Liverpool shrugged off the absence of injured superstar Michael Owen as they came from a goal down to beat Birmingham 3-1 and leapfrog over their opponents to sixth in the table. . . . more . . .
Roma and AC Milan replaced Juventus at the top of Italy's Serie A after extending their unbeaten records with home victories. . . . more . . .
Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, traditional giants of Spanish football and ever present in the first division, slipped out of the top six after poor performances. . . . more . . .
A last minute goal from Fabrice Fiorese gave Paris Saint Germain a fortunate 1-0 win against old rivals Marseille at a packed Velodrome. . . . more . . .
Borussia Dortmund, knocked out of the UEFA Cup in midweek, suffered another setback on the domestic front with a 2-1 loss to Hansa Rostock. . . . more . . .
Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan came to the defence of Sun Jihai after the Chinese international scored a bizarre own goal which gave Middlesbrough a 1-0 win. . . . more . . .
Fulham keeper Edwin Van der Sar kept Arsenal at bay as he kept a clean sheet in their goalless Premiership draw at Highbury despite constant pressure from the Gunners. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni breathed a sigh of relief after avoiding holders France and hosts Portugal in the Euro 2004 draw. . . . more . . .
England were paired with title-holders France, Switzerland and Croatia in the group stages of the Euro 2004 finals after the draw for the tournament here. . . . more . . .
Deportivo La Coruna blew their big chance to regain the Spanish league lead with a 1-0 loss at home to Villarreal, Roger Garcia getting the only goal of the game one minute from the whistle. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson predicted that his England side would face a France team which had put its disastrous 2002 World Cup campaign behind it when the two nations meet in next year's Euro 2004 finals. . . . more . . .
Chelsea stormed to the top of the Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Leeds finally gave their fans something to cheer about with a 1-0 win over high-flying Charlton on the day a group of Gulf investors confirmed they were planning a takeover bid for the cash-strapped club. . . . more . . .
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his troops will have come off their Champions League cloud nine and be focused for the visit of hardy travellers Fulham. . . . more . . .
The title race in Italy was thrown wide open as Inter Milan bounced back from their Champions League humiliation in midweek by ending Juventus' unbeaten run with a stunning 3-1 victory over the Serie A league leaders. . . . more . . .
Liverpool 'keeper Chris Kirkland says Gerard Houllier's side must transfer their form in the UEFA Cup to their own back yard when they take on Birmingham in a Premiership encounter. . . . more . . .
Leeds celebrated the prospect of financial salvation by ending a run of five straight defeats. . . . more . . .
Monaco capped off a fine week in which they qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Nantes to push them six points clear at the top of the French first division. . . . more . . .
Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's ruling body FIFA, denounced clubs who have refused to release players for the World Under-20 championship, saying they were devaluing the development of the sport worldwide. . . . more . . .
Lazio's brittle confidence sunk even lower after they crashed to a 3-0 defeat away to a spirited Siena. . . . more . . .
Vratislav Gresko's first goal in English football earned Blackburn a much-needed win over Tottenham and allowed Rovers boss Graeme Souness to relax a little after being sent from the bench to the stand. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld described his champions' 2-2 German league draw against Cologne as disgraceful while elsewhere Bayern's title rivals were failing to grab victory. . . . more . . .
A pre-match display at Wolves' Premiership match with Newcastle United went disastrously wrong when a firework misfired straight into the crowd and struck a female fan in the face. . . . more . . .
UEFA's Professional Football Committee (PFC) is considering the introduction of an exchange programme that would allow referees to officiate domestic matches in different European countries. . . . more . . .
Alan Shearer rescued a point for Newcastle after an embarrassing blunder by goalkeeper Shay Given had gifted Wolves the lead at Molineux. . . . more . . .
A troublesome right ankle saw Real Madrid's David Beckham come off four minutes from the end of his club's 1-1 draw at Osasuna. . . . more . . .
David Beckham endured a fierce test of his composure and character before an ankle injury put an end to his participation in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw at Osasuna. . . . more . . .
Speculation that Chelsea may have Michael Ballack in their sights has prompted Bayern Munich manager Uli Hoeness to insist the player's going nowhere. . . . more . . .
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted for the first time that Roman Abramovich's millions could buy Chelsea the Premiership title. . . . more . . .
England striker Michael Owen will be out of action for the next three weeks after picking up an injury in Thursday's UEFA Cup win over Steaua Bucharest. . . . more . . .
Turkmenistan clinched the last qualifying place available for the 2004 Asian Cup finals with a 1-1 draw against Syria. . . . more . . .
The police presence will be tripled for Marseille's crunch match against archrivals Paris Saint Germain at the Velodrome stadium on Sunday night, the Riviera club said. . . . more . . .
Crisis club Leeds United has been offered for sale at 20 million pounds (34 million dollars) to Sheikh Abdul bin Mubarak al-Khalifa of Bahrain, it was reported. . . . more . . .
Paul Gascoigne has admitted defeat in his bid to make a comeback to top flight football with Wolverhampton. . . . more . . .
England striker Michael Owen had a thigh scan to see if he could play in Sunday's Premiership game against Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Carlos Tevez has withdrawn his court action in which he was trying to get legal backing for his bid to put club before country following criticism from FIFA president Sepp Blatter, it was reported. . . . more . . .
Australian international Harry Kewell kept Liverpool's faltering season on track as the Merseysiders reached the third round of the UEFA Cup but fellow Premiership giants Manchester City crashed out in a humble Polish backwater. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa's Marcus Allback is backing strike partner Darius Vassell to finally open his Premiership account for this season with a goal in Saturday's home clash with Southampton. . . . more . . .
Sven-Goran Eriksson looks set to decline the offer of an extension to his contract as England manager after his agent revealed he was unhappy that his employers at the Football Association had gone public with the proposal. . . . more . . .
Tottenham have received a double dose of bad news after it emerged that crocked duo Frederic Kanoute and Christian Ziege have had their respective returns from injury put back. . . . more . . .
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at UEFA for giving a "premium" to terror after European soccer's governing body decided to move two matches involving Turkish teams abroad in the wake of deadly bombings in Istanbul. . . . more . . .
Gordon Strachan said he would not be leaving Southampton for Leeds United. . . . more . . .
Football star turned actor Vinnie Jones was charged by police over an alleged air rage incident while flying to Tokyo in June. . . . more . . .
An Argentine lawyer has condemned FIFA president Sepp Blatter over comments he made about Carlos Tevez and his Boca Juniors club, judicial sources said. . . . more . . .
Newcastle ensured their UEFA Cup story was far from finished with a 1-0 second leg second round win over Swiss side Basel. . . . more . . .
Claudio Ranieri's frustration over Chelsea's failure to clinch top spot in their Champions League group was offset by fresh evidence of the growing maturity of Joe Cole. . . . more . . .
Brazil teenager Nilmar is poised to join English Premiership side Chelsea for seven million dollars, his club Internacional said. . . . more . . .
Struggling Russian giants Spartak Moscow have decided to go abroad for the first time by making Italian Nevio Scala their new coach. . . . more . . .
Portugal football coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said their aim was to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2004 next year. . . . more . . .
Four-time European champions and 18-time English league winners Liverpool face the stark reality of their decline as a soccer superpower as they try to salvage their season by progressing in the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Hearts saw their hopes of making the third round of the UEFA Cup shattered when Bordeaux staged a smash-and-grab raid and went back to France with a 2-0 win. . . . more . . .
England might have a Swedish head coach in Sven-Goran Eriksson but they entrusted the development of the game to former England international Trevor Brooking. . . . more . . .
Manchester City crashed out of the UEFA Cup when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Polish outsiders Groclin in the second leg of their second round clash. . . . more . . .
Borussia Dortmund were unceremoniously dumped out of the UEFA Cup by Sochaux, the French outsiders beating the former European champions 4-0 in this second round second leg tie. . . . more . . .
A rare headed goal from Harry Kewell fired Liverpool into the third round of the UEFA Cup and left Steaua Bucharest cursing their luck. . . . more . . .
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was offered a four-year extension to his contract which would keep him in charge until 2008. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid, through to the second phase of the Champions League and top of the Spanish table, will be without French star Zinedine Zidane for Saturday's trip to Osasuna while England star David Beckham is recovering from a twisted ankle. . . . more . . .
Dietmar Hamann is in line to start his first game for Liverpool since last season as they seek to book their place in the third round of the UEFA Cup at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Turkish soccer fans were urged to inundate European football's governing body with phone calls, e-mails and faxes in protest at the decision to move three European Cup ties out of the country. . . . more . . .
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson's relationship with his employers were on rocky ground once again when the his agent revealed the England manager was "disappointed" in the Football Association for making public their offer of a new contract. . . . more . . .
Manchester United and Chelsea clinched qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League but Rangers failed miserably in their quest to reach the last 16 after defeat to VfB Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
The Turkish football federation said they will be contesting UEFA's decision to move several fixtures outside of the country for security reasons with CAS. . . . more . . .
Galatasary's Champions League clash against Juventus, which was postponed because of the recent terror attacks in Turkey, will now be played at Borussia Dortmund's Westfalenstadion in Germany on Tuesday, December 2, UEFA announced. . . . more . . .
Chelsea need only a point against Sparta Prague to book their passage to the knock-out phase of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
David Beckham and Ronaldo scored impressively as Real Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 in the Champions League to leave the French side out of contention for the knockout stage. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni says his side face a daunting task in the Ukraine where they must beat Dinamo Kiev in their final Group B match to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Roy Keane was left out of Manchester United's trip to Panathanaikos because Sir Alex Ferguson was unwilling to risk being without him for Sunday's Premiership summit meeting with Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Arsenal dramatically injected new life into their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout phase with a 5-1 demolition of Inter Milan at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich pulled their Champions League campaign back from the brink by holding out for a goalless draw with Celtic. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid playmaker Zinedine Zidane says France will have a tough time defending their title as European champions at the Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal. . . . more . . .
VfB Stuttgart booked their place in the last sixteen of the Champions League for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win over Rangers. . . . more . . .
Substitute Roberto Muzzi scored with a spectacular overhead kick to earn Lazio a 1-1 draw against Besiktas and keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Shares in Leeds United plunged nearly 20 percent after the struggling Premiership club warned it was in serious danger of being forced into administration. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was confident his under-fire side will qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League after holding Celtic to a 0-0 draw here. . . . more . . .
Glasgow Rangers' dreams of reaching the last sixteen of the Champions League were crushed by VfB Stuttgart when the German side clinched a 1-0 win. . . . more . . .
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will appeal to his British and Italian counterparts for help to reverse a UEFA decision to move three European soccer ties out of Turkey because of security fears. . . . more . . .
West Brom striker Lee Hughes, who has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident following a car crash in which a 56-year-old man died, has been released on bail. . . . more . . .
A second-half goal from Andrei Shevchenko gave European champions AC Milan a 1-0 win over Ajax and spot in the last 16 of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Thierry Henry, his fellow Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, and Brazilian striker Ronaldo have been nominated for the world football player of the year award, FIFA said. . . . more . . .
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed he is considering signing Russia captain Viktor Onopko when the transfer window reopens in January. . . . more . . .
Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri's popularity will soar if he leads the London club back to where most of their fans believe they should be - among the 16 best sides in European football. . . . more . . .
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed he is considering signing Russia captain Viktor Onopko when the transfer window reopens in January. . . . more . . .
Mark Hughes has set his sights on steering Wales to the 2006 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Controversial striker Duncan Ferguson returned to training with struggling English Premiership side Everton, ten days after a bust-up with manager David Moyes. . . . more . . .
Chelsea secured their passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League but there was little in a goalless draw with Sparta Prague to suggest Claudio Ranieri's side are genuinely ready to mix it with Europe's elite at the sharp end of the season. . . . more . . .
Uruguayan hitman Diego Forlan struck a late goal to lead Manchester United into the last sixteen of the Champions League as the English giants struggled to a dour 1-0 win over Panathinaikos. . . . more . . .
Arsenal will not sell Thierry Henry at any price, the club's chairman has vowed in the aftermath of the Frenchman's inspirational performance in the Gunners' 5-1 demolition of Inter Milan at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Fifty years after the Magical Magyars beat England 6-3 at Wembley to become the first country to win at the temple of soccer, Hungary is wallowing in a wake of past glory. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Real Sociedad battled to a Champions League 2-2 draw with Olympiakos but face an agonising wait to see whether or not they will join Juventus as the two sides progressing from Group D into the knockout stages. . . . more . . .
French league leaders Monaco secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a bad-tempered 1-1 home draw against Group C rivals PSV Eindhoven. . . . more . . .
Deportivo La Coruna rebounded from their stunning 8-3 defeat to Monaco to beat AEK Athens 3-0 and keep up their charge for a place in the last sixteen of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta admitted that he is uncertain when he will be able to play again after damaging a muscle in his foot in last weekend's 3-0 Scottish league win over Aberdeen. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger will be walking on familiar shaky ground when he leads Arsenal to the San Siro for a must-win clash against on-form Inter Milan in their Group B Champions League clash. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich pulled their Champions League campaign back from the brink by holding out for a goalless draw with Celtic. . . . more . . .
Leeds striker Alan Smith has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) over a bottle-throwing incident during a game with Manchester United last month. . . . more . . .
Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon insists that making the second stage of the Champions League will be even a greater achievement than reaching last season's UEFA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Fulham manager Chris Coleman has admitted he would never have believed before the season that his side would be occupying fifth place in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Former Italy international Fabrizio Ravanelli and Scotland midfielder Craig Burley were the biggest-named players who were shown the door a day after debt-ridden Scottish side Dundee was put into administration. . . . more . . .
Arsenal revived their Champions League hopes and left Inter Milan's hanging by a thread with a crushing 5-1 win over the Italians in a thrilling contest at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
A headed goal from towering Finnish defender Hannu Tihinen gave Anderlecht a 1-0 win over Lyon that ensures everything is still to play for on the final matchday in the Champions League Group B. . . . more . . .
Chelsea striker Carlton Cole and Newcastle defender Titus Bramble were named as the two Premiership players arrested in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old schoolgirl in a London hotel. . . . more . . .
Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow ensured Arsenal must win against Inter Milan later when they beat Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kiev 3-2 in an early Champions League Group B match. . . . more . . .
Roy Keane was left out of Manchester United's trip to Panathanaikos because Sir Alex Ferguson was unwilling to risk being without him for Sunday's Premiership summit meeting with Chelsea. . . . more . . .
West Brom striker Lee Hughes was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident following a car crash in which a 56-year-old man died. . . . more . . .
Three Champions League and UEFA Cup ties due to be played in Turkey over the next two weeks, including English Premiership side Chelsea's away leg against Besiktas, will be moved abroad because of security concerns, UEFA said. . . . more . . .
Christian Vieri could snuff out Arsenal's troubled Champions League campaign here - and Inter Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni wants him to do it with a smile on his face. . . . more . . .
Leicester manager Micky Adams warned that he will not let midfield star Muzzy Izzet go on the cheap in the January transfer window. . . . more . . .
Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon insists that making the second stage of the Champions League will be even a greater achievement than reaching last season's UEFA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Werder Bremen's in-form Brazilian striker Ailton has cheekily revealed that he will not be joining Schalke 04 if they are playing in the German second division next season. . . . more . . .
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says central defender Martin Keown is not fit enough to start the crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Louis Saha scored twice in as many minutes to raise Fulham to fifth place in the Premiership after a 2-0 win over Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Celtic goalkeeper Magnus Hedman could step in and give Celtic a massive psychological boost in time for the visit of Bayern Munich in Tuesday's Group B Champions League clash here. . . . more . . .
Martin Keown has given Arsenal a defensive boost ahead of their crunch Champions League match against Inter Milan but striker Sylvain Wiltord will not make the trip. . . . more . . .
Former Italy international Fabrizio Ravanelli is just one of the players wondering about their future after the news that debt-ridden Dundee have been put in administration. . . . more . . .
Top European clubs are interested in acquiring the services of Latvian star Maris Verpakovsis, the hero of the Baltic state's qualification for their first European Championships final, Latvian Soccer Federation president Guntis Indriksons said. . . . more . . .
Bradford City have made former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson their new manager in an attempt to stop them from slipping into the English second division. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz can count on fit-again Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos for their Champions League Group F tie Wednesday at Marseille, the Spanish champions said. . . . more . . .
West Ham have agreed a 500,000-pound (848,500-dollar) deal with First Division rivals Nottingham Forest for striker Marlon Harewood. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich's midfield talisman Michael Ballack has quashed talk that he has been playing through the pain barrier of late insisting that he is "top fit" for the Champions League clash with Celtic in Glasgow. . . . more . . .
"I can't go on any longer," Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler told his employers before being booked into a clinic for depression. . . . more . . .
Hungarians mark the 50th anniversary of their football team's 6-3 victory over England that handed the English their first ever home defeat by a team from the continent. . . . more . . .
Liverpool defender Steve Finnan will be sidelined for four weeks with a calf strain, manager Gerard Houllier confirmed. . . . more . . .
English Premiership tail-enders Leeds suffered another blow with the news that they could be without the services of Brazilian World Cup-winner Roque Junior for a lengthy period. . . . more . . .
Bayer Leverkusen's Croatian international Marko Babic has extended his contract at the BayArena until 2007. . . . more . . .
The war of words between Lazio and Perugia continued Monday following their shameful Serie A meeting at the Olmpic stadium marred by four red cards. . . . more . . .
Carlos Queiroz's tinkering at Real Madrid has been branded as barmy by the Spanish press after he left Brazil World Cup star Ronaldo on the bench for a hard-fought 2-1 win over struggling Albacete. . . . more . . .
Arsene Wenger will be walking on familiar shaky ground when he leads Arsenal to the San Siro for a must-win clash against on-form Inter Milan in their Group B Champions League clash. . . . more . . .
Police investigating a fatal road crash have arrested West Bromwich Albion player Lee Hughes. . . . more . . .
Bayer Leverkusen's Croatian international Marko Babic has extended his contract at the BayArena until 2007. . . . more . . .
German international Miroslav Klose hit a sensational hat-trick to help Kaiserslautern to a 4-2 comeback win over Hertha Berlin at the Fritz-Walter Stadium. . . . more . . .
Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand should be suspended for a "substantial time", according to the IAAF's anti-doping chief Arne Ljungqvist. . . . more . . .
Athletic Bilbao moved up to fourth place in the Spanish league, their highest position since January 2002, after they won 2-0 at Celta Vigo. . . . more . . .
Leeds caretaker boss Eddie Gray has issued a grim warning for whoever becomes the club's next permanent manager - relegation and the financial meltdown that would follow are firmly on the cards. . . . more . . .
In-form Dutch veteran Dennis Bergkamp has been saved a potentially long road trip to Milan to face Champions League Group B rivals Inter after being left out of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal squad. . . . more . . .
David Beckham was on target as Real Madrid made hard work of overcoming struggling Albacete 2-1 but the win was enough to send them back to the top of the Spanish first division. . . . more . . .
Roma crushed Bologna 4-0 to keep up the pressure on champions Juventus but Serie A was left hanging its head in shame after four players were sent off in a bloody battle between Lazio and Perugia. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson united with skipper Roy Keane to deliver a stern "must do better" verdict on an unconvincing 2-1 win over Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Hearts avenged an early season reverse to city rivals Hibernian with a 2-0 derby win where both goals came courtesy of the visitors. . . . more . . .
Thierry Henry failed to get on the scoresheet but Arsenal's French striker was still the name on both managers' lips after Arsenal extended their unbeaten Premiership start to a record 13 games. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich secured a precious 1-0 derby win over 1860 Munich to boost their domestic ambitions and instill confidence ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League clash against Celtic. . . . more . . .
Republic of Ireland star Robbie Keane helped move Tottenham four places up the Premiership table by scoring the winner in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Hearts skipper Steven Pressley will miss Thursday's UEFA Cup clash against Bordeaux after picking up a thigh injury in his team's 2-0 derby win over Hibs. . . . more . . .
Landon Donovan scored twice to lift the San Jose Earthquakes to a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire in the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer. . . . more . . .
Everton boss David Moyes admitted he had breathed a huge sigh of relief after seeing young guns Wayne Rooney and James McFadden inspire his side to a win over Wolves that lifted his side out of the relegation zone. . . . more . . .
French international Ludovic Giuly helped send Monaco back to the top of the French league with a stunning volley which contributed to a convincing 2-0 win over Lens. . . . more . . .
Ruud van Nistelrooy picked up where he left off for Holland in midweek with his 12th goal of the season as Manchester United were made to sweat for a 2-1 win over Blackburn at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Everton grabbed a welcome three points with a 2-0 win over a disappointing Wolves that lifted David Moyes' Premiership strugglers out of the relegation zone. . . . more . . .
A Chris Sutton hat-trick helped Celtic extend their unbeaten start to their league campaign to 13 games as Dundee United were swept aside 5-1 at Tannadice. . . . more . . .
The St Mary's crowd called for him to stay but Gordon Strachan may have overseen his last match as Southampton manager in a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea. . . . more . . .
French international Ludovic Giuly helped send Monaco back to the top of the French league with a stunning volley which contributed to a convincing 2-0 win over Lens. . . . more . . .
Arsenal made light of the absence of six first team regulars to sink Birmingham and extend their unbeaten start to the season to 13 games, a Premiership record. . . . more . . .
Kansas City Wizards veteran midfielder Preki became Major League Soccer's first two-time Most Valuable Player, capturing the award six years after collecting his initial one. . . . more . . .
Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe scoffed at rumours manager Gordon Strachan is set to move to Premiership strugglers Leeds. . . . more . . .
Spanish league leaders Deportivo La Coruna could only grind out a torrid 0-0 draw at Real Betis and the result opens the door to championship challengers Valencia and Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Chris Sutton grabbed a hat-trick as Celtic warmed up for their Champions League crunch with Bayern Munich in five-star style at Tannadice. . . . more . . .
Spanish league leaders Deportivo La Coruna ground out a gruelling 0-0 draw at Real Betis to open the door to championship rivals Valencia and Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Leicester City were deprived of a precious victory after an apparent dive by Paolo di Canio secured a penalty and a point for Charlton at the Walkers Stadium. . . . more . . .
Liverpool welcomed back Michael Owen but even the England marksman was unable to find the back of the net as Gerard Houllier's side drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich secured a precious 1-0 derby win over 1860 Munich to boost their domestic ambitions and instill confidence ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League clash against Celtic. . . . more . . .
Arsenal made light of the absence of six first team regulars as they beat Birmingham to extend their unbeaten start to the season to 13 games, a new record for the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Goals from David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved gave Juventus a 2-0 win at Modena as the defending Italian champions registered their eighth win in ten games. . . . more . . .
Goals from David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved gave Juventus a 2-0 win at Modena on Saturday as the defending Italian champions registered their eighth win in ten games. . . . more . . .
In the home region of rugby World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson, Alan Shearer proved he too has an eye for goal as he notched up 100 goals under manager Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Arsenal and their players have already shelled out a grand total of 265,000 pounds in fines as a result of the ugly fracas that erupted at the end of an ill-tempered draw with Manchester United in September. . . . more . . .
Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has accused English Premiership rival's Leeds of breaking every rule in the book in their bid to poach manager Gordon Strachan. . . . more . . .
England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has signed a new five-year contract at Newcastle United, the English Premiership side said. . . . more . . .
Scotland's soccer chief believes German coach Berti Vogts is still the man to get them to the 2006 World Cup finals depite the six-goal thrashing in Amsterdam. . . . more . . .
Arsenal and their players have already shelled out a grand total of 265,000 pounds in fines as a result of the ugly fracas that erupted at the end of an ill-tempered draw with Manchester United in September. . . . more . . .
Imre Gellei has quit as Hungary coach after the team finished fourth in their European championship qualifiers, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) confirmed. . . . more . . .
French international striker Sylvain Wiltord added to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's selection crisis when he picked up an injury which ruled him out of Saturday's clash at Birmingham City. . . . more . . .
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier believes the return from injury of Michael Owen for Saturday's match at Middlesbrough could be the spark his side needs to rejuvenate their faltering season. . . . more . . .
Champions Lyon went to the top of the French first division after a last minute penalty earned them a 1-0 win against Strasbourg. . . . more . . .
Europe's top clubs are pressing FIFA to agree to a new player compensation package that could leave football's ruling body facing a 145 million dollar bill for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Charlton suffered a blow with the news that South Africa striker Shaun Bartlett will be out for a further three months with an ankle injury. . . . more . . .
Eidur Gudjohnsen says he will not be leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window despite having few first team chances since the arrival of Romanian striker Adrian Mutu and Argentine star Hernan Crespo. . . . more . . .
The top three in Italy, all boasting unbeaten records after nine matches played, face tricky away ties this weekend as Serie A returns to action following a two week break for international matches. . . . more . . .
England midfielder Paul Scholes is on course for a return to first team action in time for next month's English Premiership clash with Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute revealed that he is close to making his comeback to English Premiership action following an ankle ligament injury. . . . more . . .
Leeds United midfielder Jody Morris, facing trial for alleged rape, is ready to face any venom from opposing fans after being cleared to play for the club. . . . more . . .
Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs described his team's shock win over Turkey in the Euro 2004 play-offs as a sensation, and warned that Latvia would again make their presence felt in the finals next year. . . . more . . .
Crisis club Leeds United were reported to be set to make Gordon Strachan their new manager as soon as they reach agreement with Southampton over his pay-off. . . . more . . .
German striker Uwe Rosler has thanked Manchester City fans for helping him in his fight against cancer. . . . more . . .
Portugal has dismissed French claims its players were on drugs when they won an Under 21 European Championship play-off to reach next year's finals. . . . more . . .
European football's governing body UEFA said they were investigating allegations of incidents in the tunnel involving Turkish players and security staff at Saturday's Euro 2004 play-off with Latvia in Riga. . . . more . . .
Scotland manager Berti Vogts insisted that he would be keeping faith with his chosen squad despite a 6-0 thrashing in their Euro 2004 second leg play-off against the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
State Sports Committee chief Vyacheslav Fetisov praised coach Georgy Yartsev for qualifying Russia for next year's European Championship finals. . . . more . . .
Freddy Adu, the 14-year old football phenomenon, was formally introduced as Major League Soccer's newest signee. . . . more . . .
Wales manager Mark Hughes admits he might lose his job after they failed to qualify for Euro 2004 following their 1-0 defeat to Russia. . . . more . . .
Mark Hughes surveyed the wreckage of Wales' heartbreaking Euro 2004 exit before revealing he wants to remain in charge for the 2006 World Cup campaign. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Rudi Voller claims the current crop of Under-21 players are similar to his generation that went on to win the 1990 World Cup in Italy. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admits he paid Leeds United too much for Rio Ferdinand but is convinced the under-fire England defender will eventually justify his 30 million pound fee. . . . more . . .
After his first few weeks at new club Wolves former England great Paul Gascoigne admitted he's finding the training is taking its toll on his 36-year-old body. . . . more . . .
Scotland and Wales saw their status as second class European football citizens ruthlessly confirmed as their dreams of making it to the finals of Euro 2004 were shattered. . . . more . . .
The Baltic state of Latvia held morning after celebrations for their national soccer team whose 2-2 draw against Turkey in Istanbul secured the country's first appearance in the European Championships final next year in Portugal. . . . more . . .
Portuguese football chiefs demanded an apology from their French counterparts for the "serious allegations" made by Raymond Domenech, the coach of the France Under-21 team in the wake of their European championship clash on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Rudi Voller believes Germany are still guaranteed a tough group at the 2004 European championships despite Turkey's absence moving the World Cup finalists into the second seeding tier. . . . more . . .
Welsh dreams of a first major championship appearance in 45 years were shattered at the Millennium Stadium as a ruthlessly efficient Russian side booked their place in the final of Euro 2004 with 1-0 play-off, second leg win. . . . more . . .
English Premiership club Chelsea were waiting to hear from European football's governing body UEFA if they would have to play their Champions League match against Besiktas next month in Istanbul. . . . more . . .
Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law is recovering in hospital after being treated for prostate cancer, his former club announced. . . . more . . .
Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell will stay on loan at Birmingham City until the end of the season, the Midlands club announced. . . . more . . .
Colombian goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba annouced he was retiring from the national side for personal reasons and not because of the crisis within the team. . . . more . . .
Temperamental Roma striker Antonio Cassano, who scored on his Italy debut last week, could be in hot water after falling out with coach Fabio Capello. . . . more . . .
Wales have asked manager Mark Hughes to help the country reach the 2006 World Cup finals after failing to qualify for Euro 2004 following their 1-0 defeat to Russia. . . . more . . .
Scottish striker Duncan Ferguson could be facing the end of his Everton career after a training ground bust-up with manager David Moyes. . . . more . . .
European football's governing body UEFA said they were urgently reviewing security in Turkey following blasts in Istanbul to decide if two matches will be played next week. . . . more . . .
Three-time champions Iran became the latest nation to book their place in the 2004 Asian Cup finals after a 3-0 win against Lebanon. . . . more . . .
UEFA announced that next week's Champions League Group D tie between Turkish side Galatasaray and Italy's Juventus has been postponed until December 2 because of security fears. . . . more . . .
The coach of France's Under 21 side has attacked Portugal's Under-21 team for their "unspeakable" destruction of a dressing room after a Euro 2004 qualifier. . . . more . . .
Ruud van Nistelrooy helped himself to a hat-trick as Holland crushed Scotland's dream of a trip to next year's Euro 2004 finals with a ruthless reminder of where the two countries really stand in Europe's football hierarchy. . . . more . . .
Latvia came from two goals behind to force a 2-2 draw with Turkey and clinched their first appearance in the Euro 2004 finals with a 3-2 victory on aggregate. . . . more . . .
David O'Leary says the club's previous two managers John Gregory and Graham Taylor have left him with nothing to spend on new players. . . . more . . .
Leeds United midfielder Jody Morris was bailed by magistrates after being charged with raping a 20-year-old woman. . . . more . . .
Prolific Croatian striker Dado Prso led his team into the Euro 2004 finals when he scored the only goal in a second leg victory over Slovenia to complete a 2-1 victory over two legs. . . . more . . .
Wales will be seeking to end a 45-year wait when they bid for a place in next year's Euro 2004 finals while Scotland must cling on to their lead against the under-performing superstars of Holland. . . . more . . .
Roma's Brazil international Emerson has warned he could leave the club in January when the transfer window reopens unless he is paid his outstanding wages. . . . more . . .
Tunisia scored late in each half to beat South Africa 2-0 in a bad-tempered friendly international. . . . more . . .
Chievo president Luca Campedelli quashed rumours that he is planning to sell the debt-free Serie A club to a consortium of local businessmen. . . . more . . .
Welsh dreams of a first major championship appearance in 45 years were shattered at the Millennium Stadium as a ruthlessly efficient Russian side booked their place in the final of Euro 2004 with 1-0 play-off, second leg win. . . . more . . .
Goal machine Raul lived up to his billing as one of the most lethal finishers in world football, scoring an opportunist goal to send Spain through to the Euro 2004 finals at Norway's expense in a whirlwind 3-0 win in Oslo. . . . more . . .
Leeds United striker Alan Smith appears to have escaped prosecution for throwing a plastic bottle at fans during a match against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
The Crystal Palace athletics stadium has been saved from closure after an 18.5 million pound (31.5 million dollars) rescue package was announced by London Mayor Ken Livingstone. . . . more . . .
Scotland coach Berti Vogts believes his young side can earn a place in history here on Wednesday -- provided they manage to score against Holland. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid's campaign for world domination both on and off the field has taken a new turn via a marketing link-up with Disney worth some 60 million euros (69 million dollars), Spanish financial daily La Gaceta revealed. . . . more . . .
American teenage soccer sensation Freddy Adu reportedly will become the youngest athlete to play professional sports in the United States in more than a century. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich and Germany's opinionated captain Oliver Kahn has vowed to cut down on his outbursts in the media claiming he needs to focus on his goalkeeping duties. . . . more . . .
European champions AC Milan has become the first Italian football club to publish a Japanese version of its official website. . . . more . . .
Scotland must score against Holland Wednesday or kiss their dream of qualifying for next summer's Euro 2004 finals goodbye, head coach Berti Vogts warned. . . . more . . .
Republic of Ireland coach Brian Kerr paid tribute to the skills of Damien Duff after the Chelsea winger produced a brilliant solo goal in a 3-0 win over Canada at Lansdowne Road. . . . more . . .
Borussia Dortmund are set to consult football's world governing body FIFA after their Brazilian striker Marcio Amoroso ignored an ultimatum to return to the Westfalen Stadium. . . . more . . .
Leeds midfielder Jody Morris was charged with rape, West Yorkshire Police said. . . . more . . .
Portuguese giants Benfica have denied owing money to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson related to his spell as the club's manager more than a decade ago. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Inaki Saez risks his job when his side defends a 2-1 lead over Norway in their Euro 2004 play-off. . . . more . . .
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is sueing his club's biggest shareholders in a row over the ownership of a record-breaking racehorse. . . . more . . .
VfB Stuttgart coach Felix Magath has revealed that he will try and sign Kaiserslautern striker Miroslav Klose should the club lose the services of star marksman Kevin Kuranyi. . . . more . . .
European football's governing body UEFA said they were investigating allegations of incidents in the tunnel involving Turkish players and security staff at Saturday's Euro 2004 play-off with Latvia in Riga. . . . more . . .
Ruud van Nistelrooy has launched a scathing attack on his Holland team-mates and bluntly admitted he fears their lack of guts could cos