first signing for English Premiership club Manchester City, Reggina president Lillo Foti said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Former Arsenal favourite Patrick Vieira insisted Tuesday that the Premiership giants will bounce back stronger from the big blow suffered by the loss of striker Thierry Henry. . . . more . . .
Talented French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff has signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan, the Serie A club said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Administrators have delayed a decision on who will take control of fallen English football giants Leeds United. . . . more . . .
Star striker Bambang Pamungkas's 64th minute winner gave co-hosts Indonesia a dream start to their Asian Cup campaign here on Tuesday as they shocked Bahrain 2-1. . . . more . . .
Spanish champions Real Madrid have struck an agreement to sign FC Porto's Brazilian central defender Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira, otherwise known as "Pepe," the clubs said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
English Premiership side Wigan have confirmed the signing of Jason Koumas on a four-year deal, the north-west side announced Tuesday. . . . more . . .
West Ham on Tuesday confirmed they had signed unsettled Welsh international striker Craig Bellamy from Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday the transfer of France international Florent Malouda from Lyon on a four-year contract. . . . more . . .
Senior defender Lucas Neill says Australia must make a statement and post a resounding victory against Iraq to stay in the hunt for the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid confirmed the worst kept secret in Spanish football Monday by unveiling German former player Bernd Schuster as coach to replace sacked Italian Fabio Capello on a three-year contract. . . . more . . .
Coach Graham Arnold is under pressure from his critics after Australia's struggling start to the Asian Cup, with claims that he is too chummy with his players. . . . more . . .
Qatar coach Dzemaludin Musovic has slammed poor referring for spoiling his young Gulf side's Asian Cup chances after former Manchester City winger Hussain Yaser was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Japan. . . . more . . .
Fuming Japan coach Ivica Osim has slammed his squad for playing like a "bunch of amateurs" in their 1-1 Asian Cup draw with Qatar, ordering them to go for broke in their next match. . . . more . . .
Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri will miss the beginning of the 2007-2008 season after being ruled out with an ankle injury, the French first division club announced on Monday. . . . more . . .
Italian World cup winning midfielder Mauro Camoranesi is set to put pen to paper on Tuesday to extend his contract with Juventus, announced his agent Serfio Fortunato on Monday. . . . more . . .
Nicolas Anelka is set to stay with Bolton Wanderers for the time being but the English Premiership side admit the France striker could leave if they don't qualify for the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Mali international striker Frederic Kanoute, who has been linked with a return to the English Premiership, wants a pay rise if he is to stay put with UEFA Cup winners Seville, El Pais reported Monday. . . . more . . .
France international striker Djibril Cisse has signed a five-year contract with Marseille from Liverpool, the French club confirmed Monday. . . . more . . .
Fulham have bolstered their strike force with the capture of Senegal international striker Diomansy Kamara from West Brom in a deal worth around six million pounds (12 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Italy defender Marco Materazzi may have ended up a World Cup winner last year, but the Inter Milan hardman still has some unfinished business with the French. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid's new coach Bernd Schuster said Monday he was under no illusions as to the task ahead of him, namely winning trophies by playing a strictly 'beautiful game.' . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club's move for Carlos Tevez after revealing that the Argentina star is close to joining the Premiership champions. . . . more . . .
Danish legend Michael Laudrup will take over from Bernd Schuster at Spanish top flight side Getafe for the coming two seasons, the club said in a statement Monday. . . . more . . .
Australian defender Lucas Neill has hit out at Oman's "unprofessional" time-wasting in their 1-1 Asian Cup draw, saying so many players went down it was like they were shot "by a sniper in the stands." . . . more . . .
Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher is on the brink of quitting international football in frustration at being regarded as a fringe squad player by England coach Steve McClaren. . . . more . . .
Qatar stunned defending champions Japan with a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw in their Asian Cup opener Monday, but it ended on a sour note with Hussain Yaser and coach Dzemaludin Musovic sent off. . . . more . . .
South Korea may be beset by an injury crisis ahead of their Asian Cup bow against Saudi Arabia here on Wednesday but Dutch coach Pim Verbeek believes it will give new stars a chance to be born. . . . more . . .
Sunderland's clash with Tottenham will be the first lunchtime match of the new season, ensuring a primetime TV audience across Asia for Roy Keane's managerial debut in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Chelsea paid the price of under-estimating Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad by relinquishing their Premiership crown to Manchester United last season, according to the Red Devils' captain Gary Neville. . . . more . . .
Twenty-six supporters of Polish club Legia spent a night in jail in the Lithuanian capital after a violence-marred Intertoto Cup match against Vetra Vilnius was halted at half time, police said Monday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid confirmed the worst kept secret in Spanish football Monday by unveiling German former player Bernd Schuster as coach to replace sacked Italian Fabio Capello on a three-year contract. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia coach Helio Dos Anjos knows he is playing with fire by dropping 2005 Asian footballer of the year Hamad Al Montashari, but insists he has done the right thing. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is letting his agent negotiate a new contract with his English club Middlesbrough so he can concentrate on helping Australia win the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Manchester City's Sun Jihai on Monday admitted he is keen to impress new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson as he gets his Asian Cup campaign underway with China. . . . more . . .
Australia is grappling with how to play its best football in the sapping Asian Cup heat as their star names described the conditions as the toughest they have ever encountered. . . . more . . .
France international Florent Malouda will complete his transfer from Lyon to Chelsea on Monday before joining his new team-mates in the United States. . . . more . . .
Mexico cruised to a 6-0 rout of a shorthanded Paraguay squad, advancing to the semi-finals of the Copa America on Sunday. . . . more . . .
A double from Nery Castillo helped Mexico book their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa America here on Sunday with a goal fest which saw them beat 10-man Paraguay 6-0. . . . more . . .
Godwin Ezeh was the two-goal hero as Al-Hilal of Sudan gained their first African Champions League Group B points with a 2-0 win over Esperance of Tunisia Sunday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea have succeeded in their bid to lure Lyon winger Florent Malouda to Stamford Bridge, the French club's president announced on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Vietnam upset the United Arab Emirates in their opening Asian Cup game Sunday while tournament favourites Australia found out the hard way what football on the continent is all about. . . . more . . .
The Premier league is set to test Hawk-eye technology in football with a view to remove doubts over goal-line decisions, the chief of the company that makes the product has said. . . . more . . .
China captain Zheng Zhi hopes to secure a move back to Europe after the Asian Cup following his eye-catching stint at Charlton Athletic. . . . more . . .
Coach Jorvan Vieira believes the loss of valuable points in a struggling draw with co-hosts Thailand may cost Iraq dear at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo is hoping a successful Asian Cup can help him break into the English champions' first team. . . . more . . .
The Asian Cup is proving to be an exotic place for reunions among ageing former teammates at European football clubs, with the expatriate coaches leading Group B sides all old colleagues. . . . more . . .
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez on Saturday confirmed that Craig Bellamy and Djibril Cisse were leaving Anfield. . . . more . . .
England football star David Beckham has split from sponsor Gillette just ahead of his American debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. . . . more . . .
Thailand held Iraq to a 1-1 draw here Saturday as the Asian Cup got underway in pouring rain, dampening an otherwise entertaining start to the three-week football festival. . . . more . . .
Qatar coach Dzemaludin Musovic said Saturday there was no mind games behind his side's late arrival here for their Asian Cup opener against champions Japan on Monday. . . . more . . .
Mark Viduka is looking to his innate understanding with Harry Kewell to realise the goals to take Australia to victory in the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia have dropped 2005 Asian Player of the Year Hamad Al Montashari and three others from their squad for the Asian Cup finals, a team official said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Bruno Metsu, who this year guided the United Arab Emirates to their first Gulf Cup title, has South Africa 2010 firmly in his sights ahead of their Asian Cup opener against hosts Vietnam on Sunday. . . . more . . .
The Asian Cup focus here might be on Australia but the tournament offers a perfect chance for Oman's players to make a case for European club contracts, goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi said Saturday. . . . more . . .
New Leicester City signing Hossein Kaebi said only an unprecedented fourth Asian Cup win will satisfy Iran. . . . more . . .
Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo on Saturday said China were confident of shrugging off recent poor form in the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Vietnam coach Alfred Riedl knows his side have little hope at the Asian Cup in a group full of champions and instead says his aim is to make them the best in Southeast Asia. . . . more . . .
Omar Dabo bade farewell to Algerian club Jeunesse Sportive Kabylie by scoring the two goals that got their African Champions League challenge back on track. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan on Saturday agreed conditions over the transfer of Italian World Cup winning defender Fabio Grosso to six-times French champions Lyon. . . . more . . .
Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- on the verge of completing his takeover of Manchester City -- Saturday gave himself a three-year deadline to turn around the fortunes of the club. . . . more . . .
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin is chomping at the bit to get his Liverpool career underway and is confident he will fit in well at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson has described his year out of football as the most stressful of his career and vowed that he can handle the challenge of resurrecting Manchester City as a force in English football. . . . more . . .
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin has revealed how the nerve-tingling atmosphere of Anfield made him determined to become a Liverpool player. . . . more . . .
Debt-ridden English club Leeds United were put up for sale by administrators Friday because of a legal challenge by tax officals over an unpaid multi-million-pound (euro, dollar) bill. . . . more . . .
A Chinese group is reportedly weighing a bid for the Portuguese football club Benfica, prompting a suspension in Benfica share trading. . . . more . . .
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin officially became a Liverpool player on Friday and immediately insisted he had not come to Anfield to sit on the bench. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson's appointment as the new manager of Manchester City was confirmed on Friday when the former England boss signed a three-year contract with the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said Friday that he was not worried that Manchester United have taken over the mantle of Premier League big spenders. . . . more . . .
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez insisted Friday that he is determined to complete his "dream" move to Manchester United despite fears the deal could yet be blocked by the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United's Jamacian defender Claude Davis has agreed a four-year deal worth three million pounds (6million dollars) move to Championship side Derby. . . . more . . .
The region's top teams will battle for supremacy as they try to put a dismal World Cup in Germany behind them when the Asian Cup finals kick off on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel and US forward Eddie Johnson, Major League Soccer's top scorers with nine goals each, were named to the starting 11 for the MLS All-Stars who face Celtic on July 19. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa signed West Ham's former England Under-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker for 8.5 million pounds on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Iran international Hossein Kaebi has joined English Championship club Leicester City for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
UEFA on Thursday announced a slight relaxing of the punishment handed out to Denmark after their ill-fated Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden last month. . . . more . . .
Arsenal have angrily denied that Arsene Wenger had talks over Real Madrid's vacant manager's job. . . . more . . .
Brazilian football legend Pele, retired for 30 years, will take to the field in an all-star charity match to honour Nelson Mandela, organisers announced Thursday. . . . more . . .
English Premiership club Portsmouth signed French midfielder Arnold Mvuemba from Rennes for an undisclosed fee on Thursday. . . . more . . .
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani on Thursday assured the club's fans that their Brazilian star Kaka will not be leaving the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Chelsea hope to sign France winger Florent Malouda from Lyon by next week, according to chief executive Peter Kenyon. . . . more . . .
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende on Thursday expressed his enthusiasm about the idea of a joint Benelux bid to host football's 2018 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez signed Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis from Aston Villa on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Harry Kewell has vowed to repay Rafael Benitez for keeping faith with the injury-plagued Liverpool winger. . . . more . . .
Parma completed the signing of Brazilian striker Reginaldo from Serie A rivals Fiorentina on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea stars John Terry and Frank Lampard will not be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge despite their stalled contract negotiations, according to chief executive Peter Kenyon. . . . more . . .
Manchester United are on the verge of signing Argentina striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham, according to reports in England. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson will announce his arrival as Manchester City manager by making sweeping changes to the Premiership club's squad. . . . more . . .
Former England striker Chris Sutton has retired from football because of a bad eye injury according to his agent. . . . more . . .
English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur announced on Thursday they had signed France under-21 defender Younes Kaboul from Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Blackburn Rovers captain and central defender Ryan Nelsen has tied his future to the club by signing a new five-year deal. . . . more . . .
Mexico and Chile booked their spots in the Copa America quarter-finals after the two sides played out a tepid goalless draw Wednesday. . . . more . . .
If anyone can kick the Chinese juggernaut into life at the Asian Cup, it is probably Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo. . . . more . . .
Wealthy Asian businessmen are competing to buy top-flight English football clubs, attracted by the irresistible combination of profit and sporting glory. . . . more . . .
Key midfielder Tim Cahill has given Australia a boost by declaring himself fit for the Sunday's Asian Cup opener against Oman, reports said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Fernando Torres believes he can do what fellow countryman Fernando Morientes failed to do and establish himself as an Anfield goalscoring hero after being unveiled as Liverpool's most-expensive ever signing. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka on Wednesday became Everton's first summer signing when he penned a five-year deal. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United sent out a clear signal Wednesday that they are far from ready to let the Carlos Tevez affair go and are set to take their case against the Premier League to the High Court. . . . more . . .
Relegated Real Sociedad on Wednesday signed former Fulham boss Chris Coleman as their new coach on a three-year deal. . . . more . . .
France international midfielder Antonio "Rio" Mavuba was officially unveiled at Villarreal's Estadio El Madrigal Stadium on Wednesday after signing from French first division side Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Cameroon stiker Samuel Eto'o has continued his campaign to eradicate racism in football by asking fans to make their opinions known in an internet survey. . . . more . . .
China completed their Asian Cup warm-up with an uninspiring 1-0 win over Australian champions Melbourne Victory in bizarre conditions on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Czech striker Zdenek Senkerik will join Slavia Prague from Turkish club Malatyaspor, the Czech club announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Brazilian striker Ailton, one of the most prolific scorers in Bundesliga history, is set for a return to Germany with newly promoted Hansa Rostock, Bild newspaper reported on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Spanish striker Fernando Torres on Wednesday finalised his transfer to Liverpool from Atletico Madrid. . . . more . . .
Japan's bid for a third straight Asian Cup has suffered a fresh injury blow with international striker Ryuji Bando ruled out with a hamstring problem. . . . more . . .
Steve McManaman, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star, has been appointed to the board of the firm buying a major stake in Birmingham City football club, media reports said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Claudio Pizarro scored twice to lift Peru into the knockout rounds of Copa America by drawing Bolivia 2-2 Tuesday while Venezuela and Uruguay both advanced after playing to a goal-less draw. . . . more . . .
Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura is taking aim at a third straight Asian Cup for Japan and himself with the dead-ball artistry that has earned him respect in European football. . . . more . . .
Tim Cahill holds a treasured place in Australian football after becoming the first player to score in the World Cup and he is set to play a big part in the Socceroos' assault on the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson took a step closer to taking over as Manchester City manager after arriving in the city for talks with the club. . . . more . . .
French champions Lyon scoffed at suggestions Tuesday that Czech striker Milan Baros will be heading for the exit door. . . . more . . .
Brazilian attacking midfielder Cleber Santana has joined Atletico Madrid from Santos, the Spanish team said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
A group of St Etienne fans have been indicted for racist abuse of Lyon players, a justice source said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Spanish international Fernando Torres looks set to complete his record 26.5 million pound (53.4m dollars) signing with Liverpool after passing a medical on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Serie A club Livorno signed Vikash Dhorasoo on Tuesday despite fears over the French midfielder's fitness. . . . more . . .
Scotland international striker Craig Beattie on Tuesday completed his 1.25-million-pound (2.5-million-dollar) move from Celtic to Championship side West Bromwich Albion. . . . more . . .
Serie A club Roma have accepted a bid from Spanish champions Real Madrid for their Romanian international Christian Chivu, Italian media reported on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri on Tuesday ruled out a summer move for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. . . . more . . .
Guy Roux has been accused of double standards by the French Coaches' Union (Unecatef) Tuesday for complaining that he is being prevented from coaching because he is too old despite having blocked others from doing so when he was president of their body. . . . more . . .
The arrival of Bernd Schuster as Real Madrid's new coach is proving more complicated than expected as current club Getafe are demanding 500,000 euros (680,000 dollars) in compensation from the Spanish champions, local media reported Tuesday. . . . more . . .
France goalkeeper Ronan Le Crom on Tuesday signed for two seasons with first division Lens from relegated Troyes. . . . more . . .
Japan coach Ivica Osim has warned of the good skills of opponents Qatar ahead of the sides' showdown in their Asian Cup opener next week. . . . more . . .
Sheffield United have lost their legal challenge against the Premier League after an arbitration panel on Tuesday dismissed their claim over the Carlos Tevez affair. . . . more . . .
Newly-promoted Derby County on Tuesday ended speculation over the future of manager Billy Davies by extending his contract to 2010. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United's new boss Sam Allardyce has clinched the signing of Chelsea utility player Geremi as he continues to build a competitive squad for the new Premiership season. . . . more . . .
Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed young Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder on a free transfer from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo, the club announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United's South Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung has headed back to England after recuperating in his homeland from knee surgery. . . . more . . .
Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara has set his sights on the future as he prepares to try to power Japan to a third straight Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
English football star David Beckham will play a one-off game in Australia with his new club Los Angeles Galaxy in November, Football Federation Australia (FFA) said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Juan Roman Riquelme's first-half double fired Argentina into the quarter-finals of the Copa America with a 4-2 win against 10-man Colombia on Monday. . . . more . . .
China go into the Asian Cup urgently needing to pull out of a dizzying free-fall after a series of embarrassing results which have sent coach Zhu Guanghu heading for the exit. . . . more . . .
South Korea's hopes of landing a first Asian title in 47 years have been hit by a spate of injuries and internal bickering ahead of the July 7-29 tournament. . . . more . . .
In-form Iran will look to their European-based players for inspiration at the Asian Cup as the three-time champions attempt to win the trophy for the first time in 20 years. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's delegated administrator Adriano Galliani on Monday poured cold water on rumours that Brazilian star Kaka is heading to Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Promoted Sunderland confirmed Monday they have withdrawn their offer for Preston striker David Nugent after waiting in vain for an answer from the player. . . . more . . .
Frank Lampard's agent insisted Monday that the Chelsea midfielder wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career. . . . more . . .
Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is determined to fight for his place at Barcelona, despite interest by English Premiership side Newcastle, his father said Monday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid chairman Ramon Calderon says he made up his mind to dump title-winning Italian Fabio Capello as coach as early as February because fans perceived his team's style as negative, AS reported on Monday. . . . more . . .
French champions Lyon confirmed Monday that they have been in contact with both Paris Saint Germain's Sylvain Armand and Inter Milan's Fabio Grosso in a bid to fill the gap left by Barcelona-bound French international defender Eric Abidal. . . . more . . .
Arsenal have signed striker Eduardo da Silva on a four-year deal from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to boost their strike-force following the transfer of Thierry Henry to Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Dutch winger Arjen Robben is to quit Premiership giants Chelsea for Real Madrid, who will shell out 20 million euros (26 million dollars) on the winger, Spanish media said Monday. . . . more . . .
A court in Vietnam on Monday gave jail terms of up to seven years to referees and officials after finding them guilty of taking and giving bribes to fix matches, a court official said. . . . more . . .
Newcastle United were expected to complete the signing of Chelsea utility player Geremi on Monday. . . . more . . .
Scottish champions Celtic are set to sign striker Maceo Rigters from Dutch side NAC Breda. . . . more . . .
French first division champions Lyon started their pre-season training on Monday under a cloud as police questioned striker Sylvain Wiltord while doubts swirled around the futures of midfielders Florent Malouda and Juninho. . . . more . . .
Portuguese international defender Ricardo Costa has moved to Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg from FC Porto in a transfer worth four million euros (5.4 million dollars), the German club confirmed on Monday. . . . more . . .
China coach Zhu Guanghu was confident of reaching the Asian Cup knock-out stages after an intensive training programme yielded a fluent victory here. . . . more . . .
The Socceroos' unconvincing 3-0 win over Singapore confirmed Australia are no Asian Cup certainties, according to Australian ace Harry Kewell. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid midfielder Robinho scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win for Brazil over Copa America group B rivals Chile on Sunday. . . . more . . .
A pair of spectacular strikes brightened China's Asian Cup hopes as a combined China-Hong Kong team beat FIFA World Stars 2-0 in the Reunification Cup on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Australian coach Graham Arnold heaped praise on Liverpool star Harry Kewell after he helped inspire his side to a 3-0 win over Singapore, but he is far from happy with his back four. . . . more . . .
Venezuela blanked Peru 2-0 Saturday to post its first Copa America win in 40 years and move to the top of Group B. . . . more . . .
United Arab Emirates star striker Ismail Matar is battling against time to be fit for the upcoming Asian Cup, and admits his side have problems to iron out before being ready. . . . more . . .
West Ham confirmed Sunday they have signed rising French star Julien Faubert from Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
England midfielder Owen Hargreaves on Sunday completed his signing for Manchester United from Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Arsenal have no hope of challenging Manchester United and Chelsea next season for the English Premiership title after the sale of Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba said. . . . more . . .
Germany marksman Miroslav Klose scored on debut as new-look Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Brazilian champions Sao Paulo 2-1 in the Reunification Cup on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Australian coach Graham Arnold heaped praise on Liverpool star Harry Kewell after he helped inspire his side to a 3-0 win over Singapore, but he is far from happy with his back four. . . . more . . .