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English National Team
Fit-again keeper Foster thinking of England (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fit-again goalkeeper Ben Foster has revealed his short and long-term goals - to make a reserve-team comeback with Manchester United and eventually challenge to be the England number one.

Beckham admits to still lacking match fitness (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
David Beckham has admitted he is still some way short of being fit enough to win his 100th cap for England.

Hush: Tears for England's heroic court jester (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Andrew Hush remembers why Paul Gascoigne still matters to a generation of England fans.

Agbonlahor wants Capello to keep the faith (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is hoping England coach Fabio Capello will keep faith with him for next month's friendly international against France in Paris.

Capello admits 'no choice but to turn to Hart' (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England boss Fabio Capello has admitted the number of foreign players in the Premier League has meant 'the pool is reduced' when it comes to squad selection.

England need better youth policy, Ardiles says (Feb 14, 2008 16:39 GMT)
As one of the first high-profile overseas footballers to play in England, Ossie Ardiles is in a unique position to comment on the difficulties now facing the English game.

Fabio has effect on England's FIFA ranking (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England have moved up a place in the FIFA world rankings but remain outside the top 10 after their failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Owen 'fully understands' Capello's England snub (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Michael Owen insists he 'fully understands' why he played no part in Fabio Capello's first match in charge of England and has vowed to improve.

Capello hints at Beckham return against France (Feb 10, 2008 06:50 GMT)
Fabio Capello insists that David Beckham may be fit enough to be picked for England's next match - even though the midfielder will still not have played a competitive fixture.

England Under-21s to face Poland in friendly (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England Under-21s will play a friendly against Poland at Molineux on March 25.

Owen has an International future, insists Capello (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Fabio Capello insists his decision to ignore Michael Owen is not the beginning of the end of the striker's England career.

MLS fixtures to hamper Beckham's 100 quest? (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
David Beckham may have to skip Los Angeles Galaxy games in order to earn his 100th England cap.

Upson vows to grab second chance (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Matthew Upson has vowed to put his injury nightmare behind him and become an England regular under Fabio Capello.

England's James target 2010 World Cup (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
David James wants to be in contention to be England's number one 'keeper for the 2010 World Cup after making his first start for his country in nearly three years.

Form earns caps, not name - Capello (Feb 7, 2008 16:54 GMT)
Fabio Capello's winning start as England boss last night came with a warning to players such as Michael Owen and David Beckham that caps will not be handed out cheaply.

Joe Cole content with England's 'perfect' win (Feb 7, 2008 16:53 GMT)
Joe Cole feels the 2-1 win over Switzerland at Wembley was the 'perfect result' as Fabio Capello's reign as England manager got off to a positive start at Wembley.

Raynor: Capello sows seeds of change (Feb 7, 2008 08:00 GMT)
It could be long road back for England's old guard after Fabio Capello's debut win, says Dominic Raynor.

Insider: Capello off to a winning start at Wembley (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Insider was at Wembley to run the rule over Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland.

Owen first to feel force of Capello cull (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Michael Owen will start on the bench as Fabio Capello's England regime kicks off against Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday night.

Capello: Don't expect miracles (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fabio Capello has attempted to banish the idea that he is the 'Messiah' but insists he will try to instil a winning mentality into the England team.

Young Lions win to secure Euro play-off place (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
James Milner bagged a brace and Theo Walcott scored on his return to St Mary's as England Under-21s virtually assured themselves of a play-off to reach the European Championships in 2009.

Swiss skipper Senderos keeping eye on Owen (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Switzerland captain Philippe Senderos is relishing the challenge of keeping Michael Owen quiet for a third time at Wembley on Wednesday night.

Capello noticing differences in English game (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
New England manager Fabio Capello may have only been in the job for a month but he has already noticed significant differences in the English game compared to his experiences in Italy and Spain.

Capello delays permanent decision (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England coach Fabio Capello will not name a permanent England captain until after the Andorra match in September.

Capello gives Gerrard England captaincy (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fabio Capello has announced that Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard will captain England against Switzerland on Wednesday. The midfielder will take temporary control of the captaincy as Chelsea defender

Walcott progress pleases Pearce for U21s (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Theo Walcott returns to Southampton tonight - and England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce believes the youngster can feel proud of his development since leaving St Mary's two years ago.

Capello can end barren run, says Gerrard (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard has admitted time is running out for him to win a trophy with England - but he is optimistic new coach Fabio Capello can help him achieve that ambition.

Call-up would have been 'unfair' - Beckham (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
David Beckham has admitted it would have been 'unfair' of Fabio Capello to select him in his first England squad.

Wright-Phillips misses Capello session (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Shaun Wright-Phillips missed England training this evening but could still be available for the friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday.

'First day at school' (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rio Ferdinand believes working under the new England management regime is 'like going to a new school'.

'Capello wants a winning mentality' - Gerrard (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England manager Fabio Capello has told his new squad they all start with a clean slate, according to midfielder Steven Gerrard.

FA hint: 'No apology, no Caribbean friendly' (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Football Association will ask FIFA vice-president Jack Warner to retract his controversial comments about English football before agreeing to an England friendly with Trinidad and Tobago.

Shilton backing Capello's Beckham omission (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton has backed Fabio Capello's decision to leave David Beckham out of the friendly international against Switzerland next week.

Terry must stay as England captain - McClaren (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former England manager Steve McClaren believes his successor Fabio Capello must name John Terry as his long-term captain if he wants to get the best out of the Chelsea defender.

Injured Heskey to miss out on England game (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Wigan striker Emile Heskey has been ruled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland due to injury.

Agbonlahor backed to succeed by Pearce (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Gabriel Agbonlahor has been backed to make a real impact at England senior level by his under-21s manager Stuart Pearce.

Hughes backs Bentley for England success (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has backed David Bentley to succeed as David Beckham's permanent successor for England.

Wenger: Becks still had it in training (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger admitted he was 'amazed by how good' David Beckham was during his recent month-long training stint with Arsenal.

Pearce backs Becks to fight for century (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Stuart Pearce believes David Beckham will fight 'tooth and nail' to win his 100th cap, after being left out of the England squad to face Switzerland next week.

'Pub player' Davies stunned by Capello call (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Curtis Davies thought he was the victim of a wind-up, after being named in England boss Fabio Capello's provisional squad.

Beckham 'not bitter' about Capello axe (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
David Beckham remains determined to realise his dream of earning 100 England caps despite being left out of new manager Fabio Capello's first squad.


English Premier League
FIFA block Cousin deal to Fulham (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FIFA have refused to authorise Daniel Cousin's £3million move from Rangers to Fulham, Rangers have stated.

Ferguson denies unsettling Lyon's Benzema (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas of being 'mischievous' in a row over Karim Benzema.

Wenger: Players should be protected (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on referees to give greater protection to players after the club's Croatian international striker Eduardo da Silva suffered a broken leg last weekend.

Mascherano signs permanent Reds deal (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Javier Mascherano has completed a permanent move to Liverpool by signing a four-year deal.

Boro starlet Wheater pens long contract (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Defender David Wheater has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Middlesbrough.

Contrite Taylor speaks about Eduardo injury (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Martin Taylor insists nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see Eduardo da Silva back scoring goals for Arsenal.

Owen: One win is all we need (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle captain Michael Owen admits there is 'nervousness throughout the side' but believes one result will set Kevin Keegan's reign off and running.

Benitez backs Gerrard blast (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists everyone at the club shares captain Steven Gerrard's assessment of their troubled season.

Spurs target Espanyol keeper and defender (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tottenham assistant manager Gus Poyet has revealed the club could 'try to do a deal' for Espanyol pair Dani Jarque and Carlos Kameni.

Eduardo injury won't rush Van Persie back (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has no intention of rushing Robin van Persie back into action, despite the loss of Eduardo da Silva.

Terry seeks to cool waters with rallying cry (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea captain John Terry has reiterated his commitment to the club in the wake of the Carling Cup final defeat by Tottenham last Sunday.

Aliadiere raps scares City off Petrov appeal (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he decided not to appeal against Martin Petrov's red card because of what happened to Jeremie Aliadiere.

Premature to write off Chelsea - Fergie (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson is wary that Chelsea could come up on the rails and take the Premier League title.

Keegan no easy fix to fog on the Toon (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan insists he never expected to work an instant miracle at St James' Park.

Hicks closes door on talk of Gillett sell-off (Feb 29, 2008 05:31 GMT)
Tom Hicks today claimed he has the power to block any attempt by Liverpool co-owner George Gillett to sell his half of the club.

Injury could rule Woody out of Birmingham trip (Feb 29, 2008 03:49 GMT)
Tottenham centre-back Jonathan Woodgate has emerged as a doubt for the Premier League clash at Birmingham on Saturday after playing through the pain of a sprained ankle during the Carling Cup final.

End in sight to Mascherano transfer limbo? (Feb 29, 2008 03:45 GMT)
Midfielder Javier Mascherano claims he is now 'really close' to finalising a permanent deal with Liverpool.

Carragher cautioned by cops for roadside clash (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has been arrested and cautioned by police for common assault. He was questioned about a roadside bust-up.

Chelsea loan out winger Sinclair to Charlton (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Charlton have completed the signing of young Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair on loan until the end of the season.

Usmanov: No plans for takeover of Arsenal (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has issued a statement to the Stock Exchange confirming his Red and White Holdings company 'has no current intention to make an offer' for Arsenal.

Ferdinand set to begin Man Utd contract talks (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United will open contract talks with Rio Ferdinand at the end of the current campaign.

Thaksin: No more politics (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has vowed not to get involved in politics following his return to Thailand.

Keane bins Miller because of time-keeping (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane has confirmed Liam Miller was transfer-listed because of poor time-keeping.

Fergie: United kept me from going foreign (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong.

Thaksin bailed on Thai return (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted bail following his arrest on his return to Thailand following 17 months of self-imposed exile.

Q&A with Spurs manager Juande Ramos (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fresh from Carling Cup success, Juande Ramos speaks to Lucy Turner.

City star Richards sidelined after knee operation (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City defender Micah Richards is set for a spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed that the England defender has had an operation on damaged cartilage in his right knee.

Shearer: Returning strikers will fix misfiring Toon (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Alan Shearer believes Kevin Keegan's reign at Newcastle will get up and running this weekend now he has all of his strikers fit and available.

Ubha: Dempsey in the midst of a relegation battle (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Clint Dempsey tells Ravi Ubha that Team America can help keep Fulham in the Premier League.

Arsenal striker Eduardo released from hospital (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal's injured striker Eduardo da Silva was released from hospital on Wednesday, the Premier League leaders said.

Fantasy Squad of the Month - January 08 (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Find out how YOU could have had the best fantasy squad going last month!

'It's not nearly good enough', vents Gerrard (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's faltering campaign by declaring even winning the Champions League will not make up for their Premier League performance.

Dutch international Ooijer erans new Rovers deal (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Holland international Andre Ooijer has been told he will remain a Blackburn player for another year.

Sunderland boss Keane shows Miller the door (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller has been told he can leave the club.

Everton apply to enter Intertoto Cup (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Everton have applied to enter the Intertoto Cup.

Man City owner Thaskin set for Thailand return (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is set to return to his native Thailand tomorrow, according to reports in the Far East.

FA's World Cup bid safe after 'Game 39' stall? (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Premier League's decision to pull out of their visit to FIFA to push plans for overseas matches should put England's bid for the 2018 World Cup back on track.

DIC consider bid for Gillett's Liverpool share? (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Dubai International Capital are considering making an offer for George Gillett's half of Liverpool after co-owner Tom Hicks insisted he had no plans to sell his stake in the club.

'I have no problems with Terry', insists Ten Cate (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Henk ten Cate admits he had a training ground argument with John Terry but insists he has 'no problems' with the England captain.

ESPNsoccernet Experts League (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Throughout the season you'll be able check out if our so-called 'experts' now their stuff by following their progress in our brand new Fantasy game for the Premier League.

A bridge too far for Avram? (Feb 26, 2008 23:37 GMT)
The Carling Cup final has only served to pose more questions about Avram Grant, says Dale Johnson.

Hamstrung Kapo gives McLeish the Blues (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Birmingham midfielder Olivier Kapo will be out of action for a month after suffering a hamstring injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at St Andrews.

Premier League delay '39' meeting with Blatter (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Premier League have pulled out of their trip to see FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Thursday because they want more time to develop their plans for overseas matches.

Boro rage after Aliadiere ban is increased (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough have launched a furious broadside at disciplinary chiefs after Jeremie Aliadiere's appeal against his sending-off at Liverpool was dismissed as 'frivolous'.

Birmingham co-owners increase shareholding (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Birmingham City have confirmed that co-owner David Sullivan and the Gold brothers, chairman David and Ralph, have taken an increased shareholding in the club.

Hicks denies he plans to sell Liverpool stake (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has insisted he is not planning to sell his stake in the club.

Downing signs new five-year Boro contract (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough's England winger Stewart Downing has finally put pen to paper on his new five-year contract. The 23-year-old had agreed to the deal in principle with the Teesside club 10 days ago.

Newcastle's Given could face another groin op (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given could be facing another bout of surgery to repair his latest groin injury.

Moyes insists Everton can keep fourth place (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Everton secured a convincing 2-0 win over Manchester City at Eastlands to move into fourth place in the Premier League and manager David Moyes is confident his team can stay there.

Ferguson still confident of Neville return (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Gary Neville will soon return despite suffering a number of setbacks since sustaining an ankle injury almost a year ago.

McLeish: Taylor 'shattered' by Eduardo break (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Alex McLeish has revealed Birmingham defender Martin Taylor is 'mentally shattered' after the trauma of accidentally breaking the leg of Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva during the Premier League clas

Police question Andy Cole over 'assault' claim (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sunderland striker Andy Cole has been questioned by police after an alleged assault on his wife.

Hospitalized Eduardo forgives Taylor for tackle (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal's Eduardo da Silva has forgiven Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor for the tackle that left him with a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle. Eduardo faces up to nine months out.

Busst: Eduardo will need psychological care (Feb 25, 2008 20:01 GMT)
Former Coventry defender David Busst has admitted Eduardo needs to be psychologically nursed back to fitness as well as physically.

Croatia in shock after Eduardo injury (Feb 25, 2008 19:54 GMT)
Arsenal striker Eduardo, who broke his leg on Saturday, is irreplaceable in Croatia's Euro 2008 team, coach Slaven Bilic was quoted as saying on Monday.

Carson eager to sort out his long-term future (Feb 25, 2008 18:27 GMT)
Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson - currently on loan at Aston Villa - wants to sort out his long-term future. Carson is uncertain that Martin O'Neill is keen to make the move permanent.

Shearer backs Keegan to end horror form (Feb 25, 2008 18:25 GMT)
Alan Shearer does not believe Kevin Keegan's job is under any threat at Newcastle despite his failure to lead them to victory since returning to the club.

We'll win the league for Eduardo, insists Flamini (Feb 25, 2008 16:37 GMT)
Mathieu Flamini has revealed the determination of the Arsenal players to win the Premier League title in honour of broken-leg victim Eduardo.

Jagielka savours Euro boost after win over City (Feb 25, 2008 16:35 GMT)
Everton defender Phil Jagielka hailed his side's 2-0 defeat of Manchester City at Eastlands as a 'massive result' in the race for fourth place.

Middlesbrough launch Aliadiere red card appeal (Feb 25, 2008 16:35 GMT)
Middlesbrough have appealed to the Football Association against the red card awarded to Jeremie Aliadiere against Liverpool at the weekend.

Terry backs Grant over Chelsea selection policy (Feb 25, 2008 16:35 GMT)
Chelsea captain John Terry insists coach Avram Grant was right to keep his team selection to himself until hours before the kick-off as the Blues begin to dust themselves down from their Carling Cup f

Eduardo 'back in nine months' - Arsenal (Feb 25, 2008 16:35 GMT)
Arsenal hope Eduardo will be able to play again by the end of this year as he begins his recovery from the broken leg he suffered against Birmingham.

Taylor receives death threats after tackle (Feb 25, 2008 16:35 GMT)
Birmingham defender Martin Taylor has been the subject of death threats after his challenge on Eduardo left the Arsenal striker with a broken leg.

Specialist claims Eduardo could have lost foot (Feb 25, 2008 16:35 GMT)
Eduardo da Silva could have lost his left foot had medical staff not been so prompt in treating his horrific leg break, according to a specialist.

Premier Showdown - Feb 23-25 (Feb 25, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Team of the Week, February 23-24, 2008 (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Check out the cream of the crop from the weekend's action in our Team of the Week.

Eduardo 'can't remember' Taylor's horror tackle (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Eduardo da Silva has revealed he remembers little about the incident which saw him suffer a broken leg following a tackle by Martin Taylor during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Birmingham yesterday.

Harper worried by Toon slide towards drop zone (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper admits his team's traumatic season is rapidly reaching the point of no return.

Schalke full-back Rafinha talks up Liverpool move (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Brazilian full-back Rafinha has revealed he would be interested in a move to Liverpool. 'If a move would suit Schalke as well as myself, we can discuss it,' the 22-year-old said.

Wenger softens Taylor stance (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has retracted comments calling for Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor to be banned for life following his horror tackle on Eduardo on Saturday.

Bruce defends under-fire Taylor (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has launched a vigorous defence of Martin Taylor following Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's vehement attack on the Birmingham City defender.

Eduardo suffers horror injury at St Andrews (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva suffered an horrific injury in this afternoon's Premier League match at Birmingham.

Spurs pledge to help stricken legend Gazza (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tottenham have confirmed their scheme to provide support for former players will be actively working to help Paul Gascoigne and his family.

Grant's heroic dad set to be Wembley guest (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant's father Meir will be a special guest at Sunday's Carling Cup final just days after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Coppell stops short of wielding Royals axe (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Steve Coppell has revealed he has been on the brink of dropping half of his first-choice team as he seeks a solution to the desperate form that has left Reading on the brink of Premier League relegati

Nani: No showboating after Fergie dressing-down (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United winger Nani has revealed that a stern word from manager Sir Alex Ferguson was enough to persuade him not to repeat his on-field juggling antics.

Cottagers won't allow Healy to be loaned (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has decided against sending out-of-favour striker David Healy out on loan despite having brought in three other front-men in the January transfer window.

Buck: Ronaldinho not coming to Chelsea (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea won't try to sign Barcelona star Ronaldinho at the end of the season according to the Premier League club's chairman.

Ipswich made to wait over Nugent loan deal (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ipswich manager Jim Magilton is expecting to hear next week whether his ambitious attempt to sign Portsmouth striker David Nugent has been successful.

Keegan promises help for Gascoigne (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has promised his former boot boy Paul Gascoigne all the help the club can give him in his hour of need.

Arsenal board not contemplating Wenger departure (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman believes manager Arsene Wenger will stay with the club for at least another eight years - but scotched suggestions the Frenchman would be handed a seat on the b

Duo offer support to Gazza (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Paul Gascoigne has received messages of support from two Premier League managers after he was detained and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Chelsea aiming to 'break even' (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea have admitted they face an uphill task to break even in two years' time but are refusing to revise their 'ambitious' target.

Takeover rumours rejected as 'rubbish' by Mort (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has dismissed reports that owner Mike Ashley is ready to listen to takeover offers as 'rubbish'.

Fergie blasts agents after Brown rejects deal (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused some players of 'living in the pockets of their agents' after Manchester United defender Wes Brown rejected the club's final pay offer.

FA claim 39th game format is 'unsustainable' (Feb 22, 2008 00:22 GMT)
The Football Association have said the Premier League's proposal for overseas matches is 'unsustainable' in its current format.

Bellamy facing more time on treatment table (Feb 21, 2008 22:42 GMT)
West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy faces another six weeks on the sidelines at Upton Park after being forced to undergo a second operation on his persistent abdominal injury.

O'Neill confident Agbonlahor will be available (Feb 21, 2008 19:43 GMT)
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is winning his battle to be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash at Reading.

Palios hits out at 39th step plans (Feb 21, 2008 19:03 GMT)
Former Football Association chief executive Mark Palios has described the Premier League's proposed 'international round' of matches as 'a step too far'.

Blues reject bid to put Macca & Fan on board (Feb 21, 2008 16:37 GMT)
Birmingham have confirmed today that shareholders have rejected Carson Yeung's proposal to co-opt Steve McManaman and Fan Zhiyi onto the board of directors.

Toure may be fit for Milan (Feb 21, 2008 16:33 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Kolo Toure could be back in action sooner than originally thought, and may even be in contention for the second leg against Milan on March 4.

Megson blasts critics as Bolton look to progress (Feb 21, 2008 16:31 GMT)
Gary Megson has slammed the critics who claim Bolton will attempt to kick Atletico Madrid out of the UEFA Cup tonight.

FA board meet to discuss 39th step (Feb 21, 2008 16:30 GMT)
The Premier League's plans for overseas matches will be top of the agenda when the Football Association board meet today.

Gibson: Boro's David v Goliath battle with top clubs (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson claims his club is engaged in a ``David and Goliath'' battle with the Barclays Premier League's big guns.

McCullough: Berbatov carries Spurs' hopes (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tottenham Correspondent Colin McCullough looks forward to Sunday's Carling Cup final with Chelsea.

Terry and Lamps back Grant for resting them (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Frank Lampard and John Terry insist they were fully behind coach Avram Grant's decision to leave them out of Tuesday night's Champions League draw with Olympiacos in Athens.

Man Utd to deal '39th step' blow? (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United chief executive David Gill is expected to deliver a blow to the Premier League's proposal for overseas games by telling the Football Association board tomorrow that the club opposes

Reggina complain to UEFA as Chelsea poach teen (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Reggina have launched official complaints to the Italian Football Federation and UEFA after the claiming their 15-year-old defender Vincenzo Camilleri has passed up a chance to sign a professional con

Ipswich keen to sign Nugent loan deal (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton has confirmed he has approached Portsmouth about a three-month loan deal for their out-of-favour striker David Nugent.

Villa's Moore poised for Baggies loan move (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Aston Villa striker Luke Moore is undergoing a medical at West Brom with a view to a switch on loan until the end of the season.

Chelsea boss Grant receives death threats (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Anti-Semitic death threats have been sent to Chelsea boss Avram Grant in a package containing a mysterious powder, police said today.

Birmingham trio increase share holding in club (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Birmingham co-owners David Sullivan and the Gold brothers, chairman David and Ralph, have increased their stake in the midlands club. The long-serving trio now own almost 50% of City's shares.

FA highlight four problems with '39th step' plan (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Football Association chairman Lord Triesman has highlighted four areas of concern about the Premier League's plans for an 'international round' of matches.

Wenger restates Euro League beliefs (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League's controversial proposal to play a 39th game abroad could eventually see UEFA look to establish a 'European Super League' of their own.

Scudamore denies that 39th step is dead duck (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has insisted the plan for an international round of matches is not a 'dead duck' despite hostile opposition.

Basketball star Nash professes Spurs passions (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Basketball superstar Steve Nash has revealed he is in 'casual contact' with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and director of football Damien Comolli but insists he has no immediate intention of getting

Rafa: Confidence not a problem at Anfield (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rafael Benitez claims the confidence of his Liverpool players has remained unbroken despite their shock exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Barnsley.

George Best: Genius, Maverick, Legend (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jon Carter looks at a DVD of perhaps the most talented footballer of all time, the one and only George Best.

Ferguson keen on Lyon striker Benzema (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will keep a particularly close eye on Olympique Lyon strikers Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa in Wednesday's Champions League first knockout round first leg at

Gunners' skipper escapes FA action over Nani clash (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal captain William Gallas has escaped disciplinary action over his clash with Manchester United's Nani.

Ferreira signs new five-year deal with Chelsea (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portugal international Paulo Ferreira has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, the club have announced on their website.

Kaiser warning to 'cocky' Premier League bosses (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Franz Beckenbauer believes there are some merits in the Premier League's proposal for an 'international round' - but has warned that it would be 'cocky' to go against FIFA's wishes.

Capello warns Inter of Reds peril (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fabio Capello has warned Inter Milan to expect a battle when they meet Liverpool in the Champions League. 'Liverpool, when playing in the Champions League, transforms itself,' he said.

On loan Gardner keen to stay with Everton (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
On loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Anthony Gardner wants to make his move to Everton permanent at the end of the season. 'It would be good for me,' the 27-year-old said.

Redknapp hails evergreen cup hero James (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp believes David James can continue to excel for club and country until he turns 40.

We are not good enough, laments Carragher (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher claims the club's problems run deeper than their shock FA Cup exit to Barnsley at the weekend suggested.

Aldo: Rafa is missing former assistant Paco (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge claims the famous Anfield club has 'imploded' recently and believes the departure of Rafael Benitez's assistant this season is a major factor in the team's pligh

Wenger says European Super League 'inevitable' (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger insists the G14 dissolution will not prevent the introduction of a Euro 'super league'. Wenger also thinks the Champions League - in which Arsenal face AC Milan this week - won't survive

Allardyce: Chairmen too quick to pull trigger (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sacked managers are the victims of chairman and owners who 'can't stand the pressure' from volatile fans, according to Sam Allardyce, who was sacked as Newcastle boss in January.

'2018 World Cup not under threat' - Scudamore (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists controversial plans to take matches overseas will not jeopardise England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

Scudamore seeks Blatter meeting over 39 (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chief executive Richard Scudamore insists he will continue to pursue plans to take Premier League matches abroad at a meeting with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

FA express 'serious reservations' over proposals (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Football Association have expressed 'serious reservations' over the Premier League's proposal to play an 'international round' of fixtures from the 2010-11 season onwards.

Spurs target Downing agrees new Boro deal (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has agreed a new five-year contract.

Terry returns to Chelsea squad for Cup clash (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea captain John Terry is set to make a remarkable return to action against Huddersfield Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Usmanov increases Gunners holding to 24% (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Red and White Holdings Ltd, whose chairman is former Gunners chief David Dein and is owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, have increased their shareholding in Arsenal to 24%.

Parry: Game 39 not on agenda (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has added his voice to the growing opposition to the Premier League's controversial proposal to play fixtures abroad.

Hong Kong keen on Premier League plan (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Hong Kong Football Association chairman Brian Leung has revealed that the former British colony is 'very interested' in staging Premier League games in the future.

Press Pass on the '39th game' debate (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Press Pass speak to Dan Johnson, Alexi Lalas and Ivan Gazidis about the 39th game proposals.

McClaren has turned down overseas offers (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren claims he has turned down offers to manage overseas but insists he is willing to move abroad or even step into the Championship.

39th game would hit World Cup bid, says Blatter (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has condemned the Premier League's proposal to play matches overseas as 'unacceptable' and an 'abuse of football'.

Middlesbrough confident of Downing extension (Feb 15, 2008 00:08 GMT)
Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has revealed that Stewart Downing's contract wrangle could be resolved within six weeks.

Sven expecting Dunne to sign new deal (Feb 15, 2008 00:05 GMT)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Richard Dunne will follow in the footsteps of Micah Richards and Dietmar Hamann and sign a new contract with the club.

Liverpool edge closer to Mascherano transfer (Feb 15, 2008 00:03 GMT)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists he is edging closer to completing the permanent signing of Javier Mascherano despite fresh reports linking the Argentinian with a move elsewhere.

McCormack on brink of pre-contract with Wigan (Feb 14, 2008 23:19 GMT)
Ross McCormack is poised to sign a pre-contract agreement with Wigan within the next 48 hours against the wishes of his adviser, but with an escape clause should the Latics be relegated.

Kanu move to Oz 'a lot of cobblers' (Feb 14, 2008 20:20 GMT)
Harry Redknapp has dismissed suggestions of striker Kanu moving to Australia as a 'lot of cobblers', but would not stand in the player's way if he wants to walk away from Fratton Park at the end of th

FA appoint Quest to probe January transfers (Feb 14, 2008 18:41 GMT)
The Football Association's decision to appoint Quest to carry out an audit of transfers in England has been welcomed by agents. Quest will look at a selection of the moves which took place in January.

Gold blasts 'selfish' Cahill (Feb 14, 2008 18:23 GMT)
Birmingham chairman David Gold has accused defender Gary Cahill of being 'selfish' in leaving it until the final 48 hours of the January transfer window before rejecting the chance to join the midland

Spurs fitness coach to step up new regime (Feb 14, 2008 16:49 GMT)
Tottenham fitness coach Marcos Alvarez admits there will still be work to be done on players losing weight while the club chase silverware this season.

Ecclestone slams poorly conceived game plan (Feb 14, 2008 16:44 GMT)
Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone believes the Premier League will never be able to sell the likes of Wigan to a global market - and has offered to organise a 'big four' mini-tournament.

Eddington pessimistic over Premier League plan (Feb 14, 2008 16:41 GMT)
The man reported to be behind the Premier League's bid to stage a round of matches overseas has admitted it is 'unlikely to happen' given the raft of global opposition.

Fabregas reveals new contract talks (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed he is in talks with the Gunners about a new contract.

Premier Showdown - Test your prediction skills (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Ubha: Howard content at Goodison (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ravi Ubha meets Everton's US goalkeeper Tim Howard and finds the ex-Man Utd man in fine form.

Micah: Derby win was highlight (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City defender Micah Richards admitted his side's victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford was the 'best moment' of his club career to date.

Scudamore: Clubs still back plan (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists his controversial plan to introduce a 39th game played at venues around the world still has the support of all 20 top-flight clubs.

Martins joy at joining Keegan revolution (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Striker Obafemi Martins is desperate to play a part in Kevin Keegan's attempt to revive Newcastle.

Yorke admits end could be nigh at S'land (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sunderland midfielder Dwight Yorke admits he is playing for his future at the Stadium of Light.

United second as Real remain richest club (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid held its position as the world's richest soccer club as English clubs climbed the rankings to claim three of the top five slots in an annual survey by accountancy firm Deloitte [DLTE.UL].

Kanu linked to A-League Gold Coast side (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth striker Kanu could be off Down Under in the summer, according to his agent.

Kalou out of Africa to aid Chelsea push (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Salomon Kalou is desperate to bolster Chelsea's Premier League title challenge after returning from the African Nations Cup.

FA remain non-committal over 39th step (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Football Association insist they remain neutral over the Premier League's proposal to take top-flight games to cities across the world.

Boro chief still interested in foreign round (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough chief executive has given guarded support to proposals to play a 39th round of Premier League games abroad.

Hamann pens one-year extension at City (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has signed a new one-year deal with the Eastlands club.

Australians block 'International Round' (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The proposed international round of Premier League matches has received a further blow with Football Federation Australia (FFA) joining in the chorus saying they would not support the concept.

Premier League set to get extra UEFA Cup place (Feb 13, 2008 06:40 GMT)
England are top of UEFA's fair play rankings and could benefit from an additional UEFA Cup spot next season, European soccer's governing body said on Tuesday.

'There is a long way to go' - Ferguson (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is plenty of life left in the Premier League title race despite Manchester United slipping five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Brewin: Spend, spend, spend. And spend again (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
John Brewin manages to get hold of a copy of 'Icon', the magazine written for footballers, by footballers.

FA quash Bowyer red, turn blind eye to Barton (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Football Association have quashed the red card issued to Lee Bowyer last weekend and also opted to take no further action against Joey Barton.

Man Utd confirm summer trip to South Africa (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United will travel to South Africa this summer to play in the Vodacom Challenge. The three-team tournament will also feature Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will take place from July 19-2

AFC chief against Premier League games in Asia (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin Hammam has firmly rejected the idea of the Premier League staging games in Asia.

What the fans say... the latest Premier League matches (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
ESPNsoccernet's Correspondents give their reaction to all of the weekend's Premier League fixtures.

Carter: What a relief... Managers uncut (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jon Carter on a DVD of the most unforgettable managerial moments, made in aid of Sport Relief.

Nugent to kick-start career against old club? (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth's £6million misfit David Nugent could kick-start his career back at Preston in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Keegan 'not given up' on a role for Shearer (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has not given up on Alan Shearer returning to the club in some capacity.

'Theatrical falls killing the game' - Reo-Coker (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has hit out at the increased play-acting in British football.

Whelan questions value of Premier League plan (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is undecided over plans to play Premier League games in cities around the world.

US will only host Premier League with FIFA blessing (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League hopes of a trans-Atlantic alliance over their proposal to play a round of matches overseas appear to be in tatters.

Korea cool on Premier League plans (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League hopes of a trans-Atlantic alliance over their proposal to play a round of matches overseas appear to be in tatters.

'Forget about the title, focus on fourth' - Gerrard (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Captain Steven Gerrard has told Liverpool to 'forget about the title' and focus on qualifying for the Champions League instead.

Premier Showdown - Feb 9-11 (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Madejski confident Royals can beat the drop (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Reading chairman John Madejski believes his team have what it takes to win their battle for Premier League survival.

Norman Hubbard: Global game has delusions of grandeur (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The self-delusion of the league's global tour is perhaps the most remarkable element, says Norman Hubbard.

Ballack flourishing at Grant's Chelsea (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack tells Nick Bidwell about his journey from Chelsea's forgotten man to leading their title challenge.

West Ham appeal Bowyer card, Barton charge? (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
West Ham have appealed against the red card shown to Lee Bowyer in Saturday's Premier League clash with Birmingham.

Gerrard concedes title and puts focus on fourth (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard has told team-mates and fans to forget about winning the Premier League title and concentrate on finishing fourth after the Reds had to settle for a point against Chelsea at Stamford Br

Club secretary hails 'impeccable' fans (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United club secretary Ken Ramsden today hailed the 'impeccable' behaviour of Manchester City fans after the minute's silence to remember the victims of the Munich air disaster was perfectly

United defender Neville vows to beat injury woes (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United captain Gary Neville insists he will return to action amid speculation his current injury problems could end his career. The 32-year-old has not played a competitive first-team game

Keegan short on excuses after Villa thrashing (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan conceded his side were short of excuses after losing 4-1 against Aston Villa despite taking the lead at Villa Park on Saturday.

Scudamore outlines Premier League 'strategy' (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has attempted to reassure Barclays Premier League fans of the prudence of the proposed `international round', describing it as a 'strategic play' to st

Grant plays down Terry return for cup final (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant appears to have ruled captain John Terry out of the Carling Cup final even though the England international is back in training.

Jolly at Old Trafford: Forever remembered (Feb 11, 2008 02:23 GMT)
Richard Jolly finds plenty for Manchester City to be happy about from the derby at Old Trafford.

'Chelsea can still win the title', insists Grant (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea manager Avram Grant insisted his side are still in the race for the Premier League title after their 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Hamann praises Man City's workrate in derby win (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Midfielder Dietmar Hamann praised Manchester City's workrate after they upstaged Manchester United to win an emotional derby 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Old Trafford silent for victims of Munich disaster (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A capacity crowd at Old Trafford today impeccably respected the minute's silence in memory of the Munich disaster.

Newcastle 'wasn't big enough for me' - Big Sam (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has risked inciting the anger of the Geordie fans by claiming the Magpies were not a big enough club for him and insisting the St James' Park outfit 'didn't live

Scudamore pragmatic over overseas expansion (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has told English fans to embrace the concept of domestic matches being played abroad or see their clubs overtaken by the rest of the world.

Ferguson fury over Manchester derby fixture clash (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Premier League insist they would have considered any request from Manchester United to reschedule this afternoon's Manchester derby.

Prem wrap: Jagielka fires Royals into drop zone (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Everton boosted their chances of qualifying for the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Reading at Goodison Park which sent the Royals into the Premier League relegation zone.

Ferguson targets Stamford Bridge title showdown (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has identified Manchester United's trip to Chelsea as the make-or-break match for their Premier League title ambitions.

Newcastle confirm coach Pearson's departure (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle today confirmed coach Nigel Pearson has left the club.

Rafa: To catch Chelsea we must beat Chelsea (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rafael Benitez accepts Liverpool's hopes of catching Chelsea in the Premier League hinge on tomorrow's trip to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea welcome back stampede of Elephants (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea coach Avram Grant admits he is facing a real selection poser when he gets his full complement of players back from the African Nations Cup.

Arsenal 'down to bare bones', admits Wenger (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger admits he may have to ask Kolo Toure to make a dash straight back from the African Nations Cup as the Arsenal boss is 'down to the bare bones' for Monday night's Premier League clash aga

Platini brands overseas Premier League plan a joke (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
UEFA president Michel Platini has attacked the English Premier League's plans to consider staging league matches overseas, describing the proposal as a joke.

FIFA to examine Premier League plans (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FIFA will examine the Premier League's controversial plan to hold some matches overseas, the world governing body's president, Sepp Blatter, announced on Friday.

Richards signs new Manchester City deal (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Micah Richards was relieved to end speculation about his future by signing what Manchester City believe is the longest contract in their history.

Japanese FA opposed to Premier League plan (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Japan Football Association have voiced their opposition to the Premier League's proposal to stage matches overseas, calling the concept 'problematic'.

Yakubu dropped by Everton after late return (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Everton boss David Moyes has left Ayegbeni Yakubu out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Reading following the Nigerian striker's late return from the African Nations Cup

Benitez backs under-fire Kuyt to get goals (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rafael Benitez has given striker Dirk Kuyt his full support as the troubled Dutchman prepares to be plunged into Sunday's make-or-break clash at Chelsea.

Bruce: Latics need 36 points to avoid the drop (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has set his team a 36-point survival target and believes he is halfway towards securing the Latics' top-flight status.

Fergie fury at Premier League project (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson is angry that club managers, including himself, were not consulted before the Premier League made public their plans for an 'international round' of matches.

Carter: Money talks, as Premier League eye move (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jon Carter bemoans the Premier League's ludicrous plans to push their global brand even further.

Newspapers condemn 'world tour' (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Premier League's plan to play matches overseas has achieved the rare distinction of uniting the popular and heavyweight press, with almost universal condemnation in Britain's newspapers on Friday.

Alves signing proves ambition, insists Southgate (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is confident chairman Steve Gibson's decision to smash the club's transfer record for Afonso Alves will silence the doubters.

Birmingham hope Zarate has the Dugarry effect (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Birmingham City number two Roy Aitken is looking for on-loan Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate to make the same short-term impact as Christophe Dugarry.

Upson can inspire our English players - Curbishley (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Alan Curbishley hopes West Ham United's 'healthy contingent' of young Englishmen will be inspired by Matthew Upson's return to the England team.

Eriksson urges City fans to respect Munich tribute (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged visiting supporters to respect the minute's silence for the Munich air disaster ahead of Sunday's derby with Manchester United.

Harry blasts overseas game plan (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp claimed Premier League clubs could become 'like the Harlem Globetrotters' after proposals were announced to stage matches abroad.

'Shocked' Benjani never wanted to leave Pompey (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari has revealed he did not want to leave Portsmouth and was 'shocked' to be sold in the January transfer window.

No Preston loan return for striker Nugent (Feb 7, 2008 23:41 GMT)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out loaning £6million striker David Nugent back to Preston despite bringing in Jermain Defoe from Tottenham, Milan Baros from French champions Lyon and now

Birmingham determined to battle Yeun's plans (Feb 7, 2008 22:54 GMT)
Birmingham are bracing themselves for another battle with their leading shareholder Carson Yeung who wants to appoint former Liverpool star Steve McManaman and ex-Crystal Palace defender Fan Zhiyi as

FIFA to look at Premier League's overseas plans (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
The English Premier League's plans to stage a number of fixtures overseas are set to come under scrutiny from the game's ruling bodies FIFA and UEFA.

Lalas thrilled by Premier League plans (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas believes the Premier League's proposal to play matches overseas is an exciting one.

Eriksson urges Man City to respect Munich silence (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged Blues supporters to respect Sunday's minute's silence ahead of the derby with United.

Managers sceptical on overseas plan (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Managers of Premier League clubs have given a mixed reaction to the idea of staging matches abroad after clubs unanimously agreed to further examine the proposal.

Birmingham owener Gold keen on overseas plan (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Birmingham co-owner David Gold has described the Premier League's plan to play matches overseas as 'amazingly exciting'.

Premier League games to be played abroad? (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
The 20 Premier League clubs are planning a radical change that would see each team playing an extra match a season in a foreign city.

Sunderland midfielder Miller out for a month (Feb 7, 2008 20:29 GMT)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane has been dealt yet another injury blow with the news midfielder Liam Miller could be out of action for a month.

Martins ready to fire Newcastle back on track (Feb 7, 2008 19:40 GMT)
EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle United stiker Obafemi Martins is ready to help Newcastle United return to winning ways after his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Nigeria ended prematurely.

Keegan tips Shearer as future Toon boss (Feb 7, 2008 18:52 GMT)
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan remains convinced Alan Shearer will manage the club one day.

Hamstring rules Torres out of Chelsea trip (Feb 7, 2008 18:52 GMT)
Liverpool have confirmed that striker Fernando Torres has suffered a hamstring tear and is set be sidelined for 10 days.

Drogba reiterates commitment to Chelsea (Feb 7, 2008 16:51 GMT)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has reiterated he is happy at the club despite previously claiming he wanted to leave.

Settled Ronaldo still wants to play in Spain (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo 'feels well' in England - but still harbours ambitions of playing in Spain.

Survivors and supporters pay tribute to dead (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A group of 400 fans commemorated the 50th anniversary of the plane crash which killed eight Manchester United players in 1958 at the site of the tragedy.

Ferguson pays tribute to United's fallen heroes (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists his constant quest at Old Trafford is to create a team to match the courage and class of the `Busby Babes' side of the 1950s.

Parry calls for end to Liverpool civil war (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has called for everyone associated with the club to stop washing their dirty linen in public and unite after weeks of turmoil on and off the pitch.

Sunderland release Clarke on 'health grounds' (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sunderland defender Clive Clarke has left the Premier League club by mutual consent over fears about his health.

Alves jets in to start life at Middlesbrough (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Record signing Afonso Alves was on Teesside on Wednesday as he prepared to launch his career at Middlesbrough.

Agbonlahor set to miss out at weekend too (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is losing his battle to be fit for Saturday's home Premier League clash with Newcastle.

Gilberto accepts future is away from Arsenal (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto admits he sees cannot currently 'see any future' for himself with the Gunners after losing his place in the first team this season.

Pompey chief draws line under Benjani affair (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has stressed he is entirely happy with the fitness of former striker Benjani Mwaruwari and that was part of the reason why the club allowed Manchester City to

United prepare for day of Busby Babes tributes (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United's tribute to the eight footballers lost in the Munich air disaster 50 years ago will be one of permanence.

Football to pay respects to Munich dead (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Football will pay its tribute to the legend of the Busby Babes tomorrow in moments of remembrance on the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster.

Derby gets clearance for new boy Sterjovski (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Derby have finally received international clearance for January signing Mile Sterjovski.

Boro's record signing Alves granted work permit (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough's new Brazilian striker Afonso Alves has been granted a work permit and is due to link up with the club tomorrow, according to the club's website.

Holland: The Busby Babes: Munich remembered (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Phil Holland remembers the tragic loss of Manchester United's 'Busby Babes' in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.

Rovers' stopper Friedel signs contract extension (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Blackburn Rovers' American goalkeeper Brad Freidel has signed a new contract at Ewood Park until 2010.

Clubs branded 'stupid' over Cousin transfer (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Legendary French coach Guy Roux has branded Rangers and Fulham 'stupid' over their handling of Daniel Cousin's proposed £3million move to Fulham.

Gill keen to share Munich memorial with City (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
David Gill is determined to ensure the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster is not a Manchester United-only affair. There have been fears the minute's silence could be disrupted by some City fa

Mascherano hoping for long-term Reds deal (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Javier Mascherano expects to enjoy a long relationship with the Liverpool fans after revealing his protracted transfer should be finalised by the end of the week.

What the fans say... the latest Premier League matches (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
ESPNsoccernet's Correspondents give their reaction to all of the weekend's Premier League fixtures.

Benjani finally completes move to Man City (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Benjani Mwaruwari has completed a £3.87million move from Portsmouth to Manchester City and has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, City's official website reported.

Boro wait on Cattermole knee ligaments (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole has undergone a scan to determine the extent of the knee ligament injury he suffered at Newcastle.

Hubbard: Grant must undertake tough decisions (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant may soon find himself at a selection crossroads, says Norman Hubbard.

Madeley: Born In Dudley, died at Munich (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Peter Madeley shares local memories of Dudley-born Duncan Edwards, who died at Munich 50 years ago.

Tottenham's Bale set to miss rest of season (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Gareth Bale's foot injury is expected to keep him out of action for the rest of the season, Tottenham sporting director Damien Comolli has confirmed.

Mascherano expects Liverpool deal to be done (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Javier Mascherano expects his permanent transfer to Liverpool to be completed this week.

O'Neill challenges Routledge to earn contract (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
New signing Wayne Routledge has been challenged by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill to earn a longer contract.

Bullard could be Fulham's saviour - Hodgson (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manager Roy Hodgson insists Jimmy Bullard's goals could help to keep Fulham in the top flight after the fit-again midfielder hit a glorious free-kick winner in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa yesterd

Premier Showdown - Feb 2/3 (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Pompey admit Defoe permanent deal 'not yet done' (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth have admitted that Jermain Defoe's reported £7.5million move from Tottenham to Fratton Park is only a loan deal - but that a full transfer will be completed later this week.

Wenger impressed by 'brave' teenager Freeman (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels 'brave' 15-year-old Luke Freeman has a bright future ahead of him.

Arsenal's Hill-Wood attacks FA over foreign influx (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has branded the FA 'out of touch' for their stance over the influx of foreign players. The FA's Brian Barwick has claimed that top-flight clubs should bring more Engli

Jolly: Benitez winning Anfield popularity contest (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly watched Liverpool beat Sunderland to briefly take the pressure off Rafa Benitez.

Insider: Ronaldo fluffs lines as Spurs' backbone shows (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Spurs are improving under Ramos and, for once, Utd star Ronaldo had an off day says The Insider.

Royals' Hunt signs new three-and-a-half year deal (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract. The Republic of Ireland international, who was a target for Sunderland, is now tied to the Berkshire club until 2011.

Shearer turns down coaching role at Newcastle (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer said he had turned down new manager Kevin Keegan's offer of a coaching role at the struggling Premier League club.

Benjani transfer row rumbles on amid confusion (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Confusion continues to surround the future of striker Benjani Mwaruwari after his botched move from Portsmouth to Manchester City.

Southgate refutes Alves fears (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Gareth Southgate has moved quickly to reassure Middlesbrough fans that the club's record signing Afonso Alves will not be sidelined by a threatened legal challenge from AZ Alkmaar.

Jewell transfer rage after Mills injury blow (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Derby manager Paul Jewell has hit out at what he believes are inconsistencies in the transfer system.

Wise: Keegan gets the final say on transfers (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Dennis Wise has insisted Kevin Keegan has nothing to fear from him as the pair plot the way forward at Newcastle.

Fulham, Gers await FIFA call on Cousin (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rangers are expected to learn at the start of next week whether FIFA will authorise Daniel Cousin's £3million transfer to Fulham.

Defoe sold before he 'did a Campbell' (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tottenham have revealed they sanctioned Jermain Defoe's move to Portsmouth for fear of losing him for nothing as they did with Sol Campbell.

Fergie happy to farm Manucho out to Greeks (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manucho will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Panathinaikos.

Wenger hails Clichy call to France squad (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has paid tribute to his manager Arsene Wenger after receiving his long-awaited maiden call-up to the France squad.

AZ continue to dispute £12m Alves Boro deal (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AZ Alkmaar are prepared to see Afonso Alves banned from playing for new club Middlesbrough for the rest of the season after announcing they will take their claim on the Brazil international to FIFA.

Iraq pleads for Akram to be given permit (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Iraq has appealed against Britain's decision to refuse the country's top soccer player a work permit to join Manchester City.

Jolly: Looking through the closed window (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly evaluates the ins, outs and never weres of the recently closed January transfer market.

Megson: Trotters failed in late Lita deal (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bolton boss Gary Megson has revealed he failed with a £7million bid to sign Reading striker Leroy Lita.

Hodgson happy to complete Litmanen deal (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson expects Jari Litmanen to play a huge part in the club's bid for Premier League survival after signing the veteran until the end of the season.

Spurs manage to revive deal for Gilberto (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tottenham finished off their January transfers with the arrival of Gilberto from Hertha Berlin late on deadline day - and the still later confirmation of Jermain Defoe's departure to Portsmouth.


English League Championship
Sheffield Sryehda? Owls set for takeover (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sheffield Wednesday have revealed there has been a preliminary approach which may lead to a takeover of the Championship club.

Championship: Leaders Stoke crash to PNE (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Stoke blew the chance to go four points clear at the top of the Championship after a Richard Chaplow double handed Preston a 2-0 win at Deepdale.

Owls move closer to £50m Sheard takeover (Feb 25, 2008 22:27 GMT)
Sheffield Wednesday fans' group Wednesdayite are today expecting a formal offer for their club shares from a mystery consortium which will pave the way for a takeover at Hillsborough.

Eleven arrests made after pre-game violence (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Eleven people were arrested after what police claimed was a pre-planned fight between Coventry and Leicester hooligans on Saturday morning.

Barnsley join Leeds' High Court points battle (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barnsley have joined Leeds in their legal fight against the Football League over the 15-point deduction imposed on the West Yorkshire club.

Coventry confirm Coleman as new manager (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Coventry have confirmed the appointment of former Fulham manager Chris Coleman on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Coleman, 37, had been out of work since leaving Real Sociedad.

Weather curtails programme (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The wintery weather conditions across the country have taken their toll on Tuesday's Football League programme, with five of the planned 10 matches already postponed.

Pearson announced as new Southampton boss (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Nigel Pearson has been appointed as Saints manager in the wake of the FA Cup defeat at Bristol Rovers. The former Newcastle assistant boss signed a contract taking over from caretaker duo John Gorman

Hubbard: Reputation fails to save Robson (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard on why Bryan Robson's reputation now lies in tatters after his time at Bramall Lane.

Robson exits Blades, Blackwell takes over (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Kevin Blackwell has been appointed as manager of Sheffield United after Bryan Robson turned down the opportunity to become the club's director of football. Brian Kidd has also left Bramall Lane.

Blades owners buys share in Ferencvaros (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sheffield United owner Kevin McCabe has won a tender to buy into Hungary's best known club Ferencvaros, ending a two-year saga during which the team was relegated due to its debts.

League Review: Henderson keeps Hornets buzzing (Feb 13, 2008 06:38 GMT)
Darius Henderson scored the only goal of the game to help Watford remain at the top of the Championship with a 1-0 victory over Leicester at Vicarage Road.

Robson under pressure ahead of West Brom game (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bryan Robson believes he still has the support of most Sheffield United fans as he prepares for what could be a make-or-break clash with his former club West Brom tonight.

Mowbray commits to West Brom with new deal (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray and assistant manager Mark Venus have signed new contracts.

Manager Dowie sacked by strugglers Coventry (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Iain Dowie has been sacked as manager of Championship strugglers Coventry, the club announced today. The Sky Blues lie four points above the relegation zone after their fifth loss in six league games.

Championship: Watford top as West Brom lose (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Watford climbed to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after they recorded a 2-1 win over Ipswich who lost at Portman Road for the first time this season.

Southampton hold preliminary takeover talks (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Southampton are in preliminary talks with a potential investor over a possible takeover of the Coca-Cola Championship club.

Premier League: Utd and Chelsea lose ground (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Carlos Tevez scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to give Manchester United a point as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham but surrended their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League to Arsenal.

Championship: Stoke back on track with win (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Stoke put their promotion campaign back on track with a 2-1 win over Cardiff at the Britannia Stadium.


English League One
Football League invite Leeds to arbitration (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Leeds chairman Ken Bates has revealed the club have been invited to arbitration by the Football League as they look to overturn their 15-point deficit.

Bates calls on League to help stricken clubs (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Leeds chairman Ken Bates has called on the Football League to set up a 'taskforce' to help prevent more clubs going into administration.

Leeds still fighting to overturn 15-point deduction (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Leeds have not given up hope of overturning the 15-point deduction imposed by the Football League - and have urged the High Court to rule on their appeal before the end of the current season.

League One: Rovers cut the gap to Swansea (Feb 10, 2008 04:00 GMT)
Doncaster scored twice from the spot to close the gap at the top of League One table with a 2-0 win victory over Bristol Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Struggling Bournemouth confirm administration (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
League One side Bournemouth have confirmed they have gone into administration.

League One: They think it's all Rovers (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bristol Rovers put further daylight between themselves and the League One relegation zone on Wednesday night with a 2-0 win in their west country derby with Cheltenham.

McAllister reveals approach for 'first choice' Lee (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Gary McAllister has revealed former Bolton manager Sammy Lee was his first choice to become his assistant at Leeds.

Luton takeover deal edges closer - Administrator (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Luton's administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has revealed that the sale of the club is in the process of being finalised.

Staunton set to join Leeds as McAllister's No.2 (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Leeds are poised to name Steve Staunton as assistant manager to Gary McAllister. Staunton will team up with McAllister after the pair worked together at Coventry.


English League Two
Home fires burning but Dale game is off (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Diehard fans of English League Two club Rochdale went to extraordinary lengths to try and thaw out the pitch in time for Tuesday's home match against Notts County.

League Two: Pack close gap on stuttering Dons (Feb 10, 2008 04:27 GMT)
League Two leaders MK Dons saw their lead at the top of the table cut to six points after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rotherham.


English FA Cup
FA Cup: Chelsea face giant-killers Barnsley (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barnsley have been rewarded for their shock fifth-round victory over Liverpool with a home tie against Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

FA Cup quarter-finals draw (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manchester United will play Arsenal in a mouth watering FA Cup fifth round tie.

FA Cup: Barnsley boss still living the dream (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barnsley manager Simon Davey celebrated the best moment of his football career after his side's shock 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Wenger: United drubbing will be a 'one off' (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes there will be no lasting effects from the humiliating FA Cup defeat by championship rivals Manchester United.

Kop legend Smith blasts Reds boss Benitez (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Legendary Liverpool defender Tommy Smith has launched a stinging criticism of Reds boss Rafael Benitez after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnsley. Smith says fans' patience with the Spa

FA Cup Review: Liverpool and Saints humbled (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barnsley midfielder Brian Howard scored a dramatic late winner to give his side a shock 2-1 win over Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Anfield.

Jolly: Carnival for Tykes, more woe for Rafa (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly catches a real giantkilling as Barnsley sink mighty Liverpool and put more pressure on Rafa Benitez.

Rooney returns, Arsenal down to 'bare bones' (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Injury-plagued Arsenal are down to the 'bare bones' ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, manager Arsene Wenger said.

Diaby predicts psychological Cup blow to Utd (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Abou Diaby has urged Arsenal to land a psychological blow in the Premier League title race by prevailing in the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Sol warns Pompey new boys about Cup spirit (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sol Campbell has warned Portsmouth's FA Cup debutants that struggling Preston North End will be no pushover in the fifth round at Deepdale on Sunday.

Sinclair to roll back years for Chelsea return (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Huddersfield Town's veteran defender Frank Sinclair is anxious not to show his age when he returns to Stamford Bridge to face former club Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round.

FA Cup: Benitez eyes chance of silverware (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is intent on making up for his side's virtual elimination from the Premier League title race by taking a major step towards alternative silverware this week.

FA Cup Team News: Ancelotti names Blues line-up (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
All the latest news on injuries and call-ups ahead of this weekend's FA Cup action.


English Carling Cup
Chelsea play down reports of Terry bust-up (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea are playing down suggestions of an alleged bust-up between coach Henk ten Cate and captain John Terry prior to Sunday's Carling Cup final defeat by Tottenham.

Hubbard: A tactical triumph for Ramos (Feb 25, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tactical nous and bravery make Ramos Mourinho's heir, argues Norman Hubbard.

Grant bitter over Spurs cup final defeat (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant lamented the manner in which Chelsea lost the Carling Cup final to Tottenham at Wembley, but maintained there was still plenty to play for this season.

Ramos: Spurs deserved winners (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Juande Ramos admitted victory tasted sweet after his Tottenham side fought back from a goal down to beat Chelsea and lift the Carling Cup at Wembley.

Chelsea's Grant desperate to win first trophy (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant seeks his first silverware as Chelsea manager when his side play London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's League Cup final at Wembley.

Ramos: Spurs must improve against Chelsea (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Juande Ramos admits Tottenham will have little chance of Carling Cup glory against Chelsea without significant improvement on this week's European performance.

Grant facing selection dilemma over star duo (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant admits he is facing one of the toughest decisions of his managerial career ahead of Sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley.

Woodgate eager for Spurs to land Cup double (Feb 21, 2008 16:24 GMT)
Jonathan Woodgate is targeting a positive result against Slavia Prague tonight to keep Tottenham in the hunt for a cup double under knockout specialist Juande Ramos.


England
On The Move - February 2008 (Feb 29, 2008 07:00 GMT)
The loan market reopened in the Football League this month.

Defoe called up for England after Agbonlahor blow (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe has been called up to the England squad for Wednesday's international against Switzerland after the withdrawal of Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Capello whittles down England squad (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fabio Capello has cut his England squad to face Switzerland on Wednesday down to 23 players and it appears Gabriel Agbonlahor is on course to make his England debut after being included in the scaled


Scottish National Team
Scotland boss Burley to consult Old Firm on squad (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Scotland boss George Burley has promised to consult Old Firm managers Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith before naming his first squad. Scotland play a friendly against Croatia on March 26.

Scottish FA reveal desire to host Euro 2012 (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Scottish Football Association will offer to step in to host Euro 2012 if UEFA take the tournament away from Poland and Ukraine.

Butcher thought Scots offer was a wind-up (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former England skipper Terry Butcher thought the offer to become Scotland assistant manager was a crank call.


Scottish Premier League
Fixture pile-up causes Nakamura confusion (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Celtic's Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is likely to miss another World Cup qualifier because of a rearranged club fixture.

SPL: Gers hammer Hearts to stay clear of Celtic (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jean-Claude Darcheville and Nacho Novo scored two goals apiece as Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers hammered Hearts 4-0 on Wednesday to stay four points clear of champions Celtic.

SPL: Nakamura scores late winner at St Mirren (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rangers stayed four points clear of arch-rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League by beating bottom club Gretna 4-2 on Sunday.

Scotland: Bhoys break Hearts to close gap (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Champions Celtic cruised to a 3-0 win over Hearts and cut the gap on Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers, who have a game in hand, to one point on Saturday.


Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup draw: Celtic face Pittodrie trip (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Holders Celtic face a tricky trip to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

Scottish Cup: Celtic hammer Kilmarnock (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Scott McDonald grabbed two goals as holders Celtic coasted to a 5-1 Scottish FA Cup fifth round win at Kilmarnock. Aberdeen beat Hamilton Academicals, while St Mirren and Dundee United slugged out a g


French National Team
Marshall: Mission impossible for Trezeguet (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Top scorer in Serie A and not in the France squad, Paul Marshall on Trezeguet's plight.

France forward Ribery out of Spain friendly (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
France forward Franck Ribery has pulled out of the France squad for a friendly against Spain on Wednesday in Malaga because of a sore left thigh muscle.

Trezeguet glum about his Euro 2008 prospects (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Juventus striker David Trezeguet said he is unlikely to be at Euro 2008 because France coach Raymond Domenech does not have faith in him.

France call up uncapped keeper Lloris (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Uncapped goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was added on Friday by France coach Raymond Domenech to his squad for two friendlies in Spain next week.


French Ligue 1
'Mourinho rebuffed Lyon, and heads to Barca' (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jose Mourinho turned down an offer to coach Lyon after leaving Chelsea, according to Bernard Lacombe, the advisor to the French club's president.

PSG beat Auxerre to reach League Cup Final (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Paris St Germain put their Ligue 1 worries aside to beat Auxerre 3-2 and advance to the French League Cup final on Tuesday.

Metz to file complaint after new racist incidents (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Metz will file a complaint after new racist incidents involving some of their supporters, the Ligue 1 club said on Tuesday.

Ligue 1: Marseille held by struggling Toulouse (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Toulouse collected what could prove a valuable point in their fight against relegation as they held high-flying Marseille to a scoreless draw.

Ligue 1: Fred double gives Lyon win against Metz (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A Fred double earned Olympique Lyon a 2-0 home win over bottom club Metz as the six-times champions opened a four-point gap at the top of Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Lyon looking to maintain form back home (Feb 21, 2008 19:14 GMT)
Olympique Lyon will be hoping to carry their European form into domestic action when they face Metz at the weekend after putting on an impressive display against Manchester United in the Champions Lea

Valenciennes seek replay following racism row (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Valenciennes have asked for a Ligue 1 defeat by Metz to be replayed after their captain Abdeslam Ouaddou said he was racially abused.

Ligue 1: Bordeaux fire a half-dozen past Monaco (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A 6-0 win at Monaco on Sunday enabled second-placed Girondins Bordeaux to close the gap on Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon to one point.

Lyon chief pressure players ahead of Utd tie (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Olympique Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas put the pressure on coach Alain Perrin and his players on Sunday, three days before the French champions welcome Manchester United in the Champions League.

Valenciennes captain in fans racism row (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Valenciennes captain Abdeslam Ouaddou has filed a legal complaint after being racially abused by a fan during a Ligue 1 match at Metz on Saturday, his club said.

Ligue 1: Lyon crash to Le Mans reverse (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Olympique Lyon stayed four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 despite slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Le Mans on Saturday.

Lyon seek reassurance against Le Mans (Feb 14, 2008 16:37 GMT)
Olympique Lyon will have their minds already set on Manchester United when they visit Le Mans in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Ligue 1: Marseille end Nice run with 2-0 win (Feb 11, 2008 06:41 GMT)
Olympique Marseille handed Nice their first home defeat of the season with a 2-0 win in their Mediterranean derby in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Ligue 1: Bodmer double helps Lyon stay clear (Feb 10, 2008 06:56 GMT)
Two goals from midfielder Mathieu Bodmer helped Olympique Lyon crush strugglers Sochaux 4-1 on Saturday to stay four points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

Lyon resume title hunt after Cup scare (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Olympique Lyon resume the hunt for a seventh consecutive Ligue 1 title when they entertain strugglers Sochaux on Saturday, after worrying their fans in the French Cup.

French Cup: Nancy humbled by amateur Carquefou (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Fifth division Carquefou stunned Ligue 1 frontrunners Nancy with a 2-1 extra time victory in the last 32 of the French Cup on Sunday.

French Cup: Auxerre crash out to lowly Bastia (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Four-times French Cup winners Auxerre lost 3-0 at second division Bastia in the round of 32 on Saturday after being sunk by a Pierre-Yves Andre double.


German Bundesliga
Bundesliga: Schalke face Bayern test at weekend (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Schalke 04 must keep Europe off their minds if they are to revive their Bundesliga campaign in Saturday's home clash with leaders Bayern Munich.

Germany: Jena dump Stuttgart from Pokal (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart were knocked out of the German Cup by second division strugglers Carl Zeiss Jena on Tuesday, losing their quarter-final on penalties after extra time ended at 2-2.

Diego banned for three Bundesliga matches (Feb 26, 2008 00:32 GMT)
Werder Bremen midfielder Diego has been banned for three matches after he was sent off during Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt for barging Ioannis Amanatidis, the German soccer federation

Bundesliga: Bayern stutter to draw with Hamburg (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich edged four points clear in the Bundesliga after their customary ruthless touch deserted them in a 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg SV on Sunday.

Bundesliga: Ten-man Werder lose at Frankfurt (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ten-man Werder Bremen suffered a 1-0 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, handing Bayern Munich a chance to move six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga when they play on Sunday.

Schalke seek to match European form on home soil (Feb 21, 2008 16:25 GMT)
Schalke 04 are on a great run in Europe but unless their domestic form picks up in the next two games, starting away to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, they stand little chance of being back in the Cham

Hitzfeld to take charge of Swiss after Euro 2008 (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ottmar Hitzfeld will take over as Switzerland coach after Euro 2008, the Swiss FA said in a statement on its website on Tuesday, after he resigns as Bayern Munich manager at the end of the current Bun

Bundesliga: Toni's hat-trick restores Bayern lead (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Luca Toni scored a second-half hat-trick to give Bayern Munich a 3-0 win away to Hanover 96 on Sunday, restoring their three-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Toni burgled but World Cup medal not taken (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Thieves have broken into Luca Toni's Italian villa but his World Cup winners' medal from 2006 was not among the stolen items, Italian media reported on Sunday.

Bundesliga: Werder win to pull level with Bayern (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Werder Bremen won 2-0 at home to 10-man Nuremberg on Saturday to move level on points with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, at least for a night.

Schalke face awkward customers Wolfsburg (Feb 14, 2008 16:36 GMT)
Schalke 04 have been revelling in their role as Germany's sole Champions League survivors but whether the new mood can survive another visit from VfL Wolfsburg on Friday (1930 GMT) is open to question

Nuremberg appoint Von Heesen as new coach (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bundesliga strugglers Nuremberg appointed Thomas von Heesen as their coach on Tuesday, on a contract running until 2009.

Werder Bremen hold Bayern to 1-1 draw in Munich (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Werder Bremen held Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw in a breathless match at the Allianz Arena on Sunday to stay within striking distance of the Bundesliga leaders.

Leverkusen draw with fellow challengers Hamburg (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Title hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg SV played out a 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga on Saturday, a result that will have delighted top two Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen ahead of their meeting on

Bayern without Ribery in bid to go six clear (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich will have to make do without Franck Ribery when they bid to move six points clear in the Bundesliga by winning at home to Werder Bremen in their 'summit meeting' on Sunday (1600 GMT).

Hesse-Lichtenberger: Time to end Bundesliga hibernation (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
It's time to end the Bundesliga winter break, says Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger.

Hitzfeld to coach Switzerland after Euro 2008 (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Swiss Football Association (ASF) are expected to appoint Ottmar Hitzfeld as Kobi Kuhn's successor as Switzerland coach by the end of February.

Bundesliga: Werder Bremen slip up at home (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Werder Bremen slipped three points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich when they capped a bad week with a 2-1 defeat at home to Bochum on Sunday

Bundesliga: Hamburg SV sink to fourth spot (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Hamburg SV slipped further behind the leaders on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Hanover 96 in their first game back after the Bundesliga's six-week break.

Bundesliga: Ribery, Toni see Bayern to victory (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Goals by Franck Ribery and Luca Toni gave leaders Bayern Munich a 2-1 win at Hansa Rostock on Friday in the first Bundesliga match after the mid-season break.


Dutch National Team
Croatia aim to end Split jinx against Dutch (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Croatia will be aiming to end their winless home record in Split when they take on fellow Euro 2008 finalists the Netherlands in a friendly on Wednesday.

Van Basten axes Kuyt from Holland squad (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten left striker Dirk Kuyt out of a 21-man squad named on Friday for next week's friendly against Croatia.


Dutch Eredivisie
Dutch Cup: Heracles cruise into semi-finals (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Brazilian Everton scored a hat-trick to earn top-flight Heracles Almelo a comfortable 5-1 victory at second division side Haarlem in a Dutch Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.

Eredivisie: PSV thump 10-men Graafschap (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
PSV Eindhoven came from behind to beat 10-men Graafschap Doetinchem 4-1 and stay nine points clear at the top of the Dutch league on Sunday.

Eredivisie: Feyenoord held in six-goal thriller (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Feyenoord moved up to second place despite being held to a 3-3 draw by strugglers Heracles Almelo in a thrilling Dutch league on Saturday.

Cruyff set for Ajax return as board step down (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Johan Cruyff is to return to Ajax in a technical role after the club announced the board are to stand down.

Bouwes: Total football? Total shambles (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ernst Bouwes on the report which dissects 10 years of mismanagement at Ajax.

Eredivisie: Feyenoord win thanks to de Guzman (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jonathan de Guzman struck on the stroke of halftime to inspire Feyenoord to a hard-fought 1-0 home win against Vitesse Arnhem on Sunday.

Eredivisie: Late penalty hands PSV crucial win (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Timmy Simons converted a late penalty to hand leaders PSV Eindhoven a 1-0 victory at Willem II Tilburg in the Dutch league on Saturday.

Eredivisie: Ajax suffer 2-1 defeat at Roda (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ajax Amsterdam suffered a 2-1 defeat at Roda JC Kerkrade in the Dutch league on Sunday to stay nine points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.

Eredivisie: Heerenveen stay with PSV after draw (Feb 10, 2008 06:55 GMT)
In-form Heerenveen held Dutch league leaders PSV Eindhoven to a 1-1 draw on Saturday to stay amongst the quartet trying to close the gap at the top.

Ex-Ajax coach Blind charged for drink driving (Feb 7, 2008 20:22 GMT)
Former Dutch international and Ajax Amsterdam coach Danny Blind is to be charged for drink driving and causing an accident while under the influence of alcohol, the Dutch public prosecutor said on Thu

Eredivisie: Huntelaar nets twice in Ajax win (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored twice as Ajax Amsterdam defeated arch-rivals Feyenoord 3-0 in the Dutch league on Sunday.


Italian National Team
Buoyant Italy show they can entertain too (Feb 7, 2008 18:56 GMT)
Euro 2008 promises much if Italy and Portugal can reproduce the flowing football on display at the Azzurri's 3-1 friendly win on Wednesday.

Italy overlook Del Piero for Portugal friendly (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Italy, who have again overlooked Alessandro Del Piero, and Portugal have little room to experiment in Wednesday's friendly in Switzerland after both naming 20-man squads.


Italian Serie A
Ancelotti: Milan not forced into new Kaka deal (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted 'outside pressures' did not force the club to sign Kaka to an early contract extension.

Kaka pens deal with Milan through to 2013 (Feb 29, 2008 05:33 GMT)
AC Milan have extended Brazilian playmaker Kaka's contract by two years until June 2013, the European champions announced on Thursday.

Trezeguet admits nearly joining Barca in 2004 (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
David Trezeguet nearly joined Barcelona in 2004, the Juventus striker told a court on Thursday.

Serie A: Juve wracked by triple suspensions (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Third-placed Juventus will be without Pavel Nedved, Cristiano Zanetti and Giorgio Chiellini for this weekend's standout Serie A match at home to fourth-placed Fiorentina.

Serie A: Zanetti saves Inter in draw with Roma (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Captain Javier Zanetti scored two minutes from time to salvage a 1-1 home draw for Serie A leaders Inter Milan against second-placed AS Roma on Wednesday.

Nedved dismissed in stalemate Turin derby (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Juventus could only draw 0-0 with midtable Torino on Tuesday despite dominating the Turin derby.

Inter's Ibrahimovic likely to miss Roma clash (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Serie A leaders Inter Milan are likely to be without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the home clash with second-placed AS Roma on Wednesday.

Bruised Inter prepare for Roma title battle (Feb 25, 2008 19:59 GMT)
Serie A leaders Inter Milan must count their walking wounded ahead of Wednesday's big clash with second-placed AS Roma (1930 GMT).

Serie A: Inter's lead cut to nine points after draw (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Inter Milan's lead in Serie A was reduced to nine points on Sunday when the champions drew 1-1 at Sampdoria - thanks to Hernan Crespo's diving header - and second-placed AS Roma beat Fiorentina 1-0.

Juventus demand action over Serie A referees (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Juventus have written to the Italian football federation and the referees' association demanding that action be taken to improve the performance of officials after recent controversial incidents.

Serie A: Juve stay third after defeat at Reggina (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Parma edged out of the Serie A relegation zone but threw away two points in a remarkable 4-4 draw at Torino on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic rested because of knee injury (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is carrying a knee injury and is likely to be rested for Sunday's Serie A trip to Sampdoria.

Brazil's Ronaldo yet to decide over playing future (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan and Brazil striker Ronaldo said on Friday he was still to make a decision about his playing career after undergoing knee surgery.

Inter aim to bounce back against Sampdoria (Feb 21, 2008 20:53 GMT)
Serie A leaders Inter Milan are not used to losing and their reaction to the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Liverpool will be key for Sunday's trip to Sampdoria (1400 GMT).

Crocked Ronaldo to leave hospital on Friday (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan striker Ronaldo is due to leave hospital on Friday after the three-times World Player of the Year had knee surgery last week in Paris.

Raynor: Fenerbahce plan glorious decade (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Dom Raynor on why Ronaldo has turned to Big Brother and the latest would be conqueror of Europe.

Serie A: Mutu's hot streak continues for Fiorentina (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Romania striker Adrian Mutu sent Fiorentina back up to fourth with a stunning second-half strike which secured a 2-1 home win over Catania in Serie A on Sunday.

Serie A: Suazo double takes points for Inter (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Honduran striker David Suazo scored twice to give Inter Milan a 2-0 home win over Livorno on Saturday and extend their lead at the top of Serie A to 11 points.

Ronaldo injury dominates Milan match plans (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan are still trying to come to terms with Ronaldo's career-threatening injury that has shaken the club ahead of Saturday's clash at Parma. 'We're all very sad and worried,' said Carlo Ancelotti

Juventus seek to ruffle Roma in title tilt (Feb 14, 2008 19:18 GMT)
Juventus will look to show AS Roma on Saturday (1930 GMT) they must watch their backs in the race to challenge leaders Inter Milan for the Serie A title.

Milan's Ronaldo suffers serious knee injury (Feb 14, 2008 16:40 GMT)
AC Milan and Brazil striker Ronaldo has ruptured a ligament in his left knee and must undergo surgery, the Serie A club said.

Doc: Ronaldo knee operation was a success (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A knee operation undertaken on AC Milan and Brazil striker Ronaldo went smoothly on Thursday, according to his medical specialist in Paris.

Hope for Paloschi and Ronaldo at AC Milan (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan's teenage striker Alberto Paloschi could start Wednesday's Serie A game against Livorno while Ronaldo's career at the San Siro is far from over, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday.

Paloschi joins list of exciting youngsters in Serie A (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan striker Alberto Paloschi become the latest teenager to make an immediate impact on Italian soccer after taking just 18 seconds to score on his Serie A debut.

Serie A: Inter rally to beat dogged Catania 2-0 (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Inter Milan battled to a 2-0 win at Catania on Sunday to remain eight points clear at the top of Serie A. Javier Zanetti's header was allowed to stand despite him offside then David Suazo netted.

Serie A: Roma beat Reggina to trim Inter's lead (Feb 10, 2008 04:32 GMT)
Christian Panucci and Mancini scored as second-placed AS Roma beat strugglers Reggina 2-0 on Saturday to trim Inter Milan's lead at the top of Serie A to five points.

Inter's Figo ready to return from broken leg (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Luis Figo is ready to return for leaders Inter Milan at Catania on Sunday after missing three months with a broken leg. 'If I don't play, I can't regain the match fitness I lack,' Figo said.

FC Tokyo eye bid for Juventus star Nedved (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Japanese club FC Tokyo have not ruled out an audacious move for former European Footballer of the Year Pavel Nedved of the Czech Republic.

Milan's renaissance threatened by injuries (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan hope their recent surge up the Serie A table will not be stalled by a sudden bout of injuries for Sunday's visit of struggling Siena (1400 GMT).

Serie A: Ten man Inter go eight points clear (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a dubious penalty as 10-man Inter Milan beat second-from-bottom Empoli 1-0 on Sunday to pull eight points clear at the top of Serie A.

Serie A: Napoli down Udinese in tetchy affair (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi scored twice to help Napoli beat fifth-placed Udinese 3-1 on Saturday in an eventful Serie A game that ended with both sides down to 10 men.


Italy
Tardelli appointed as Trap's right-hand man (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ireland have named former Inter Milan coach Marco Tardelli as their assistant manager, a day after announcing the appointment of fellow Italian Giovanni Trapattoni as new national team coach.


Spanish National Team
Court hitch threatens Spain's Euro 2008 (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A Spanish court has rejected an appeal from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to delay this year's presidential election, leaving the country on a collision course with FIFA and facing a possible

Spanish government brush off Blatter ban threat (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Spanish government is convinced their national team will be allowed to compete at Euro 2008, despite Sepp Blatter's threat to the contrary.

Spanish FA dismiss Aragones-to-quit talk (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has quashed speculation that Luis Aragones might not coach Spain at Euro 2008 by announcing that the 69-year-old will remain in his post until the end of the tou

Spain coach Aragones gives outcast Albelda hope (Feb 7, 2008 20:21 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones gave David Albelda a vote of confidence after the Valencia outcast played in Wednesday's 1-0 friendly win over France in Malaga.

Spain call up Barca teenage star Krkic (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona teenager Bojan Krkic was included in coach Luis Aragones's 22-man squad on Friday for Spain's friendly against World Cup finalists France next week.


Spanish Primera División
Vasco accuse Real of tapping up 15-year-old (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Brazilian club Vasco da Gama have accused Real Madrid of making an offer to 15-year-old player Philippe Coutinho and say they are reporting the matter to world soccer's governing body FIFA.

Q&A with Mali and Sevilla's Frederic Kanoute (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Freddie Kanoute speaks about the African Player of the year award and life after Ramos.

Atletico need to beat Barca to rescue season (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Atletico Madrid are fighting to prevent their season from completely disintegrating and to get back on track need to beat Barcelona at home in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Ball: Courting disaster (Feb 25, 2008 21:28 GMT)
Phil Ball chronicles the startling off-field battles of both David Albelda and bottom club Levante.

Real lament naivety as defeat brings Barca closer (Feb 25, 2008 19:56 GMT)
Real Madrid's players were furious with themselves after making a foolish mistake that gifted Getafe a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu to further erode their advantage at the top of the Primera Liga on Sunday

La Liga: Eto'o hat-trick as Getafe win at Real (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A Samuel Eto'o hat-trick helped Barcelona put the pressure on leaders Real Madrid in a 5-1 home win over bottom club Levante in the Primera Liga on Sunday. Xavi opened the scoring while Lionel Messi a

Sevilla striker's family robbed at gunpoint (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano's family were robbed at gunpoint in their home last Friday the day after goalkeeper Andres Palop had his house burgled, manager Manolo Jimenez said.

Liga: Luis Fabiano leads Sevilla to 5-0 romp (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Luis Fabiano scored twice as Sevilla hammered 10-man Real Zaragoza 5-0 with the help of two own goals in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Getafe look to cause more problems for Real (Feb 21, 2008 19:11 GMT)
Modest Getafe have been a thorn in the side of Real Madrid in recent meetings and they have the chance to be a nuisance again when they visit the leaders in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Ball: Of football and hunger (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Phil Ball calls on the words of legend Alfredo Di Stefano to assess the state of play in La Liga.

La Liga: Villarreal distant after Santander stalemate (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Third-placed Villarreal lost ground to Barcelona in the Primera Liga standings on Sunday when they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Football honours Real legend Di Stefano (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano was honoured by world football's governing bodies, his former club and fellow players in an emotive celebration of his life in Madrid on Sunday.

La Liga: Barca close gap after Real Madrid slump (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
League leaders Real Madrid slipped to their second defeat in three games when they surrendered an early lead to lose 2-1 at struggling Real Betis on Saturday.

Real Madrid lose Sneijder to rib injury (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder is expected to be out of action for between three and six weeks after fracturing a rib in training on Friday.

Focus falls on also-rans in La Liga title race (Feb 14, 2008 19:16 GMT)
With the Primera Liga title race a straight battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona, the scrap for the two Champions League qualification places and two UEFA Cup berths offers the most intriguing ma

Casillas and Raul commit to Real Madrid for life (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid striker Raul and goalkeeper Iker Casillas have signed contract extensions that will keep them at the Primera Liga club for the rest of their playing careers.

Metzelder op rules him out for Real Madrid (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid's German international defender Christoph Metzelder will be out of action for up to two months after undergoing surgery to deal with an injury to the sole of his foot.

Football to honour Real legend Di Stefano (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bracketed with Pele, Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff as one of the greatest, Alfredo Di Stefano is considered to be the most complete footballer of all time.

Phil Ball: Valladolid paying for Madrid's broken plates (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Phil Ball on Real Madrid's beating of Valladolid as the gap at the top widens in La Liga.

Real put seven past Valladolid to extend lead (Feb 10, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid crushed Valladolid 7-0 at the Bernabeu to extend their lead at the top of the Primera Liga to eight points on Sunday.

La Liga: Xavi rescues point for Barca at Sevilla (Feb 10, 2008 06:57 GMT)
Guillermo Franco snatched a goal in added time for Villarreal to give them a 1-0 victory away to lowly Real Murcia in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

No plans for Primera Liga foreign fixtures (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Spain's Primera Liga insist they have no plans to follow their English counterparts and add an international round of fixtures but admitted it is 'a good idea'.

Barca's pursuit of Real under scrutiny in Seville (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona cut Real Madrid's advantage at the top of the Primera Liga to six points last weekend, prompting a surge in belief they can give the leaders a run for their money.

Barca boss Laporta gives backing to Rijkaard (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona insist they are not looking to replace coach Frank Rijkaard with Jose Mourinho.

Barca's Cruyff denies holding talks with Mourinho (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Johann Cruyff has denied holding talks with Jose Mourinho about the possibility of the former Chelsea coach taking charge of Barcelona at the end of the season.

Struggling Recreativo Huelva sack coach Munoz (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Recreativo Huelva have sacked coach Victor Munoz after a poor run of form, the Primera Liga club said on their website on Monday.

Phil Ball: Cut out the middle-men (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Phil Ball thanks Almería's Madrid conquering midfield for keeping La Liga interesting.

La Liga: Nervous Barca claim last gasp victory (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A superb late strike from midfielder Xavi earned Barcelona a nerve-racking 1-0 win at home to Osasuna on Sunday that allowed them to close to within six points of leaders Real Madrid at the top of the

La Liga: Madrid stunned by ambitious Almeria (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid's eight-match winning run in the Primera Liga ended on Saturday when they lost 2-0 at an ambitious and classy-looking Almeria.

Kanoute named African Player of the Year (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Tottenham and West Ham striker Frederic Kanoute has been named the 2007 African Footballer of the Year.

Sole injury rules out Metzelder for 2 months (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid centre back Christoph Metzelder may need surgery to resolve the problems he has been having with the sole of his foot and could be out for two months, coach Bernd Schuster told a news conf

Puyol ruled out for a month (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol will be out of action for up to four weeks with a torn leg muscle, the Primera Liga club said on Friday.


Spain
Aragnoes and Raul unite to end speculation (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones and Raul joined forces on Thursday to call for an end to the debate over whether the Real Madrid striker should be included in the national squad ahead of Euro 2008.


Europe
UEFA probe Atletico-Bolton crowd trouble (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid and Bolton following the crowd disturbances which marred their UEFA Cup tie at the Vicente Calderon last Thursday.

Getafe close on Cup final with win over Racing (Feb 29, 2008 06:59 GMT)
Getafe moved a step closer to their second consecutive King's Cup final by beating Racing Santander 3-1 in their semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Denmark's Helveg retires from internationals (Feb 29, 2008 03:50 GMT)
Denmark defender Thomas Helveg is to retire from international football at the age of 36.

Last-gasp goal earns Barca draw in Copa semi (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Xavi scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser to earn Barcelona a 1-1 draw at home to Valencia in their Copa Del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Late Keita goal sends Lens into League Cup final (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A strike deep in extra time by substitute Sidi Keita gave Racing Lens a 5-4 victory at Le Mans in a thrilling French League Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

NAC beat 10-man Quick Boys to reach semis (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
NAC Breda cruised to a 3-0 victory against amateur side Quick Boys Katwijk in a Dutch Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.

Olympiakos get winning start in Cup quarters (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Midfielder Costas Mendrinos scored twice inside the first 10 minutes to give Olympiakos Piraeus a 2-0 home win over Iraklis in their Greek Cup quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

Bayern Munich beat city rivals 1860 in Pokal (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich needed a Franck Ribery penalty in the last minute of extra time to see off second-division city rivals TSV 1860 Munich 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the German Cup.

Barcelona aim to make it 15 in a row unbeaten (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona attempt to stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 matches when they face Valencia in the first leg of the King's Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.

Bayern look to rediscover ruthless streak at home (Feb 25, 2008 16:31 GMT)
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld cannot afford to keep living by the saying that charity begins at home when they play local rivals TSV 1860 Munich in the German Cup quarter-finals.

Benfica lose more ground on Porto after draw (Feb 25, 2008 16:28 GMT)
Second-placed Benfica were held to a 1-1 draw by Braga while Sporting lost at Setubal to allow Vitoria Guimaraes to confirm third spot in the Portuguese Premier League on Sunday.

Ajax appoint van Basten as coach for 2008/9 (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
UEFA are waiting to receive the report of the match delegate and security officer before deciding whether to take action against what Bolton saw as the 'overzealous and disproportionate' mistreatment

UEFA await details of Bolton fans' complaint (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
UEFA are waiting to receive the report of the match delegate and security officer before deciding whether to take action against what Bolton saw as the 'overzealous and disproportionate' mistreatment

Aguirre calls for Atletico to play like 'warriors' (Feb 21, 2008 16:27 GMT)
Coach Javier Aguirre wants to see 18 'warriors' representing Atletico Madrid tonight as the Spanish giants look to turn around their UEFA Cup tie against Bolton.

UEFA Cup review: Bordeaux and Villarreal crash (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Germany striker Lukas Podolski's double powered Bayern Munich into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup as the competition favourites thumped Aberdeen 5-1 on Thursday.

UEFA Cup Round of 16 draw (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Revised draw for the next round of the UEFA Cup.

Aguero handed two-match ban, Ribery out (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has been handed a two-match ban by UEFA, the Primera Liga club have confirmed.

UEFA Cup: Dons hopeful of upset (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Four-times European champions Bayern Munich were given a real fright by Aberdeen last week and will be on their guard on Thursday when they attempt to reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Megson stunned by Atletico security breach (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Angry Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson has slammed Atletico Madrid over a potential security breach ahead of his side's UEFA Cup return in the Spanish capital on Thursday night.

Sporting climb to third with win over Amadora (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Captain Joao Moutinho and Brazilian Liedson scored to lead Sporting to a 2-0 home win over Estrela Amadora which lifted them to third spot in the Portuguese Premier League on Sunday.

Kalac in Milan squad despite dislocated finger (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac has been included in AC Milan's squad for Wednesday's Champions League match at Arsenal despite dislocating a finger in training.

AC pondering new deal for crocked Ronaldo (Feb 16, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan are ready to offer Ronaldo a new deal despite his career-threatening injury, according to the Brazil striker's solicitor.

Aston Villa consider Intertoto route to Europe (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Aston Villa have applied to enter next season's Intertoto Cup in case they fail to qualify automatically for Europe via the Premier League.

Bolton still up against it in Europe, says Megson (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Manager Gary Megson insists Bolton will be the underdogs when they face Atletico Madrid in Spain in the second leg of the UEFA Cup next week, despite holding a one-goal advantage.

Ramos: UEFA tie trumps thoughts of Wembley (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Juande Ramos insists there will be no talk of Wembley until their UEFA Cup tie with Slavia Prague is over next Thursday.

Brady eyes Ireland but wants to keep Arsenal job (Feb 14, 2008 18:26 GMT)
Former Ireland midfielder Liam Brady wants to talk to Giovanni Trapattoni about a possible role within the national team set-up but not at the expense of his job with Arsenal.

Trapattoni will instil some backbone, Givens insists (Feb 14, 2008 16:52 GMT)
Don Givens is confident new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, due to start work on May 1 after leaving Red Bull Salzburg, will stiffen the resolve of a now all-too-brittle side.

Trap reminds me of Fergie - Houghton (Feb 14, 2008 16:51 GMT)
Ray Houghton has likened the enthusiasm of new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni to that of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Aberdeen have no fear ahead of Bayern clash (Feb 14, 2008 16:46 GMT)
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood is full of admiration for Bayern Munich - but he believes the worst thing the Dons can do is show the Bavarian giants too much respect.

UEFA Cup: Werder enjoy stroll after Wiese saves (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese saved two first-half penalties as the Bundesliga side began their UEFA Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Braga on Wednesday.

Billionaire fan part-paying Trapattoni's wages (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A billionaire businessman has emerged as the patron of Irish football after offering cash to secure the services of legendary Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

Fan to pay part of new boss Trapattoni's wages (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni as new Republic of Ireland boss.

UEFA delay decision on Cousin-Fulham transfer (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FIFA will not make a decision on Daniel Cousin's move to Fulham until next week - meaning the striker is free to play in Rangers' UEFA Cup tie against Panathinaikos.

Bayern lose Ribery for whole of February (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich are set to be without French midfielder Franck Ribery for both legs of their UEFA Cup tie against Aberdeen.

AEK Athens sack Spanish coach Ferrer - Report (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AEK Athens have sacked Spanish coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, according to Greek media reports on Tuesday.

UEFA Cup gets serious with big guns on show (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
UEFA Cup starts to get serious this week with six former winners, eight teams on the rebound from the Champions League and a coach looking for an unprecedented third successive triumph all on display.

German Cup winners Nuremberg dismiss Meyer (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
German Cup winners Nuremberg on Monday said they had parted company with coach Hans Meyer after the relegation-threatened club took only one point from their first two matches after the winter break.

Ireland set to name Trapattoni, says FAI source (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni will become Ireland manager once his contract with Austrian club Salzburg ends in May after agreeing in principle to a deal, a senior FAI source confirmed.

Olympiakos go second in the Super League (Feb 11, 2008 04:35 GMT)
Two goals from Darko Kovacevic sent Olympiakos Piraeus on their way to a 4-0 win over 10-man Panionios on Sunday which lifted them to second in the Super League.

Greece: Panathinaikos stretch lead as AEK lose (Feb 10, 2008 04:30 GMT)
Panathinaikos stretched their lead at the top of the Greek Super League to four points after beating Veria 1-0 on Saturday.

Serbian FA vice president Dragan Dzajic arrested (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Serbian Football Association vice-president Dragan Dzajic and two other former Red Star Belgrade officials were arrested on Tuesday for alleged fraud and abuse of power.

Ireland moving closer to coach appointment (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Football Association of Ireland hope to rubber-stamp a new manager in the aftermath of tomorrow's fixture against Brazil - with Italian veteran Giovanni Trapattoni favourite for the post.

Decision on new Ireland manager 'imminent' (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Irish FA have said the appointment of the Republic's new manager is 'imminent' and should become clearer within the next 10 days. Giovanni Trapattoni had emerged as favourite for the job.

Staunton warns Irish over new appointment (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton believes Italian Giovanni Trapattoni would provide quite a contrast if appointed as his successor.

German Cup: Munich derby pick of Q-F ties (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich will face city rivals TSV 1860 Munich in the standout tie of the German Cup quarter-finals following Saturday's draw.

Barca and Valencia drawn together Cup draw (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona were pitched against Valencia and Getafe drew Racing Santander in Friday's draw for the King's Cup semi-finals.


UEFA Champions League
Rae's Say: Jam-packed European action (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Derek Rae gives his verdict on, and predictions for, the Champions League Round of 16 clashes.

Strachan targets first goal in Barca showdown (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has not given up hope of beating Barcelona at the Nou Camp next week and believes scoring the first goal could hold the key to an upset.

Lyon skipper Cris set to miss Man Utd UCL clash (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Lyon captain Cris has admitted he is unlikely to be fit in time to face Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Spalletti ready for Inter's 'match of truth' (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Roma coach Luca Spalletti has called on his side to prove they are the match of runaway league leaders Internazionale in their Wednesday evening meeting.

Olympiakos winger Galletti to miss Chelsea match (Feb 26, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Olympiakos Piraeus winger Luciano Galletti has been ruled out of the second leg of their Champions League first knockout round tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a thigh strain.

Capello warns Reds Inter can reverse result (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England boss Fabio Capello has warned Liverpool not to take victory for granted in their Champions League last-16 clash with Inter Milan.

Gotta: Shock and derision for Inter (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Roberto Gotta reflects on the performance of Italy's Champions League teams.

Capello gives Liverpool San Siro warning (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
England manager Fabio Capello has warned Liverpool not to think they have sewn up qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Inter Milan 2-0 at home on Tuesday.

We probably need a miracle, says Caddis (Feb 21, 2008 22:40 GMT)
Defender Paul Caddis said Celtic were likely to need a miracle to overturn their 3-2 Champions League deficit in Barcelona in two weeks' time.

Perrin confident of finishing off United (Feb 21, 2008 21:14 GMT)
Lyon coach Alain Perrin is confident his team can surprise Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Romanian FA ends league's right to appoint refs (Feb 21, 2008 21:12 GMT)
The Romanian Football Association (FRF) is to start appointing referees instead of the local Professional League (LPF) in a bid to prevent top clubs naming 'home' officials for key matches.

Messi hails Barcelona's fighting spirit (Feb 21, 2008 19:44 GMT)
The way Barcelona twice fought back from a goal down to win 3-2 at Celtic in the Champions League points the way forward for the team, said two-goal Lionel Messi.

Adebayor determined not to dwell on horror miss (Feb 21, 2008 19:00 GMT)
Emmanuel Adebayor insists he will not dwell on his stoppage-time miss against Champions League holders AC Milan - and maintains Arsenal have the 'fight' to get a result at the San Siro in a fortnight'

UEFA to probe laser attack? (Feb 21, 2008 16:36 GMT)
UEFA have been urged to investigate a laser beam incident involving Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Moscow unveils ticket info for Champs League final (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Moscow unveiled ticket details for the Champions League final on Thursday, three months before the city hosts the climax of Europe's premier club competition for the first time on May 21.

Champs League: Utd snatch draw, Messi stars (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
An 87th minute equaliser from Carlos Tevez gave Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyon while Barcelona beat Celtic 3-2 away in the Champions League last 16 first-leg matches on Wednesday.

Insider: Arsenal's youngsters miss their chance (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Insider reflects on a missed chance for Arsenal after their draw with AC Milan.

Evra hails Giggs as winger takes 100th UCL bow (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Patrice Evra took time out on his return to France to praise his Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs, who is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance tonight.

Benitez hails Kuyt's role in 2-0 win over Inter (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rafael Benitez reserved special praise for Dirk Kuyt after Liverpool's unexpected Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Milan's Maldini has faith in fellow veteran Fiori (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini insists the team have complete faith in fellow veteran Valerio Fiori - with the goalkeeper looking set for a first appearance since 2003 in tonight's Champions League cl

OT drubbing forgotten ahead of Milan test - Wenger (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will focus on playing their own game against European champions AC Milan tonight - and not just look to quickly exorcise the demons of their FA Cup thrashing at Mancheste

Satisfied Schuster confident of Real comeback (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Coach Bernd Schuster said he was satisfied despite Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat at AS Roma in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 tie and is confident his side can reverse things in the second leg.

Grant laments his side's worst Euro performance (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Avram Grant admitted Tuesday night's Champions League bore draw at Olympiacos was Chelsea's worst European performance since he took over from Jose Mourinho.

Rafa: I always had confidence in my players (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and captain Steven Gerrard insist no one at Anfield will get carried away with tonight's stunning victory over 10-man Inter Milan.

Lampard, Terry benched for Olympiacos (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea coach Avram Grant is set to rest England stars Frank Lampard and John Terry for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Olympiacos in Athens.

Lehmann continues in goal (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jens Lehmann will continue in goal for Arsenal in Wednesday's Champions League clash with AC Milan at the Emirates Stadium as Manuel Almunia continues to recover from a virus.

Perrin: United's style will give Lyon a chance (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Lyon coach Alain Perrin believes the open style of football practised by English clubs gives his side a great chance of causing an upset against Manchester United in the Champions League last 16.

Keeper crisis looms at Milan after Kalac injury (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac will struggle to overcome a dislocated finger in time for Wednesday's Champions League clash at Arsenal, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday.

Giggs set to mark Champions League ton-up (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ryan Giggs is expected to make his 100th Champions League appearance for Manchester United on Wednesday in the first leg of the knockout phase at Lyon.

Essien targets Euro glory as ANC consolation (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Michael Essien is determined to help Chelsea to more trophies this season in a bid to make up for the disappointment of missing out on winning the African Nations Cup.

Torres: Rotation not the problem (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists the Reds have made progress this season and does not believe Rafael Benitez's rotation policy has affected the team's momentum.

Kaka: Write Milan off at your peril (Feb 18, 2008 20:47 GMT)
Kaka tells Kevin Palmer that AC Milan are far from a spent force ahead of their date with Arsenal.

Olympiacos boss wary of Chelsea (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Olympiacos coach Panagiotis Lemonis has warned his side that any mistakes will be punished by a lethal Chelsea attack when they meet in their Champions League clash in Athens.

Laporta salutes Hoops fans ahead of Euro clash (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hailed Celtic fans as the best travelling supporters in the world as both clubs prepare to meet in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Cruz: Inter have learned from past exits (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Inter Milan striker Julio Cruz believes this will be the year his side rediscover their form in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Champions League returns to show its worth (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
English Premier League clubs will enjoy the international exposure they crave this week when the Champions League returns with a bang thanks to several mouthwatering clashes.

Barca's Eto'o included in squad for Celtic clash (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Samuel Eto'o has been included in the Barcelona squad for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Celtic on Wednesday night.

Rae's Say: That's entertainment (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Derek Rae gives his take on the upcoming Champions League Round of 16 clashes.

Robinho likely to miss Real Madrid clash with Roma (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Robinho is likely to miss the first leg of his side's Champions League last 16 tie at AS Roma because of a torn stomach muscle.

Milan hoping Pato will recover for Arsenal clash (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan hope Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato can recover from an ankle injury in time for the Champions League match at Arsenal later this month, vice-president Adriano Galliani said on Tuesday.


Global
FIFA sign up to anti-doping body's code (Feb 29, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FIFA will sign up to the new worldwide code on doping before the end of May after winning the right for flexible sanctions for footballers who fail drugs tests.

Copa Libertadores: Sao Paulo draw in Colombia (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Brazilian champions Sao Paulo ground out a gritty 1-1 draw at Colombia's Atletico Nacional in their opening Group Seven encounter of the Libertadores Cup on Wednesday

Mourinho gets job offer - for one game only (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Japan international Hidetoshi Nakata has invited Chelsea's ex-manager Jose Mourinho to coach in an exhibition game in June.

Dasey: Jonno's joy at Jets (Feb 27, 2008 19:39 GMT)
Jason Dasey chats to Craig Johnston after Newcastle Jets lifted the A-League title.

Clemente agrees to live in Iran as coach (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Spaniard Javier Clemente moved a step closer to becoming Iran coach after agreeing to the football federation's condition that he should live there.

Copa Libertadores win for Universidad Catolica (Feb 27, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Argentine midfielder Dario Botinelli guided Chile's Universidad Catolica to a 1-0 win at Peruvian champions Deportivo San Martin in Group Five of the South American Libertadores Cup on Tuesday.

Necaxa and Puebla win as Guadalajara slip (Feb 25, 2008 22:23 GMT)
Necaxa and Puebla notched up resounding victories on Sunday to close the gap on Guadalajara in the race for Mexico's Clausura championship title.

Vukovic banned for 15 months for slapping ref (Feb 25, 2008 19:55 GMT)
Central Coast goalkeeper Danny Vukovic has been banned for 15 months for manhandling referee Mark Shield in Sunday's Australian A-League grand final loss to Newcastle.

Flamengo beat Botafogo to win Guanabara Cup (Feb 25, 2008 16:30 GMT)
Substitute Diego Tardelli scored in stoppage time to give Flamengo a 2-1 victory over Botafogo in a bad-tempered Guanabara Cup final on Sunday.

Falcao on target for River against San Lorenzo (Feb 25, 2008 16:29 GMT)
Colombian striker Radamel Falcao scored his first goal of the season to send River Plate on the way to a 2-0 victory over San Lorenzo in the third round of the Argentina Clausura championship on Sunda

Vukovic sent off as Newcastle win A-League title (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Newcastle Jets beat Central Coast Mariners 1-0 to win Australia's A-League grand final in controversial circumstances at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

Beckham sets up two goals in LA Galaxy win (Feb 24, 2008 08:00 GMT)
David Beckham had a hand in both Los Angeles Galaxy goals as his Major League Soccer side clinched third place in the Pan Pacific Championship with a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC on Saturday.

Ghana keep Le Roy on for 2 more years (Feb 23, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ghana have handed their coach Claude Le Roy a two-year contract extension, despite his own prediction he would be fired for not winning the African Nations Cup earlier this month.

Cruzeiro claim vital point as Medina stars for Atlas (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Brazilian club Cruzeiro secured a key away point with a 0-0 draw at San Lorenzo of Argentina on Thursday, taking an important step toward qualification for the next round of the Copa Libertadores.

Brazil soccer fans wary of Kaka church donation (Feb 22, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan's Kaka has inspired and disappointed Brazilian soccer fans in equal measure by donating his FIFA player of the year trophy to a controversial evangelical church as an emblem of his Christian

A-League set to expand to 12 teams (Feb 21, 2008 19:07 GMT)
The Australian A-League is set to expand from eight to 12 teams.

Familiar foes as Etoile meet Sfaxien in Super Cup (Feb 21, 2008 16:28 GMT)
African champions Etoile Sahel will take on CS Sfaxien in an all-Tunisian battle on home soil for the African Super Cup on Saturday.

Boca begin Libertadores defence with dour draw (Feb 21, 2008 16:20 GMT)
Boca Juniors started their Libertadores Cup defence with an unconvincing 1-1 draw at UA Maracaibo on Wednesday in the opening Group 3 match.

Adriano gets light ban for head-butting (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sao Paulo's on-loan striker Adriano escaped with a two-match ban on Monday after a tribunal accepted that he had used his head to push rather than butt an opponent during a state championship match.

Dasey: Super Sasho's return to Sydney (Feb 19, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jason Dasey speaks to Mariners' Sasho Petrovski ahead of the A-League Grand Final.

Five sent off in Colombian league derby match (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Five players were sent off in a Bogota derby match in which Millonarios beat La Equidad 2-1 with a last minute penalty to scrape their first win of Colombia's Apertura championship season.

China's coaches draw flak after S Korea loss (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
China's Serbian national team coaches were given a hard time by local media on Monday after the team's 3-2 loss to South Korea in the East Asian Championships in Chongqing.

Solar sinks Chiapas, third coach gets sack (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Argentine striker Esteban Solar scored twice in Pumas UNAM's 4-1 trouncing of Chiapas on Sunday, triggering the sacking of Jaguars coach Rene Isidoro Garcia.

Boca return to form with win over Argentinos (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Boca Juniors eased to a 4-0 victory over Argentinos Juniors in the second round of the Clausura championship on Sunday, the big win serving as an ideal warm-up for next week's Libertadores Cup opener.

Minnows on song in Brazil, Sao Paulo stumble (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Sao Paulo lost their unbeaten record in the Brazilian state championship on Sunday, slipping to a 3-2 defeat at Marilia. Ponte Preta underlined the growing strength of smaller clubs by taking top spot

Libreville win emotional African Champs League game (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FC105 Libreville beat Ghana's former winners Hearts of Oak 3-0 in the African Champions League on Sunday, a week after one of the Gabon army club's players died in a domestic league match.

Alain Moizan appointed as new Mauritania coach (Feb 17, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Frenchman Alain Moizan has been appointed the new coach of Mauritania, the country's football federation said.

Mexican club Tigres reappoint Lapuente as coach (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Mexico coach Manuel Lapuente has returned for a second stint in charge of Tigres UANL.

Lanus, Cienciano win to top Libertadores groups (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Argentine champions Lanus beat Uruguayan outfit Danubio 3-1 on Thursday to move to the top of Group 2 in South America's Libertadores Cup.

South Korea takes swipe at North over flag (Feb 15, 2008 08:00 GMT)
South Korea's soccer chief has taken a swipe at North Korea for refusing to allow the South's flag and national anthem to be used at next month's World Cup qualifier between the two countries.

Simeone watches River lose in Libertadores Cup (Feb 14, 2008 19:15 GMT)
Former Argentina captain Diego Simeone watched his new River Plate team lose 2-0 at Peru's Universidad San Martin in his first Libertadores Cup game.

Zamalek start Champions League without stars (Feb 14, 2008 18:24 GMT)
Zamalek will be without their Egyptian national team players when they meet Rwanda's APR FC in their African Champions League campaign opener on Saturday.

Hair loss evidence reprieves Romario (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Brazil striker Romario successfully overturned a 120-day ban on Thursday when an appeal tribunal accepted his case that he failed a dope test because of a hair loss treatment he was using.

Carter: Brazilian clubs aim to upset Boca party (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Jon Carter on some of the challengers to Boca's title in this year's Copa Libertadores.

Booze shame of four J-League professionals (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Four Japanese professional footballers smashed up a parked car during a night of drinking, local newspapers reported on Wednesday.

Iran won't allow coach Clemente to commute (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Iran's soccer federation has rejected a suggestion by prospective new coach Javier Clemente that he would commute to the Islamic Republic from his native Spain, casting doubt on his chances of landing

Libertadores: Venezuelans shock San Lorenzo (Feb 13, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Caracas FC beat Argentine champions San Lorenzo 2-0 in the Libertadores Cup Group 1 opener on Tuesday.

Dasey: Fiery Frank's finals foray (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Frank Farina has turned the Roar into the toughest team in the A-league, Jason Dasey meets him.

Pfister to lead Cameroon in World Cup campaign (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Cameroon coach Otto Pfister has confirmed he will remain with the Indomitable Lions and is focusing on qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Hush: Plenty of positives amid negative press (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Andrew Hush reviews and rounds up all action from this year's African Nations Cup.

Hush: Stars showcase their skills in Ghana (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Andrew Hush and Jon Carter on some players who have made an impact in Ghana.

Former Spain boss Clemente accepts Iran job (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Spain and Serbia coach Javier Clemente has accepted an offer to take charge of the Iranian national side during the qualification phase for the 2010 World Cup.

Cameroon refuse to blame Song for final defeat (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Cameroon players have refused to blame age or captain Rigobert Song for their 1-0 defeat by Egypt in the African Nations Cup final.

Gabon international collapses and dies in match (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Gabon international Guy Tchingoma collapsed and died on the field during a premier division match in Libreville on Saturday, the Gabonews agency reported.

Carlos Alberto stars for Sao Paulo, Adriano off (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Carlos Alberto scored the winning goal against his old club on Sunday as Sao Paulo marched to a 3-2 win over Santos in Brazil's biggest state championship.

Pumas record first win, Chivas lead by three points (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Pumas UNAM snatched a late winner to beat Monterrey 2-1 on Sunday for their first points after three defeats in a row in Mexico's Clausura championship.

Defeated Geremi hails Cameroon performance (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Cameroon defender Geremi has hailed his team for their performance in the African Nations Cup despite losing to Egypt in the final match on Sunday.

Best team won the Cup, says Tchato (Feb 11, 2008 06:28 GMT)
Cameroon admitted they lost to the strongest team after they went down 1-0 to Egypt in Sunday's African Nations Cup final.

Celebrations in Egypt after African title triumph (Feb 11, 2008 04:32 GMT)
Thousands of Egyptians took to the streets of Cairo dancing, singing and waving flags on Sunday after the national football team won the African Nations Cup for a record sixth time.

Egypt team spirit will prove crucial says coach (Feb 10, 2008 04:28 GMT)
Egypt's team spirit will give them edge when they face Cameroon's Indomitable Lions in the African Nations Cup final on Sunday, coach Hassan Shehata said.

Rigobert Song has no plans to retire (Feb 10, 2008 03:21 GMT)
Cameroon captain Rigobert Song will play his 33rd African Nations Cup game in Sunday's final against Egypt (1700 GMT) and has no plans to retire.

Rush confirms approach over Malaysia role (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush has confirmed the Football Association of Malaysia have contacted him about a possible role with the national team.

Drogba aims for 2010 Cup after semi-final defeat (Feb 9, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba has promised to do everything possible to win the 2010 African Nations Cup after his team were defeated 4-1 by defending champions Egypt in Thursday's semi-final.

Injuries take their toll on host nation Ghana (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Hosts Ghana paid the price for a suspension and a string of injuries before and during the African Nations Cup with semi-final defeat by Cameroon.

Hush: Cameroon revival, as favourites fall (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Nations Cup has served up an intriguing and unpredictable feast, says Andrew Hush.

Storm averted as Takahara left out of Japan squad (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A potential storm brewing between Japan's Urawa Reds and the national side was averted on Friday when striker Naohiro Takahara was omitted from the Japanese squad for this month's East Asian Champions

Thai referee gets a beating by entire team (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
A Thai soccer referee was beaten up by an entire team after sending off three of their players during a match to decide promotion to country's second division, local media reported on Friday.

History will repeat itself in final, says Egypt coach (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Champions Egypt are confident of pulling off a second African Nations Cup win over Cameroon when they meet in Sunday's final, assistant coach Shawky Gharib said.

Aussie FA: Our priority is A-League (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley has shown only lukewarm interest following revelations that English Premier League matches could be played in Australia in future.

Morocco sack coach Michel after ANC exit (Feb 7, 2008 23:15 GMT)
Morocco, knocked out in the first round of the African Nations Cup, fired French coach Henri Michel on Thursday. Ozal said Jamel Fethi would replace him as caretaker.

Bikey red card rules defender out of ANC final (Feb 7, 2008 21:39 GMT)
Cameroon defender Andre Bikey will miss the African Nations Cup final after he was sent off for pushing over a medical assistant in the final seconds of his side's semi-final victory over Ghana on Thu

Holders Egypt to face Cameroon in ANC final (Feb 7, 2008 16:54 GMT)
Defending champions Egypt will meet Cameroon in the African Nations Cup final on Sunday.

ANC: Ghana kick off semis against Cameroon (Feb 7, 2008 16:48 GMT)
Hosts Ghana kick off a high calibre African Nations Cup semi-finals programme when they take on Cameroon at Accra's Ohene Djan stadium on Thursday (1700 GMT).

Cruzeiro advance to Libertadores group stage (Feb 7, 2008 16:39 GMT)
Brazil's Cruzeiro advanced to the group stage of the Libertadores Cup after rock-throwing Cerro Porteno fans caused their qualifying match in Paraguay to be abandoned on Wednesday.

Folarin: Nigeria finally falls down flat (Feb 6, 2008 20:00 GMT)
Sulaiman Folarin lays the blame for Nigeria's fall from grace firmly at the door of the FA.

Arsenal, Lanus qualify for Copa Libertadores (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Argentine club Arsenal lost 2-1 at Mineros de Guayana but got through the preliminary qualifying round of the South American Libertadores Cup with a 3-2 aggregate win over the Venezuelan team.

Cameroon coach Pfister locked out of training (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Cameroon coach Otto Pfister was locked out of the ground ahead of an African Nations Cup training session on Wednesday, prompting an angry exchange with local police.

Ivorians hoping for revenge over Egypt (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast, beaten by Egypt on penalties in the African Nations Cup final two years ago, have a chance to avenge that defeat when the sides meet again in their semi-final on Thursday.

Ghana lose suspended skipper for semi-final (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ghana need to reshuffle their defence to cope with the absence of suspended captain John Mensah for their African Nations Cup semi-final against Cameroon on Thursday.

Dasey: Jets unearth emerging coaching talent (Feb 5, 2008 19:53 GMT)
Jason Dasey chats to promising Newcastle United Jets coach Gary van Egmond.

Gilberto warns Brazil of Rep. Ireland threat (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has warned his Brazil team-mates to beware the apparent crisis engulfing the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their friendly at Croke Park on Wednesday night.

Maradona upset by Argentina Olympic snub (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Diego Maradona has confirmed he would like to return to coaching and expressed his regret at not being offered the job of leading Argentina to this year's Olympic Games.

Angola confident of challenging for 2010 title (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Angola departed the Africa Nations Cup on Monday but believe they have the makings of a potential title-winning side when they host the next event in 2010.

Cameroon muscle their way into semi-finals (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Cameroon have muscled their way to the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup, using raw physical power to knock opponents out of their stride.

English Premier League trying to hone Indian skills (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Premier League players have been helping on a skills programme in India with the aim of converting the cricket-mad nation to soccer.

Hush: Favourites on course for Accra collision (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Andrew Hush reviews the African Nations Cup quarter-finals as a dream final still looks on.

Brazil legend Romario calls time on career (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Brazil star Romario has announced he will retire as a player and coach at the end of next month.

Malaysia call on Rush to solve striking woes (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Malaysian soccer chiefs are hoping to inject some Anfield magic into their forward line after recruiting Liverpool great Ian Rush to help solve the country's goalscoring problems.

Dalian out to smash poor Chinese record (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
S-League debutants Dalian Shide are hoping it will be a case of third time lucky for China when Singapore's 2008 soccer league kicks off later this month.

Drogba unhappy at African Player awards snub (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Chelsea's Ivorian striker Didier Drogba has asked not to be considered for the African Player of the Year award in future years after claiming he was beaten to the 2007 trophy because he was unable to

CAF deny Drogba and Kanoute award allegations (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
African soccer's governing body has denied telling Didier Drogba and Frederic Kanoute that they had to attend last week's African Footballer of the Year award ceremony to have a chance of winning.

Guaratingueta set Sao Paulo championship pace (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Guaratingueta, a modest team from the interior of Sao Paulo, beat Guarani 3-1 on Sunday to lead the state championship race on 15 points.

Kaka and Pato out of Brazil's game in Dublin (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
AC Milan pair Kaka and Pato will miss Brazil's friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday after pulling out of the squad with knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Egypt enjoy selection options for Angola clash (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Champions Egypt will be at full strength they face Angola in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals in Kumasi on Monday.

Korean players dislocate shoulders to dodge draft (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ninety-two current and former South Korean soccer players have been indicted for dodging military service by intentionally dislocating their shoulders to receive medical exemptions, a prosecutor said

Tunisia happy to be underdogs against Cameroon (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Tunisia's players say they are happy to be overlooked and let their rivals from south of the Sahara grab all the attention.

Holders Egypt at full strength for the first time (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Egypt will have a full-strength squad available for the first time when they continue the defence of their African Nations Cup title against Angola at the quarter-final stage in Kumasi on Monday.

Hand kids free ACN tickets says Guinea coach (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Guinea coach Robert Nouzaret believes children should be given greater access at the African Nations Cup.

Ghana coach Le Roy warned over alleged insult (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has apologised and been let off with a warning and a suspended $5,000 fine after an alleged slur at the African Nations Cup finals, the Confederation of African Football said

Ivory Coast cautious ahead of Guinea game (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast will take nothing for granted when they meet fellow West Africans Guinea in their African Nations Cup quarter-final on Sunday (2030 GMT).

Nigeria seek fifth successive semi-final spot (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Nigeria attempt to reach a fifth successive African Nations Cup semi-final on Sunday but will need to get past hosts Ghana to keep up their record of consistency.

Takahara the subject of club-versus-country row (Feb 2, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Japan striker Naohiro Takahara is set to become embroiled in a club-versus-country row between Asian champions Urawa Reds and the national side.

Lethargic Wanderers undone by Cienciano (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Peru's Cienciano topped Uruguay's Wanderers 1-0 with an early goal by Masakatsu Sawa in Copa Libertadores qualifying on Thursday.

Ecuador's Olmedo topple Lanus in qualifying (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ecuador's Olmedo topped Argentina's Lanus 1-0 with a powerful 71st-minute goal by striker Estuardo Quinonez in Copa Libertadores qualifying at Riobamba on Thursday.

Angola set sights on semi-final place (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves says Angola are already thinking about the semi-finals before their last-eight meeting with Egypt at the African Nations Cup.

Hush: Senegal crash out as Angola keep it tight (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Andrew Hush, wraps up the groups and previews the quarter-finals of the Nations Cup. (Part I, Part II)

Hush: Ghana and Ivory Coast into quarters (Feb 1, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Andrew Hush, wraps up the groups and previews the quarter-finals of the Nations Cup. (Part I, Part II)


Euro 2008
Switzerland's Margairaz ruled out of Euro 2008 (Feb 29, 2008 01:42 GMT)
Osasuna's Switzerland midfielder Xavier Margairaz is likely to be out for up to eight months after suffering a serious knee injury in a training match, the Primera Liga club's head of medical services

100 days to go and Euro 2008 is 'on track' (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Euro 2008 plans are well on track with 'all milestones fulfilled', organisers said on Thursday as they marked the 100-day countdown to the event.

Q&A with Italy coach Roberto Donadoni (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni speaks to Lorenzo Caci about Del Piero, Donadoni and Trappatoni.

Russia job could be Hiddink's last in football (Feb 25, 2008 16:33 GMT)
Guus Hiddink has revealed that managing the Russian national team could be his last active coaching job but is keeping his options open.

Kilbane backs Trapattoni to succeed for Ireland (Feb 21, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Kevin Kilbane has backed new manager Giovanni Trapattoni to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2010 World Cup.

Euro 2008 hosts to face amateur contest winners (Feb 18, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria will take on amateur side SV Spittal in the build up to the June tournament after the club and its supporters won a competition organised by the national FA.

Ukraine strikes deal to save 2012 stadium (Feb 7, 2008 23:13 GMT)
Ukraine's government clinched a deal on Thursday with a commercial developer to tear down part of a shopping centre and enable the country's main stadium to be used for the 2012 European soccer champi

Austria take heart despite comprehensive defeat (Feb 7, 2008 20:27 GMT)
Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria will take heart from a fearless performance to kick off their big year despite going down to a 3-0 home defeat to Germany on Wednesday.

Dutch hammering brings Croatia down to earth (Feb 7, 2008 20:26 GMT)
Croatia's 3-0 friendly defeat by fellow Euro 2008 finalists Netherlands in Split came as a rude awakening for Slaven Bilic's men.

Friendlies: Torres worry as Italy, Germany stroll (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres lasted just 23 minutes of Spain's 1-0 friendly victory over France before being forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Hitzfeld expects to sign with Switzerland soon (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Ottmar Hitzfeld expects to sign a deal to take charge of the Swiss national team after Euro 2008, the departing Bayern Munich coach said on Tuesday.

Friendlies: Italy and France test Euro credentials (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Italy and France will find out more about their Euro 2008 titles chances after tests against fellow contenders Portugal and Spain on Wednesday.

Hiddink accuses club coaches of self interest (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Guus Hiddink has accused some of his fellow coaches of self interest in the latest club versus country row that has threatened Russia's preparations for the Euro 2008 finals.


World Cup 2006
Thailand coach blasts FIFA over late bannings (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Thailand's national team coach is furious with soccer's world governing body FIFA for waiting until the eve of their World Cup qualifier with Japan to tell him his best players were suspended.


World Cup 2010
Trap lines up Colombia for 2nd Ireland game (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The Republic of Ireland will face Colombia in a friendly at Fulham's Craven Cottage on Thursday, May 29.

Olsen yet to hear fate as coach of Iraq (Feb 25, 2008 19:58 GMT)
Norwegian Egil Olsen has yet to be informed whether he has been fired as coach of Iraq and remains keen to continue working with the Asian champions.

Koreas to meet to iron out qualifier squabble (Feb 25, 2008 18:23 GMT)
North and South Korean soccer officials will meet on Tuesday in the North Korean city of Kaesong to again try to iron out a squabble over flags and national anthems at a World Cup qualifier.

Clemente disappointed as Iran job falls through (Feb 20, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Javier Clemente said he was surprised and disappointed by the Iranian Football Federation's decision to back out of an offer to appoint him as national team coach because of his refusal to live in the

Warner backing for England's World Cup bid (Feb 14, 2008 08:00 GMT)
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner believes the 'time has come' for England to host another World Cup. Warner had initially said he was against FIFA's decision to change the rotation rules.

Two Koreas squabble over anthem, flags for match (Feb 12, 2008 08:00 GMT)
North and South Korea are at loggerheads over which national anthems and flags will be used when the two countries meet in a World Cup qualifier next month, an official said on Tuesday.

Clemente accepts Iran coach post - reports (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Spain coach Javier Clemente has accepted the offer to coach Iran's national soccer team, Iranian media said on Monday.

Harewood keeps Barbados plans on backburner (Feb 11, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Aston Villa's Marlon Harewood is to reject the chance to play World Cup football for Barbados at this stage of his career, although he admitted he may consider playing for the country at a later date.

Mbeki quells power fears for 2010 World Cup (Feb 8, 2008 08:00 GMT)
South Africa president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed speculation that the 2010 World Cup could be affected by the country's ongoing electricity crisis.

Corrales nabs five in El Salvador's rout of Anguilla (Feb 7, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Rudis Corrales scored five goals as El Salvador crushed Anguilla 12-0 in their CONCACAF World Cup first round qualifying match on Wednesday, while Belize picked up their first win in the competition.

Asia's big guns secure convincing World Cup wins (Feb 6, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The big hitters of Asian soccer got their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaigns off to a flying start on Wednesday with Australia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and South Korea all securing convincing wins.

Qatar coach out for revenge against Socceroos (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Qatar's Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati will have revenge on his mind against Australia on Wednesday after the Socceroos denied his former team a place at the 2006 World Cup finals.

S.Korea confident ahead of Turkmenistan game (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
South Korea captain Kim Nam-il is confident the Asian powerhouse will begin their quest for a place at their seventh-successive World Cup finals with a victory against unfancied Turkmenistan.

Stroke victim Osim may watch second Japan game (Feb 5, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Former Japan coach Ivica Osim is expected to watch his second game in quick succession on Wednesday while recovering from a life-threatening stroke.

Socceroos begin tricky World Cup qualifying (Feb 4, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Mammoth scorelines of up to 31-0 will be a distant memory for Australia when they begin their journey to the 2010 World Cup this week in a group they will wish they could have avoided.

Japanese blizzard freezes Thai training plans (Feb 3, 2008 08:00 GMT)
Thailand's soccer players, normally accustomed to tropical heat, awoke to blizzard-like conditions on Sunday after arriving in Japan for a World Cup qualifier.


Women's Professional Soccer
Dolich: WUSA's new incarnation ready for takeoff (Feb 28, 2008 08:00 GMT)
The WUSA is back and in its reincarnated format, the future looks a lot more promising, writes Lindsey Dolich.