Archive soccer news from around the world
Diouf banned for three matches for spitting (Nov 30, 2004)
Bolton's El-Hadji Diouf was banned for three matches after pleading guilty to a charge of improper conduct for spitting. . . . more . . .
Lampard fires Chelsea into last four (Nov 30, 2004)
Frank Lampard came off the bench to fire Chelsea into the last four of the League Cup with a cruel late winner against London neighbours Fulham. . . . more . . .
Scotland set to make Smith manager (Nov 30, 2004)
Former Everton and Rangers manager Walter Smith will be confirmed as the new manager of Scotland on Thursday, according to the BBC. . . . more . . .
AC Milan midfielder Kaka lends support to hunger fight (Nov 30, 2004)
AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka was unveiled as an 'Ambassador Against Hunger' for the United Nations' World Food Programme. . . . more . . .
Platini tips Deco for Golden Ball award (Nov 30, 2004)
Juventus legend Michel Platini believes AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko does not deserve to win the European Footballer of the Year award. . . . more . . .
Mandaric and Redknapp clear the air (Nov 30, 2004)
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric and former manager Harry Redknapp insisted that they had parted company on good terms with both men rejecting suggestions a scandal could lurk behind the manager's departure. . . . more . . .
Baros targets Champions League comeback (Nov 30, 2004)
Milan Baros has set his sights on making his Liverpool comeback in next week's crucial Champions League clash against Olympiakos. . . . more . . .
Hendrie charged as Queudrue gets three-match ban (Nov 30, 2004)
Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after being sent off in Saturday's defeat at Manchester City for aiming a head butt in the direction of Danny Mills. . . . more . . .
Barcelona to play Shakhtar in Ukraine as planned: UEFA (Nov 30, 2004)
The Champions League match between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine, due to be played in Donetsk on December 7, is to go ahead after UEFA received appropriate security guarantees from the Ukrainian authorities. . . . more . . .
Livi turn to Gough (Nov 30, 2004)
Former Rangers, Everton and Scotland captain Richard Gough has been appointed as the new manager of troubled Scottish Premier League outfit Livingston. . . . more . . .
Arsenal rally round fighting talk (Nov 30, 2004)
Arsenal players claim their loss of form, which has seen Chelsea take a five-point lead at the top of the English Premiership, can be explained by their failure to give 100 per cent and the fact Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira are carrying injuries. . . . more . . .
Mellor given chance to make Reds grade (Nov 30, 2004)
Neil Mellor's sensational late winner for Liverpool against Arsenal on Sunday has earned the back-up striker the chance to salvage a career that had appeared to be drifting irrevocably towards the lower divisions. . . . more . . .
SFA tight-lipped over Smith 'offer' (Nov 29, 2004)
Scottish Football Association (SFA) officials refused to confirm or deny a report on Sky Sports News that they'd offered the vacant post of Scotland manager to Walter Smith. . . . more . . .
Sainsbury revives Leeds offer (Nov 29, 2004)
Sebastian Sainsbury re-entered the fray for control of fallen giants Leeds United just two weeks after the board rejected his initial bid. . . . more . . .
Villa appeal Hendrie red card (Nov 29, 2004)
Aston Villa have lodged an official appeal against Lee Hendrie's sending off in the closing seconds of Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Wenger at a loss to explain slump (Nov 29, 2004)
Arsene Wenger admits he is struggling to explain Arsenal's recent slump in form that has left the reigning English Premiership champions five points adrift of leaders Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Wenger's FA hearing set for December (Nov 29, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's personal hearing with the Football Association (FA) on a charge of improper conduct will be held on December 16, it was announced. . . . more . . .
Henry, Ronaldinho and Shevchenko nominated for FIFA's player of 2004 (Nov 29, 2004)
French striker Thierry Henry, Brazilian Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine were nominated for FIFA's world player of the year award for 2004. . . . more . . .
Mandaric and Redknapp to face media (Nov 29, 2004)
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric and Harry Redknapp, the English Premiership club's former manager, have called a joint news conference. . . . more . . .
Bolton striker Diouf on spitting charge (Nov 29, 2004)
Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after spitting at Arjan de Zeeuw during the weekend Premiership match against Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Defoe delight gets shirt shrift (Nov 29, 2004)
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe earned praise and condemnation from Spurs boss Martin Jol after the England striker picked up a one-match ban for removing his shirt after scoring in the 2-0 win against Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Vieira vows Arsenal will fight back (Nov 29, 2004)
Patrick Vieira has warned English Premiership rivals Chelsea that Arsenal will not abandon their crown without a fight. . . . more . . .
Mourinho reveals death-threats (Nov 29, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he received death-threats before coaching Porto to their Champions League triumph over Monaco in the May final. . . . more . . .
Gerrard sets sights on Premiership surge (Nov 29, 2004)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the weekend win over Arsenal can help galvanise the Reds for a run up the English Premiership table. . . . more . . .
Diouf says sorry for spitting (Nov 28, 2004)
Bolton's Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf issued a public apology after spitting in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw during Saturday's English Premiership 1-0 defeat. . . . more . . .
Five star Madrid keep up pressure on Barca (Nov 28, 2004)
Real Madrid bounced back after a pair of poor performances to thrash newly-promoted Levante 5-0 and stay second in the Spanish first division. . . . more . . .
Wenger wary of Gerrard threat (Nov 28, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is wary of the threat posed by Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard as his side attempt to get their English Premiership title defence back on track at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Oliveira double moves Betis up to fourth (Nov 28, 2004)
Real Betis moved up to fourth in the Spanish first division with a 2-1 victory over visitors Villarreal, extending their unbeaten run to 10 games. . . . more . . .
Mellor's last minute strike adds to Arsenal misery (Nov 28, 2004)
A stunning winning goal from Neil Mellor deep into added time secured a deserved 2-1 victory for Liverpool over Arsenal to add to the growing list of problems confronting Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. . . . more . . .
Spurs finally end losing streak (Nov 28, 2004)
Goals from Jermain Defoe and Frederic Kanoute finally ended Tottenham's dismal run of defeats in deserved a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough here at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Crespo on a roll as Milan close in on Juve (Nov 28, 2004)
Hernan Crespo scored his fourth goal in eight days as AC Milan cut Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to three points with a 1-0 victory at Chievo. . . . more . . .
Schalke ride their luck to close on Bayern (Nov 28, 2004)
Schalke 04 moved to within two points of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich thanks to a 2-1 comeback win over Arminia Bielfeld. . . . more . . .
Redknapp was forced out claims assistant (Nov 28, 2004)
The arrival of Velimir Zajec as Portsmouth's director of football was the final straw for manager Harry Redknapp his assistant coach Jim Smith told the BBC. . . . more . . .
FA's television deal forced Eriksson to play Beckham (Nov 28, 2004)
The England Football Association's television deal with BSkyB and the BBC forced Sven-Goran Eriksson to play David Beckham and a host of other top players in a recent friendly with Spain, according to a report. . . . more . . .
Carsley equaliser frustrates Newcastle (Nov 28, 2004)
Everton underlined their re-emergence as an English Premiership force after Lee Carsley struck a stunning equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United. . . . more . . .
Inter fight back to stall Juventus (Nov 28, 2004)
Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A was cut to four points after they drew 2-2 at Inter Milan in a gripping match at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Lyon extend lead as rivals slip-up (Nov 28, 2004)
Lyon stayed on course for a fourth successive French League title with a 2-1 win at home to Auxerre as their title rivals began to feel the pace. . . . more . . .
Hearts broken as Rangers go top (Nov 28, 2004)
Rangers marched to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a hard fought 3-2 victory at home to Hearts. . . . more . . .
Diouf spit leaves a sour taste for unhappy Bolton (Nov 28, 2004)
Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf has been hit with a fine of two weeks' wages after he spat in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw during their Premiership match. . . . more . . .
Rock-bottom Rovers win precious points (Nov 27, 2004)
Blackburn Rovers got their first away win of the season beating Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Out-of-form Beckham should play on the right: Eriksson (Nov 27, 2004)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who expects to fly out for talks with David Beckham, said the England captain's form has dropped because he has not been fielded in his best position at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Four-star Bayern surge five points clear (Nov 27, 2004)
Bayern Munich surged five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after a convincing 4-2 victory over league new boys Mainz at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Frontrunners Bayern look to lay down the law (Nov 27, 2004)
After needing 47 games and 18 months to reach the Bundeliga summit Bayern Munich will aim to turn the screw with a home win over promoted Mainz 05. . . . more . . .
Off-colour Marseille turn to 'white witch doctor' for cure (Nov 27, 2004)
Crisis-club Marseille have turned to Philippe Troussier, the coach dubbed the "white witchdoctor" for his ability to transform the fortunes of modest African sides, as the man to salvage their fast-imploding season. . . . more . . .
Crafty Cassano inspires resurgent Roma (Nov 27, 2004)
Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti scored two goals each as Roma won 4-0 at struggling Siena to ease their relegation fears. . . . more . . .
Troussier ready to drink from Marseille's poisoned chalice (Nov 27, 2004)
Frenchman Philippe Troussier has signed a two-year deal with fallen French giants Marseille, according to the club's website. . . . more . . .
Harry's reign cost 3m in agents fees claims Portsmouth owner (Nov 27, 2004)
Portsmouth shelled out three million pounds (5.7m dollars) in agents' fees during Harry Redknapp's two-and-a-half year spell as coach at Fratton Park, club president Milan Mandaric claimed. . . . more . . .
Lyon extend lead as Marseille steal headlines (Nov 27, 2004)
Lyon stayed on course for a fourth successive French League title with a 2-1 win at home to Auxerre but it was crisis club Marseille who grabbed the headlines with a 3-1 home win over Nantes. . . . more . . .
It's now or never for unpredictable Inter (Nov 27, 2004)
Anything but a victory at home to league leaders Juventus will virtually extinguish Inter Milan's already slim title hopes. . . . more . . .
Bhoys look for Barcelona bounce (Nov 27, 2004)
John Hartson, the hero of Celtic's Champions League draw with Barcelona in midweek, believes that groundbreaking performance will provide a springboard for the champions to resume control of the Scottish Premier League title race. . . . more . . .
Fergie aiming to hit rivals for six with winning run (Nov 27, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson is a past master at sensing when his Premiership title rivals might be vulnerable to the pyschological equivalent of a little off-the-ball dig with the elbow. . . . more . . .
Barca consolidate hold on Spanish league with Getafe win (Nov 27, 2004)
Barcelona consolidated their hold on the Spanish league with a 2-1 win over lowly Getafe, in which the Catalan club's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o was subject to racist chants. . . . more . . .
Livi come alive after sacking boss (Nov 27, 2004)
Struggling Livingston lifted themselves off the foot of the Scottish Premier League table with a 3-1 win at Kilmarnock just two days after sacking manager Alan Preston. . . . more . . .
Udinese edge Livorno to stretch unbeaten run (Nov 27, 2004)
In-form Udinese extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Livorno. . . . more . . .
Barcelona set to cause more headaches for Spanish rivals (Nov 27, 2004)
Getafe goalkeeper Sanchez Broto called in sick on the morning of last week's match against Albacete and few would blame him if he phones in again with Barcelona the opponents later in the day. . . . more . . .
Mourinho's Blues cruising again (Nov 27, 2004)
Chelsea returned to form and extended their lead at the top of the English Premiership with an impressive 4-0 win at Charlton Athletic. . . . more . . .
Chelsea and Man Utd hit top gear (Nov 27, 2004)
Chelsea returned to form and extended their lead at the top of the English Premiership with an impressive 4-0 win at Charlton Athletic. . . . more . . .
Stars come out for match against poverty (Nov 26, 2004)
Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium will next month host a UN-sponsored match against poverty with stars such as Brazilian striker Ronaldo and Real clubmate Zinedine Zidane. . . . more . . .
Out-of-form Beckham should play on the right: Eriksson (Nov 26, 2004)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who expects to fly out for talks with David Beckham, said the England captain's form has dropped because he has not been fielded in his best position at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
France to crack down on football hooliganism, racism (Nov 26, 2004)
France's justice ministry announced it would crack down on a worrying rise in football hooliganism, some of it carried out with homophobic or racist motives. . . . more . . .
Liverpool chase Spanish striker Villa (Nov 26, 2004)
Liverpool, facing a crippling striker shortage, were reported to have made an approach to Spanish club Real Zaragoza for striker David Villa. . . . more . . .
UEFA reiterates anti-racism stance (Nov 26, 2004)
Fighting racism in football is a major priority for UEFA, the European football governing body's chief executive said in reaction to the racist chants and taunts that have been hurled at black players during recent matches in Spain. . . . more . . .
Gough set for Livi takeover but Lovell faces axe (Nov 26, 2004)
Struggling Scottish Premier League club Livingston are seeking to persuade former Rangers and Scotland defender Richard Gough to take over as manager. . . . more . . .
Juventus club doctor Agricola handed prison sentence (Nov 26, 2004)
Juventus club doctor Riccardo Agricola has been handed a one-year, 10-month prison sentence for sporting fraud by a court. . . . more . . .
Villarreal hand Middlesbrough their first UEFA defeat (Nov 25, 2004)
Villarreal proved that they are a difficult side to even snatch a point from in the El Madrigal stadium when they beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in their UEFA Cup group E match. . . . more . . .
Lille defeats AEK Athens in UEFA action (Nov 25, 2004)
Goals by defender Milovoje Vitakic and midfielder Matthieu Debuchy lifted Lille to a 2-1 victory over AEK Athens in a UEFA Cup Group H match at cold Spyros Louis Stadium in front of 22,000 spectators. . . . more . . .
Racist taunts overshadow Lazio's draw with Partizan (Nov 25, 2004)
Racist taunting aimed at Partizan Belgrade's black players overshadowed the Serbian side's 2-2 UEFA Cup draw against Lazio. . . . more . . .
British clubs in quest to reach UEFA Cup knockout stages (Nov 25, 2004)
British clubs Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Rangers look set to ease their path to next year's UEFA Cup knockout stages in the third round of group matches. . . . more . . .
Rijkaard criticises Celtic for 'anti-football' as Barca held (Nov 25, 2004)
Celtic defied the odds and held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the Nou Camp but the result still saw the Catalan side qualify from Champions League Group B. . . . more . . .
Lengthy ban for Bachini after positive test for cocaine (Nov 25, 2004)
Brescia midfielder Jonathan Bachini has been suspended for nine months following his positive test for cocaine, the Italian league's disciplinary council revealed. . . . more . . .
Newcastle into UEFA Cup knockout after thrilling 4-0 win over Sochaux (Nov 25, 2004)
Newcastle recorded their first win over French opposition in UEFA competition with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sochaux to progress to the Cup knock-out phase. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti delighted with Milan's second half salvo (Nov 25, 2004)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti sang his team's praises for their clinical second half display which overpowered Shakhtar Donetsk and gave them clinch a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Three-goal Seongnam in sight of Asian crown (Nov 25, 2004)
South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma took a huge step towards securing the third continental title of their history when they beat Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad 3-1 in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Time for Chelsea to get Real (Nov 25, 2004)
Jose Mourinho insisted nothing can be taken for granted in the Champions League even though his Chelsea team have won their first round group at a canter. . . . more . . .
Late goals secure Rangers 3-0 win over Graz (Nov 25, 2004)
Rangers went top of Group F in the UEFA Cup with a hard-fought 3-0 win at home over Austrian champions Grazer AK. . . . more . . .
UEFA investigates racist abuse at Real Madrid stadium (Nov 25, 2004)
European football's governing body UEFA opened an investigation after black players were racially abused during Real Madrid's Champion's League tie earlier this week against Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Livi sack Preston as Caley turn to Brewster (Nov 25, 2004)
Struggling Scottish Premier League club Livingston have sacked manager Allan Preston and his assistant Alan Kernaghan after just four months in charge. . . . more . . .
Mellor looking for long run at Anfield (Nov 25, 2004)
Neil Mellor believes he can be the man to solve Liverpool's striker crisis and is hoping for an extended run in Rafael Benitez' team. . . . more . . .
TV sports chief to head English FA (Nov 25, 2004)
A television sports head was named as the new chief executive of the embattled English Football Association. . . . more . . .
Kenyan Mulee joins Rwandan APR league champions (Nov 25, 2004)
Former Kenyan national coach Jacob Mulee has accepted a one-year-contract to take charge of Rwanda's premier league champions APR following the departure of Jean Marie. . . . more . . .
Barcelona get their passport to the Champions (Nov 25, 2004)
It wasn't the display of total football Barcelona exhbited when they beat Milan three weeks ago but the Catalan club progressed comfortbaly to the Champions League last 16 with a 1-1 draw against Celtic. . . . more . . .
Taricco hammered after 27 minutes (Nov 25, 2004)
Mauricio Taricco has had his contract at West Ham terminated by mutual consent after playing for just 27 minutes in what the English First Division club's manager Alan Pardew described as "one of the most honest acts from a player" he had known. . . . more . . .
Troussier to take over at Marseille (Nov 25, 2004)
Marseille have reached an agreement with Philippe Troussier to take over from Jose Anigo who resigned as coach on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Rijkaard criticises Celtic for 'anti-football' as Barca held (Nov 24, 2004)
Celtic defied the odds and held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the Nou Camp but the result still saw the Catalan side qualify from Champions League Group B. . . . more . . .
Bayern keen to restore European reputation (Nov 24, 2004)
Having qualified for the last sixteen of the Champions League German powerhouse Bayern Munich are determined to repeat their 2001 success to prove they are back as a force in European football. . . . more . . .
Nine-man Gunners get out of jail (Nov 24, 2004)
A stunning equaliser from Thierry Henry and a desperate rearguard action allowed Arsenal to retain control of their Champions League destiny after holding on with nine men for a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven. . . . more . . .
Arsenal count on Campbell to get them out of the soup (Nov 24, 2004)
Arsene Wenger takes every opportunity to proclaim the opposite but Arsenal have spent the past month doing a passable impersonation of a ship drifting in precarious proximity to the rocks. . . . more . . .
Bremen face Valencia showdown after Inter draw (Nov 24, 2004)
German champions Werder Bremen face a daunting trip to Spanish champions Valencia in 12 days time to qualify for the last sixteen of the Champions League following a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Crespo and Kaka steer AC Milan into last 16 (Nov 24, 2004)
Hernan Crespo and Kaka scored two goals apiece as AC Milan clinched a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 4-0 victory at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. . . . more . . .
McCarthy keeps Porto's title defence hopes alive (Nov 24, 2004)
South African international Benni McCarthy scored the only goal in FC Porto's 1-0 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow to revive the titleholder's chances of making the last sixteen. . . . more . . .
PSV's van Bommel intends to leave during winter break (Nov 24, 2004)
Dutchman Mark van Bommel told journalists he intended to leave Dutch league leaders PSV Eindhoven during the winter break. . . . more . . .
Anderlecht win keeps Valencia's Champions League dream alive (Nov 24, 2004)
Valencia kept their hopes of progressing in the Champions League alive with a 2-1 win over hosts Anderlecht in Brussels. . . . more . . .
Rusty Drogba misfires as PSG frustrate Chelsea (Nov 24, 2004)
Didier Drogba wasted a golden chance in his comeback match to bury Paris Saint-Germain for a second time as the visitors ended Chelsea's perfect Champions League start in the Group H match here at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Two men to appear in court after Yorke racist abuse (Nov 24, 2004)
Two men are to appear in court for racial public order offences aimed at Birmingham City front man Dwight Yorke who complained to police he was abused with monkey chants. . . . more . . .
Barcelona eye Saviola return (Nov 24, 2004)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has travelled to Monaco with a view to a possible return of on-loan striker Javier Saviola to the Nou Camp stadium, the Spanish press reported. . . . more . . .
Bremen face second-string Inter with first place in mind (Nov 24, 2004)
After 11 years of watching the Champions League from their armchairs German champions Werder Bremen have the chance to reach the last sixteen of the competition when they entertain Inter Milan in their Group G tie. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth manager Redknapp quits (Nov 24, 2004)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp resigned as manager of the English Premiership club after days of speculation about his future. . . . more . . .
Chelsea out to give PSG the Blues (Nov 24, 2004)
English Premiership leaders Chelsea will look to take out their domestic frustration on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Real face UEFA sanctions after latest racist chants (Nov 24, 2004)
Real Madrid could face severe sanctions from the sport's continental governing body UEFA, after Bayer Leverkusen's black players were racially abused in the two clubs' Champions League encounter. . . . more . . .
Ferguson toasts game-1,000 victory in epic style (Nov 24, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson looked set to spend Wednesday with a splitting headache after threatening to toast his victorious 1,000th game in charge of Manchester United in epic fashion. . . . more . . .
Fan slapped with fine, five-year ban for racially abusing Yorke (Nov 24, 2004)
A British court slapped a 1,000-pound (1,880-dollar) fine and a five-year football ground ban on a fan for hurling monkey chants at Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke. . . . more . . .
Benitez hits out at referee after Saviola's 'handball' trips up Liverpool (Nov 24, 2004)
Liverpool's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League is now hanging by a thread after a shock 1-0 defeat by Monaco kept alive the hopes of last year's finalists. . . . more . . .
Monaco vow to keep saviour Saviola (Nov 24, 2004)
Argentine striker Javier Saviola, who scored the only goal in his club Monaco's win over Liverpool, is staying put in France until the end of the season, Monaco president Michel Pastor insisted. . . . more . . .
Djordjevic puts Olympiakos on edge of knock-outs (Nov 23, 2004)
Olympiakos captain Predrag Djordjevic came up with the only goal against Deportivo La Coruna to leave the Greeks on the brink of qualifying for the Champions league knockout stage for only the second time in their history. . . . more . . .
Yorke told he is free to leave Birmingham after race row (Nov 23, 2004)
Dwight Yorke has been told he is free to leave Birmingham if he is unhappy about the reaction of the club's co-owner, David Sullivan, to the alleged racial abuse suffered by the Trinidadian striker during a match. . . . more . . .
Dynamo stay top with 2-0 win over Roma (Nov 23, 2004)
Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kiev held their lead in the European Champions' League qualifying Group B with a 2-0 win over Italian Serie A side AS Roma on the snow-covered turf at the Olympic Arena. . . . more . . .
Two men arrested over Yorke remarks (Nov 23, 2004)
Two men were arrested in connection with racist abuse directed at footballer Dwight Yorke, Lancashire Police said. . . . more . . .
Ruthless Bayern sail into last sixteen (Nov 23, 2004)
Bayern Munich eased into the last sixteen of the Champions League with a resounding 5-1 win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv. . . . more . . .
Shearer ruled out of Magpies Euro trip (Nov 23, 2004)
Alan Shearer has been ruled out of Newcastle's UEFA Cup trip to Sochaux and is facing at least another week on the sidelines as a result of a hamstring injury. . . . more . . .
Bayern look for killer instinct against Tel Aviv (Nov 23, 2004)
Bayern Munich can all but guarantee their place in the last sixteen of the Champions League with a win over Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Hiddink hits out at PSV racism 'slur' (Nov 23, 2004)
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink has angrily dismissed fears that Arsenal's black players could face a repeat of the racist abuse they received the last time the Gunners played in the Philips Stadium. . . . more . . .
Saviola the saviour as Liverpool tumble at Monaco (Nov 23, 2004)
Liverpool's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League is now hanging by a thread after a shock 1-0 defeat by Monaco kept alive the hopes of last year's finalists. . . . more . . .
Wenger's decision day arrives (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will decide whether to contest a charge of improper conduct arising out of last month's controversial clash with arch-rivals Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Man who killed England fan during Euro 2004 given 13-year jail term (Nov 23, 2004)
A Lisbon court has sentenced a 31-year-old man who stabbed a young England fan to death in downtown Lisbon during the Euro 2004 football finals to a 13-year prison term, the Lusa news agency reported. . . . more . . .
Ruud gives Fergie memorable 1000th game, Liverpool and Real on the brink (Nov 23, 2004)
Dutch marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect present in his 1000th match in charge of Manchester United scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory over French champions Lyon in their Champions League Group D clash. . . . more . . .
Fans stay away as flawless Juve eliminate Ajax (Nov 23, 2004)
Juventus maintained their 100 per cent Champions League record with a 1-0 victory over Ajax in freezing temperatures. . . . more . . .
Anigo resigns as Marseille coach (Nov 23, 2004)
Jose Anigo has resigned as coach of Marseille after only ten months in the job, the French first division club announced. . . . more . . .
Wenger to contest improper conduct charge (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to contest a charge of improper conduct by the Football Association following the incidents in their match against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Time running out for 1,000-game Ferguson (Nov 23, 2004)
Alex Ferguson will lead Manchester United this week against Lyon for an astonishing 1,000th game as the club's manager, knowing victory will send his side beyond the Champions League first round for a ninth successive season. . . . more . . .
Five-star Solano's strike sinks Spurs (Nov 23, 2004)
Nolberto Solano's fine finish ensured a 1-0 victory for Aston Villa over Tottenham that saw the Birmingham club climb to fifth place in the table. . . . more . . .
Mouscron keeper Vandendriessche fails doping test (Nov 23, 2004)
Franky Vandendriessche, the goalkeeper of Belgian first division club Mouscron, has failed a doping test for anti-inflammatory drug Depo-Medrol, Belgian press reported. . . . more . . .
Real and Bayer out for European redemption (Nov 23, 2004)
Real Madrid and Beyer Leverkusen both go into their Champions League group B match with points to prove, and gain, after their domestic campaigns lost their way with 3-0 defeats on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Deschamps demands action as Liverpool seek Champions League ticket (Nov 23, 2004)
Former France great Didier Deschamps has been a coach for a little over two seasons, and it is only now the man who has won almost everything in football is finding that the going can get tough at the top. . . . more . . .
Real claim Brazil star Robinho (Nov 23, 2004)
Real Madrid were reported to have agreed a 12 million dollar deal with Santos for Brazil's latest super star footballer Robinho. . . . more . . .
Wenger to fight charges in Van Nistelrooy cheat row (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will fight Football Association (FA) charges of improper conduct for branding Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat in the wake of last month's stormy defeat at Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Marseille coach Jose Anigo resigns (Nov 23, 2004)
Jose Anigo has resigned as coach of Marseille after only ten months in the job, the French first division club announced. . . . more . . .
Player walk-offs no answer to racism: Wenger (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes players walking off the pitch is not the answer to racist abuse from the stands. . . . more . . .
Gunners relief as Campbell returns to steady ship (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal's hopes of advancing to the next round of the Champions League received a huge boost as Sol Campbell was passed fit to play in the crucial clash with PSV Eindhoven. . . . more . . .
Recoba takes time out from international football (Nov 23, 2004)
Uruguay lost a second international striker in two months when Inter Milan striker Alvaro Recoba announced he was temporarily stepping down because he was so out of form. . . . more . . .
Early qualification allows Juve to focus on domestic challenge (Nov 23, 2004)
Juventus entertain Ajax in the Champions League safe in the knowledge their place in the knockout stages has already been assured after winning all four of their first round matches. . . . more . . .
Man Utd and Liverpool well-placed as Ferguson celebrates 1000 games (Nov 23, 2004)
Chelsea have qualified, Manchester United and Liverpool are well-placed but Arsenal have a tricky situation to deal with among English teams in this week's Champions League matches. . . . more . . .
Ruud to the rescue as Ferguson celebrates 1,000 games (Nov 23, 2004)
Manchester United gave manager Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect gift to mark his 1,000th game with the club, a 2-1 win against Lyon at Old Trafford which sends them into the second round of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Benitez hits out at referee after Saviola's 'handball' trips up Liverpool (Nov 23, 2004)
Liverpool's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League is now hanging by a thread after a shock 1-0 defeat by Monaco kept alive the hopes of last year's finalists. . . . more . . .
PSG coach predicts tough times for Chelsea (Nov 23, 2004)
Paris Saint Germain coach Vahid Halilhodzic predicts Chelsea are in for a surprise in Wednesday's Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Score draw but no bore for Real and Bayer (Nov 23, 2004)
Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen fought out an exciting 1-1 draw to leave qualification from Champions League group B still up in the air for both sides. . . . more . . .
Five-star Solano's strike sinks Spurs (Nov 22, 2004)
Nolberto Solano's fine finish ensured a 1-0 victory for Aston Villa over Tottenham that saw the Birmingham club climb to fifth place in the table. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hungry for second European triumph ahead of game 1,000 (Nov 22, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looked defiantly forwards rather than back ahead of his 1,000th game in charge of the club, saying he would see it as a failure not to win another Champions League title before retiring. . . . more . . .
Sacked Schaefer wasn't up to job claims Cameroon sports minister (Nov 22, 2004)
German Winfried Schaefer was sacked as Cameroon national coach because he wasn't up to the job, the country's sports minister Siegfried Etame Massoma claimed. . . . more . . .
Japan, South Korea separated in World Cup Asian round (Nov 22, 2004)
Asian champions Japan and arch rivals South Korea will be safely separated into two different groups in the final regional qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup finals, Japanese football officials said. . . . more . . .
Gerrard could be the key as Benitez targets win at Monaco (Nov 22, 2004)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez left no doubts about how his Liverpool team will handle their Champions League clash against Monaco here Tuesday in the absence of key strikers Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse. . . . more . . .
Germany's Deisler cautious after latest comeback (Nov 22, 2004)
Comebacks are nothing new for Bayern Munich's midfielder Sebastian Deisler and for that reason the playmaker was understandably cautious after his 20 minute cameo in Bayern's 3-1 win over Kaiserslautern. . . . more . . .
Legend Muller tips Bayern's Guerrero for stardom (Nov 22, 2004)
West Germany's legendary forward Gerd Muller claims Bayern Munich's Peruvian youngster Jose Paolo Guerrero has the natural killer instinct to become a striking legend. . . . more . . .
Porto keeper Baia out of Moscow Champions League match (Nov 22, 2004)
FC Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia will miss Wednesday's Champions League game against CSKA Moscow because of a left thigh injury he suffered over the weekend. . . . more . . .
British sports minister calls for racism zero-tolerance (Nov 22, 2004)
British sports minister Richard Caborn has called on football authorities to operate a zero-tolerance approach to racism after two Blackburn fans abused their former player Dwight Yorke in Sunday's Premiership match with Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Real coach to resist the pressure to drop Beckham (Nov 22, 2004)
Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon is resisting the pressure to drop David Beckham and the England captain looks set to start against Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League group B match on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
I'm not cautious Klaus, says Bayer coach Augenthaler (Nov 22, 2004)
Bayer Leverkusen coach Klaus Augenthaler is set to throw caution to the wind in their Tuesday's Champions League group B match against Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Blackburn's Reid charged by FA (Nov 22, 2004)
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after appearing to elbow Birmingham's Jesper Gronkjaer in the stomach during Sunday's 3-3 English Premiership draw at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Police launch Yorke investigation (Nov 22, 2004)
Lancashire Police have opened a criminal investigation into allegations that Birmingham's Dwight Yorke suffered racial abuse during their 3-3 English Premiership draw away to Blackburn Rovers. . . . more . . .
Makaay gets green light for Bayern (Nov 22, 2004)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath has confirmed that Netherlands striker Roy Makaay is fit to start Tuesday's Champions League clash with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. . . . more . . .
Thousand-game Ferguson recalls shaky start to Man Utd career (Nov 22, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson might now be a revered manager about to celebrate his 1,000th game with Manchester United, but as he recalled, his start with the club was so shaky that at first he even struggled to remember players' names. . . . more . . .
Barca's behind us, bring on Bayer, says Real's Raul (Nov 22, 2004)
Real Madrid club captain Raul said the nine-times European Champions had already got their 3-0 thrashing by bitter rivals Barcelona out of their system. . . . more . . .
Barca's Henrik Larsson out for six months (Nov 22, 2004)
Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson will be out of action for six months after snapping ligaments and tearing the cartilage in his left knee, club medical officials said. . . . more . . .
Scots may turn to 'white witch doctor' for football revival (Nov 22, 2004)
Frenchman Philippe Troussier could be considered for the post of Scotland national coach after the Scottish FA revealed they would not be deterred by the failure of German Berti Vogts to appoint another foreigner to the job. . . . more . . .
Larsson set for knee surgery (Nov 21, 2004)
Barcelona's sweet 3-0 victory over arch rivals Real Madrid on Saturday came with a sting in the tail in the shape of the serious knee injury suffered by Henrik Larsson. . . . more . . .
Hands off United, Ferguson tells Glazer (Nov 21, 2004)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has waded into the takeover debate and stated that he does not want the club to be in the hands of an outside investor like American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea favourite Zola earns Cagliari victory (Nov 21, 2004)
Former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola led Cagliari to a 2-1 Italian Cup victory against Lazio giving them a good chance of qualifying on their own pitch in the second leg of the third round. . . . more . . .
Blackburn launch spirited fightback to share points with Birmingham (Nov 21, 2004)
Mark Hughes endured another 90 minutes of nail-biting as he watched his Blackburn side fight back from a first-half deficit to claim a share of the points in a 3-3 draw with Birmingham City. . . . more . . .
Yorke sparks off more racist controversy (Nov 21, 2004)
Dwight Yorke was the object of more racist controversy by saying he received monkey taunts during Birmingham's 3-3 Premiership draw with his former club Blackburn at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Barca humiliate lacklustre Real (Nov 21, 2004)
Barcelona emerged as the team to beat in Spain after a dramatic weekend of league action which saw the Catalans humiliate arch rivals Real Madrid 3-0, and consolidate their title bid in the process. . . . more . . .
Hot-headed Rooney needs looking after warns Robson (Nov 21, 2004)
Wayne Rooney's petulant display against Spain last week has prompted one of the game's elder statesmen Sir Bobby Robson to suggest the teenage England striker needs guidance rather than criticism. . . . more . . .
McLeish credits Rae and Prso with Rangers derby revival (Nov 21, 2004)
Rangers manager Alex McLeish has hailed Alex Rae and Dado Prso as the inspiration which has helped turn around the Scottish club's derby-day fortunes. . . . more . . .
Liverpool welcome Gerrard back after long injury lay-off (Nov 21, 2004)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was delighted to see Steven Gerrard back in action, but he was far less happy about crucial decisions that helped seal their 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Wenger takes swipe at woeful Arsenal defence (Nov 21, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger launched a scathing attack on his team after a haphazard display against West Brom saw the champions throw away the chance to leapfrog Chelsea at the top of the table. . . . more . . .
I'd back an England walk-out says FIFA boss (Nov 21, 2004)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he would have supported England players if they had walked off in protest at the racist abuse directed at them in last week's game against Spain. . . . more . . .
Homesick Wolfsburg defeated again (Nov 21, 2004)
VfL Wolfsburg missed the chance to reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga, falling to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of SV Hamburg. . . . more . . .
Fiorentina sink Parma in Italian Cup (Nov 20, 2004)
Fiorentina took a step towards the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup after beating Parma 2-0. . . . more . . .
Crespo off the mark as Milan edge Palermo (Nov 20, 2004)
Argentine striker Hernan Crespo scored his first goal for AC Milan as the reigning Serie A champions won 2-1 away to Palermo in their Italian Cup third round, first leg tie. . . . more . . .
Ailing Marseille suffer agony in Ajaccio (Nov 20, 2004)
Marseille's season hit a new low in Corsica when the former European champions were humbled 2-0 by relegation-threatened Ajaccio. . . . more . . .
Rangers win heated Old Firm match to blow title race wide open (Nov 20, 2004)
Rangers won 2-0 in a heated Old Firm game at Ibrox to narrow Celtic's lead in the Scottish Premier League to a single point. . . . more . . .
Supersub Ferguson seals Everton victory (Nov 20, 2004)
Substitute Duncan Ferguson headed the only goal of the game as Everton retained third spot in the English Premiership with victory over Fulham at Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Misfiring Gunners held by West Brom (Nov 20, 2004)
Arsenals stuttering form in the English Premiership continued as they were held 1-1 by a dogged and richly deserving West Bromwich Albion at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Spain's Aragones to face disciplinary process: media (Nov 20, 2004)
Spain football coach Luis Aragones faces a disciplinary hearing as the row into racism within Spanish football rumbles on. . . . more . . .
'Sacked' Schaefer vows to continue as Cameroon coach (Nov 20, 2004)
German manager Winfried Schaefer refuses to accept that he has lost his job as Cameroon coach claiming he will continue with his day-to-day duties until the Cameroon Football Federation inform him he has been sacked. . . . more . . .
Dein urges sanctions against Spain (Nov 20, 2004)
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein believes world soccer governing body FIFA should force Spain to play their next international behind closed doors as punishment for the racist abuse by their fans towards England players. . . . more . . .
Bayern play down financial loss with Dortmund dig (Nov 20, 2004)
Bayern Munich reported a rare loss of 3.4 million euros (4.4 million dollars) for the 2003/04 season but the German titans refused to press the panic button preferring to have a dig at their cash-strapped rivals Borussia Dortmund. . . . more . . .
Barca humiliate lacklustre Real (Nov 20, 2004)
Barcelona humiliated their eternal rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp, a 3-0 stroll giving them a seven-point lead at the top of the Spanish table. . . . more . . .
United blast past sorry Addicks (Nov 20, 2004)
Goals from Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes either side of the interval earned Manchester United a 2-0 home victory over Charlton that inched them closer to the English Premiership leaders. . . . more . . .
Man City punish Portsmouth (Nov 20, 2004)
Manchester City hit two late goals to stun Portsmouth with a 3-1 victory at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Leaders Chelsea held by Bolton (Nov 20, 2004)
Tunisian international Radhi Jaidi struck a late equaliser for Bolton to end Chelsea's hopes of extending their lead at the top of the English Premiership after a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth close in on new stadium (Nov 20, 2004)
English Premiership side Portsmouth have signed a planning consent agreement which could mean work beginning on their new stadium by mid-December, chief executive Peter Storrie said. . . . more . . .
O'Neill hails untouchable Ferguson (Nov 20, 2004)
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill hailed the legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson, who will celebrate his 1,000th match in charge of Manchester United in the Champions League against Lyon next week. . . . more . . .
Wright-Phillips inspires Man City win (Nov 20, 2004)
Shaun Wright-Phillips put the racial abuse he suffered on England duty in Madrid behind him as he drove Manchester City to a 3-1 victory at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Ferguson insists he's still up for a battle (Nov 20, 2004)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted that he has no plans to call time on his management career. . . . more . . .
Bayern end 18-month absence from Bundesliga summit (Nov 20, 2004)
Bayern Munich reached the Bundesliga summit for the first time in 18 months following a convincing 3-1 win over Kaiserslautern at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Italian cup an unwelcome distraction for Serie A's finest (Nov 20, 2004)
The Italian cup resumes, a competition regarded with disdain by Serie A's top clubs whose fixture lists are already hectic enough. . . . more . . .
Eriksson sees lesson in Rooney wobbly (Nov 19, 2004)
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson believes Wayne Rooney learnt a valuable lesson when he was hauled off in Wednesday's friendly international in Spain after a stormy first half. . . . more . . .
Rangers boost as red card U-turn clears Novo for Old Firm (Nov 19, 2004)
Nacho Novo has been cleared to play for Rangers in their showdown with bitter rivals Celtic on Saturday after the red card he received last weekend against Hibs was rescinded. . . . more . . .
Politically ambitious Romanian coach quits (Nov 19, 2004)
Anghel Iordanescu, a candidate in this month's national elections, has quit as Romania coach after his side's 1-1 draw against Armenia proved one bad result too far. . . . more . . .
Sochaux consolidate fourth spot in French league (Nov 19, 2004)
Sochaux's 3-1 away victory at Monaco consolidated fourth spot in the French league for the victors to keep them well on course for European competition next season. . . . more . . .
Jobless Haan takes swipe at Chinese league (Nov 19, 2004)
Former China coach Arie Haan believes that he has laid solid foundations for Chinese football to build on, but lashed out at the way the domestic league is run. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer divorces wife (Nov 19, 2004)
German footballing great Frank Beckenbauer has been granted a divorce from his wife Sybille and is expected to marry his lover and the mother of his two children, the top-selling Bild newspaper reported. . . . more . . .
Smith steps closer to Scotland manager's job (Nov 19, 2004)
Scottish Football Association (SFA) officials confirmed they interviewed Walter Smith for the vacant national managerial job. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand ready to walk over Spanish racist abuse (Nov 19, 2004)
England defender Rio Ferdinand says he was ready to walk off the field after Spanish fans hurled abuse at England's black players in Wednesday's friendly in Madrid. . . . more . . .
FA receives official apology after racist abuse (Nov 19, 2004)
The racist abuse targeting England's black players has brought about an official apology from the Spanish football federation, its English counterpart -- the Football Association (FA) -- revealed. . . . more . . .
Art of Bergkamp the elder on display for one more year (Nov 19, 2004)
Arjen Robben may be on the verge of claiming his crown as London's favourite Dutch Master but the threat of being usurped by a younger rival will not prevent Dennis Bergkamp from hanging around Highbury for another season. . . . more . . .
Touchline drama as depleted PSG hold Lyon to scoreless draw (Nov 19, 2004)
Paris St Germain held their nerve to temporarily halt Lyon's charge at the head of the French first division in a dramatic scoreless draw. . . . more . . .
Aggression part of the Rooney package, says Becks (Nov 18, 2004)
England skipper David Beckham sprang to the defence of tempestuous teen striker Wayne Rooney, who came within an ace of a red card during Wednesday's 1-0 friendly defeat to Spain in which he was substituted before the break. . . . more . . .
Spain see off pale England (Nov 18, 2004)
Spain could afford the luxury of a missed penalty as they made England look distinctly ordinary in a 1-0 international friendly settled by an early Asier del Horno goal at the Bernabeu stadium. . . . more . . .
Don't blame Haan, CFA says as it confirms he is out (Nov 18, 2004)
China coach Arie Haan's contract will be terminated, soccer officials said, but insisted he should not shoulder full responsibility for the team's disastrous elimination from World Cup qualifying. . . . more . . .
FA deny deal agreed for France to usher in new Wembley era (Nov 18, 2004)
The Football Association(FA) denied a claim by the French Football Federation (FFF) that England will face France in the first match at the new Wembley Stadium in March 2006. . . . more . . .
Pires fined over sponsor blunder (Nov 18, 2004)
France international Robert Pires has escaped with a fine after appearing in a television interview wearing his personal sponsor's clothing instead of the French federation's official clothing. . . . more . . .
Racism rears its ugly head as Eriksson calls for protest (Nov 18, 2004)
Although Spanish coach Luis Aragones, nicknamed the wise man of Hortaleza, was unwilling to discuss the issue of racism after the not-so-friendly win over England, his recent racist slip of the tongue concerning Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry has returned to haunt him. . . . more . . .
British minister calls for FIFA probe of Madrid racist abuse (Nov 18, 2004)
British Sports minister Richard Caborn will be writing to his Spanish counterpart to express his outrage at the racist abuse suffered by England's black players in last night's friendly international in Madrid. . . . more . . .
Domenech deplores Stade de France pitch (Nov 18, 2004)
France coach Raymond Domenech has slated as a scandal the state of the Stade de France pitch for the friendly against Poland. . . . more . . .
Another Czech club sanctioned for dodgy dealings (Nov 18, 2004)
Czech first division strugglers FC Opava will be docked six points and fined 500,000 koruna (16,030 euros, 20,800 dollars) after being found guilty of corruption, the Czech Football Association's disciplinary commission said. . . . more . . .
AEK saved from bankruptcy as debt wiped out (Nov 18, 2004)
Greek football giants AEK Athens have been saved from bankruptcy and possible relegation after a court decision to wipe out an overwhelming part of their 140 million euro (181 million dollar) debt. . . . more . . .
British government, FIFA express horror over Spanish racism row (Nov 18, 2004)
The racist chanting by Spanish fans at Wednesday's friendly between Spain and England brought a furious reaction from all sectors both political and football. . . . more . . .
England-Spain match sparks racism row, government protests (Nov 18, 2004)
Racist chanting aimed at black England players at a football friendly international in Spain sparked an angry reaction at the highest levels of both governments and calls for an inquiry by the game's governing bodies. . . . more . . .
Nantes on Malian striker's trail (Nov 18, 2004)
Malian international striker Mamadou Diallo is a winter transfer target for French first division side Nantes, according to the west coast club. . . . more . . .
Baros injury blights Liverpool (Nov 18, 2004)
Liverpool striker Milan Baros is set to spend at least three weeks on the sidelines after he sustained a hamstring injury while playing for the Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier. . . . more . . .
Bergkamp ponders extending Arsenal stay (Nov 18, 2004)
Arsenal's Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp admitted that he is considering playing on for another season with the English Premiership champions instead of retiring. . . . more . . .
Still hope for Scotland after defeat says Burns (Nov 18, 2004)
Scotland suffered a humiliating 4-1 hammering at home to Sweden but caretaker manager Tommy Burns still saw hope for the future. . . . more . . .
British Minister condemns racist abuse of England players (Nov 18, 2004)
Britain's sports minister Richard Caborn has called on soccer chiefs to launch an inquiry into the racist abuse suffered by England's black players during the 1-0 defeat by Spain. . . . more . . .
Scots burned by Swedes (Nov 17, 2004)
Scotland crashed to a humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to Sweden in their first match since Berti Vogts resigned and hardly helped caretaker manager Tommy Burns case to be given the job fulltime. . . . more . . .
Japan make it six out of six with Singapore World Cup win (Nov 17, 2004)
Asian champions Japan struggled past Singapore 1-0 to finish the first phase of Asian qualifiying for the 2006 World Cup with a 100 percent record. . . . more . . .
Mutu forces Chelsea on to back foot with appeal (Nov 17, 2004)
Disgraced Romanian international striker Adrian Mutu lodged an appeal against his sacking by Premiership leaders Chelsea for taking cocaine. . . . more . . .
South Korea down Maldives to reach next round of Asian World Cup qualifiers (Nov 17, 2004)
South Korea struggled into the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup with an unconvincing 2-0 victory over the Maldives. . . . more . . .
World Cup misery for China despite thrashing Hong Kong 7-0 (Nov 17, 2004)
China's stuttering World Cup campaign came to a dramatic end despite a 7-0 thrashing of Hong Kong. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer throws hat into ring for UEFA presidency (Nov 17, 2004)
West Germany's 1974 World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer has refused to rule himself out of the running to succeed Lennart Johansson as UEFA president in 2006. . . . more . . .
Berger named as Rostock coach (Nov 17, 2004)
Bundesliga basement boys Hansa Rostock have confirmed Joerg Berger as their new manager with the 60-year-old signing a contract until June 2006. . . . more . . .
Wiltord eyes PSG return (Nov 17, 2004)
Lyon's France striker Sylvain Wiltord is hoping to make his comeback after a three week spell on the sidelines against Paris Saint Germain on Friday. . . . more . . .
Greece stay alive while Turkey are roasted by Ukraine (Nov 17, 2004)
European champions Greece stepped up to the plate for coach Otto Rehhagel as they grabbed the win they needed to stay alive in the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign running out 3-1 winners over minnows Kazakhstan in their Group Two clash. . . . more . . .
Finland frozen out by maestro Miccoli (Nov 17, 2004)
Fabrizio Miccoli's superbly-struck free-kick gave an experimental Italy team a 1-0 win over Finland in a competitive international friendly here in Sicily on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Spain versus England becomes Real battle (Nov 17, 2004)
Staging the Spain v England friendly match at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium couldn't have been more appropriate as both teams expect to field players from the Real ranks. . . . more . . .
English FA lodges protest over abuse of black players in Spain (Nov 17, 2004)
The Football Association has written to UEFA and FIFA to complain about racist abuse suffered by England's black players in an under-21 international against Spain in Madrid on Tuesday night. . . . more . . .
Youthful France, minus Pires and Barthez, face the Poles (Nov 17, 2004)
A youthful France side, without veteran midfielder Robert Pires and keeper Fabien Barthez, will meet Poland in an international friendly at the Stade de France. . . . more . . .
German youngsters look to tame Indomitable Lions (Nov 17, 2004)
Jurgen Klinsmann hopes his German team can belie their lack of experience and take the scalp of Cameroon in a friendly match. . . . more . . .
Schwarzer clanger hands Norway a share of the spoils (Nov 17, 2004)
Australia manager Frank Farina pointed the finger of blame at his defence after conceding a soft equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Norway at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Spain see off pale England (Nov 17, 2004)
Spain could afford the luxury of a missed penalty as they made England look distinctly ordinary in a 1-0 international friendly settled by an early Asier del Horno goal at the Bernabeu stadium. . . . more . . .
Anelka tells City to keep eye on the ball (Nov 17, 2004)
Nicolas Anelka has told his Manchester City team-mates to start concentrating against basement teams. . . . more . . .
Montella returns as experimental Italy take on Finns (Nov 17, 2004)
Six new faces and a former favourite will get the chance to impress as Marcello Lippi's experimental Italy team host Finland in an international friendly in Sicily. . . . more . . .
Kewell coming good 'big time' says Farina (Nov 17, 2004)
Harry Kewell is coming good "big time" based on his form for Australia in their 2-2 draw with Norway, Socceroos coach Frank Farina said. . . . more . . .
Dudek's heroics prolong Domenech's home agony (Nov 17, 2004)
A stunning goalkeeping performance by Poland's Jerzy Dudek saw his side to a 0-0 draw with France leaving the hosts coach Raymond Domenech still without a win at home in four matches. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann tastes first home win against hapless Cameroon (Nov 17, 2004)
Jurgen Klinsmann enjoyed his first home win as German manager with his team defeating ten-man Cameroon 3-0 in a friendly match. . . . more . . .
Scotland prepare for life after Vogts (Nov 17, 2004)
Scotland will begin life after Berti Vogts with a friendly against Sweden at Easter Road with former Celtic manager Tommy Burns in the hot seat. . . . more . . .
King Otto's European champions face moment of truth (Nov 17, 2004)
Four months ago Otto Rehhagel was hailed a national hero as Greece were crowned unlikely European champions but they face what their coach terms a must win match against Kazakhstan in their quest to stay in the race to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Panathinaikos told to find another ground for Champions League (Nov 16, 2004)
Greek giants Panathinaikos were told by European football's governing body UEFA to play their home matches at another stadium should they reach the next round of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Duff wizardry sets up Irish victory (Nov 16, 2004)
There was no sign that Arjen Robben's sparkling form at Chelsea has done anything to undermine Damien Duff's confidence after a characteristic piece of wizardry gave Ireland a 1-0 win over Croatia at Lansdowne Road. . . . more . . .
France coach Domenech asks players to cool the criticism (Nov 16, 2004)
Criticized France coach Raymond Domenech said French squad players should not publicly say what they like when they are specifically talking about the national team. . . . more . . .
Eriksson looks to playing striking trio against Spain (Nov 16, 2004)
The attacking trio of Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe is an option for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson in their friendly international against Spain on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Everton give Moyes January sales money (Nov 16, 2004)
Everton manager David Moyes has been told he could have 10 million pounds to spend on new players in the January transfer window despite the English premiership club revealing record losses in the last financial year. . . . more . . .
Anglophile Salgado looking forward to spicy English encounter (Nov 16, 2004)
Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado professes to be a diehard Anglophile but he told the media he will throw that aside on Wednesday when he helps Spain take the English on in a friendly here. . . . more . . .
Malouda set to earn first cap for France (Nov 16, 2004)
Midfielder Florent Malouda is set to earn his first cap for France after being named in the starting line-up for their friendly international against Poland at the Stade de France on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Good looks won us the Euro 2004 title claims King Otto (Nov 16, 2004)
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel revealed one of the secrets of the success of his European champions claiming it was because they were handsome and had beautiful wives and girlfriends. . . . more . . .
Lyon left unimpressed by Elber's explanation over operation (Nov 16, 2004)
French champions Lyon were left unimpressed after hearing the explanation of former Brazilian international striker Giovane Elber over his decision to undergo an unauthorised second operation on a leg injury. . . . more . . .
Schwarzer clanger hands Norway a share of the spoils (Nov 16, 2004)
A woeful error from Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer cost Australia victory in a 2-2 draw with Norway at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Gerrard back for Liverpool (Nov 16, 2004)
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has made his long-awaited comeback for the club's reserve team and could play in Saturday's Premiership match at Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Duff wizardry inspires Irish to victory over Croats (Nov 16, 2004)
"A great end to a good year," is how Damien Duff described the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Croatia at Lansdowne Road. . . . more . . .
New boots for Beckham's home from home England appearance (Nov 16, 2004)
England skipper David Beckham will unveil his new PredatorPulse boots in Wednesday's home from home friendly between England and Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of his club Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Diouf in spitting probe (Nov 16, 2004)
Police are investigating a complaint that Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf spat at an 11-year-old Middlesbrough fan during the 1-1 draw at the Riverside earlier this month. . . . more . . .
Infuriated van Marwijk rounds on Dortmund stars (Nov 15, 2004)
Borussia Dortmund manager Bert van Marwijk has been full of quips this season but on Saturday there was no room for jokes as he turned on his underperforming stars after Dortmund's 1-0 defeat by Kaiserslautern. . . . more . . .
Aussie football icon given samba farewell (Nov 15, 2004)
Former Australian captain and respected football commentator Johnny Warren was given a colourful samba-style farewell at his unprecedented state funeral. . . . more . . .
Spain call up Orbaiz and Juanito (Nov 15, 2004)
Spain coach Luis Aragones has called up Athletic Bilbao's Orbaiz and Betis Seville's Juanito in place of injured Real Madrid's Ivan Helguera and Barcelona's Carles Puyol. . . . more . . .
Owen wants Charlton's England scoring record (Nov 15, 2004)
The legendary Bobby Charlton played his last international for England 34 years ago but, despite the efforts of many men since then, his record of 49 goals for his country still remains intact. . . . more . . .
Beckham aiming to earn 100 caps for England (Nov 15, 2004)
England captain David Beckham said he hopes to earn 100 appearances for his country and expects to continue his international career beyond the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Shearer slams referee after Manchester United defeat (Nov 15, 2004)
Alan Shearer claimed that referee Mike Dean had fallen foul of Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games after Manchester United edged out troubled Newcastle 3-1 in a thrilling Premiership encounter here at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Injury agony for Reyna (Nov 15, 2004)
Manchester City's Claudio Reyna is facing another injury layoff after again straining a thigh muscle shortly after coming on against Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Santini was leading Spurs down a "dead end street" claims Jol (Nov 15, 2004)
Tottenham were going nowhere under the defence-minded Jacques Santini, the Frenchman's successor Martin Jol claimed. . . . more . . .
Cameron out of Sweden game (Nov 15, 2004)
Wolves midfielder Colin Cameron has been forced out of the Scotland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Sweden after suffering from a recurrence of an old pelvic injury. . . . more . . .
Pires faces sponsor row rap (Nov 15, 2004)
Arsenal winger Robert Pires, dropped by France for the friendly against Poland after complaining that coach Raymond Domenech treated him like a schoolboy, denied he had snubbed the official team sponsor. . . . more . . .
Danish ace Sands extends Schalke stay (Nov 15, 2004)
Former Denmark international striker Ebbe Sand has signed a new one-year contract at Schalke 04. . . . more . . .
Cole out of Spain game (Nov 15, 2004)
England will have to do without midfielder Joe Cole for Wednesday's friendly against Spain as he has been laid low with a stomach upset. . . . more . . .
Bayern's Magath angry at media witch hunt (Nov 15, 2004)
Bayern Munich lie second in the Bundesliga, look poised to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase and are in the last eight of the German Cup, but constant media pessimism reigns supreme. . . . more . . .
Barca finally beaten, but unbowed (Nov 15, 2004)
Barcelona may have lost in the league for the first time this season when they went down 2-1 at Real Betis on Sunday, which ended their 10-game unbeaten streak, but the Spanish leaders remain unbowed. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti applauds formidable Shevchenko (Nov 15, 2004)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes there is much more to Andriy Shevchenko than just finding the net after the Ukrainian striker scored his 100th Serie A goal. . . . more . . .
Beckham scotches rumours of early retirement (Nov 15, 2004)
England captain David Beckham scotched rumours that he intends the 2006 World Cup to be his swansong in an England shirt, at a press conference. . . . more . . .
Farina defends choice of ageing defender (Nov 15, 2004)
Australian coach Frank Farina defended his selection of veteran defender Tony Vidmar for Tuesday's football international against Norway, saying he will be there for the Socceroos' entire 2006 World Cup campaign. . . . more . . .
Redknapp to remain manager say Pompey (Nov 15, 2004)
Portsmouth have said Harry Redknapp will remain the club's manager although Velimir Zajec has been brought in as executive director. . . . more . . .
Eskandarian's two goals lift D.C. United to MLS crown (Nov 15, 2004)
American Alex Eskandarian scored two goals and D.C. . . . more . . .
Beckham thinks he'll quit England after 2006 (Nov 14, 2004)
England captain David Beckham told a newspaper he expects to quit international football after the next World Cup tournament. . . . more . . .
Del Piero inspires Juve, Shevchenko joins 100 club (Nov 14, 2004)
Alessandro Del Piero scored the winning goal as Juventus scraped a 1-0 win away to Lecce to maintain their six point lead at the top of Serie A. . . . more . . .
Peruvian Guerrero the hero as Bayern go second (Nov 14, 2004)
Rising Peruvian star Paulo Guerrero proved Bayern Munich's knight in shining armour scoring twice in five minutes to help the German powerhouse to a 3-1 win at VfL Bochum. . . . more . . .
Prso makes Hibs pay the penalty (Nov 14, 2004)
Dado Prso's second-half penalty was enough to give Rangers a 1-0 win away to Hibernian in a tense encounter at Easter Road here that ended with both sides reduced to 10-men. . . . more . . .
Rooney double sinks Newcastle (Nov 14, 2004)
England striker Wayne Rooney struck twice as Manchester United won 3-1 away to Newcastle at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Lille's title push checked by Monaco (Nov 14, 2004)
Lyon put distance between themselves and the chasing pack after closest rivals Lille were held to a 1-1 draw by Monaco. . . . more . . .
Giggs' United future yet to be finalised (Nov 14, 2004)
The future career of Ryan Giggs at Manchester United is yet to be finalised after the Welsh winger turned down a one-year contract at the Red Devils, the British press reported. . . . more . . .
Barca unbeaten runs ends while Beckham returns for Real (Nov 14, 2004)
Barcelona saw their lead at the top of the Spanish first division reduced to four points from Real Madrid as the Catalans lost their unbeaten record by going down 2-1 at Real Betis. . . . more . . .
Santini was leading Spurs down a "dead end street" claims Jol (Nov 14, 2004)
Tottenham were going nowhere under the defence-minded Jacques Santini, the Frenchman's successor Martin Jol claimed. . . . more . . .
Beckham's back as Real thrash Albacete (Nov 14, 2004)
Real Madrid's David Beckham played his first game in six weeks, after recovering from his two broken ribs, as the Spanish giants romped to a 6-1 win over struggling Albacete. . . . more . . .
Goleo VI the lion confirmed as 2006 World Cup mascot (Nov 13, 2004)
The official mascot for the 2006 World Cup in Germany will be a lion called 'Goleo VI' it was revealed here. . . . more . . .
Phillips winner gives Wigley a stay of execution (Nov 13, 2004)
Southampton manager Steve Wigley breathed a sigh of relief after earning his first league victory at the 11th attempt in the 2-1 defeat of rivals Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Arsenal edge past Spurs in nine-goal derby thriller (Nov 13, 2004)
Tottenham Hotspur's new manager Martin Jol was denied a first Premiership victory in charge as Arsenal held on to win a thrilling north London derby 5-4 at White Hart Lane here. . . . more . . .
Mourinho flies the flag for English players (Nov 13, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that recruiting and keeping English-born players is vital to the club's chances of long-term success. . . . more . . .
Lyon's march towards fourth title continues (Nov 13, 2004)
Lyon's march towards a fourth consecutive French league title continued unchecked with a 2-0 home win over Nantes. . . . more . . .
Wolves lead Bundesliga pack, unlucky seven for Schalke (Nov 13, 2004)
Surprise package VfL Wolfsburg remained on top of the Bundesliga following a comfortable 3-0 home win over VfB Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Johansson brace condemns winless Norwich to foot of the table (Nov 13, 2004)
Nigel Worthington is still waiting for his first Premiership victory after his Norwich side were thrashed 4-0 at Charlton. . . . more . . .
Izzet's rush of blood keeps Everton hot on leaders' heels (Nov 13, 2004)
A moment of madness from Muzzy Izzet handed Everton a 1-0 victory and the three points against Birmingham City at St. . . . more . . .
Baros hat-trick seals sudden death victory for Liverpool (Nov 13, 2004)
A sensational hat-trick from Czech international striker Milan Baros was enough to give his team a 3-2 victory and three badly-needed points against Crystal Palace at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Robben strike catapults Chelsea back to Premiership summit (Nov 13, 2004)
Chelsea quickly reclaimed top spot in the Premiership as three goals in 21 second half minutes ensured a 4-1 win in the highly-charged west London derby with Fulham at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Lokomotiv win Russian league title (Nov 13, 2004)
Lokomotiv Moscow clinched their second Russian Premier League title with a well-deserved 2-0 away win at Yaroslavl on the final day of the championship. . . . more . . .
Ranieri's sorry Valencia make it ten without a win (Nov 13, 2004)
Valencia's bid to retain the Spanish league title took another knock when a goalless draw against Real Zaragoza left Claudio Ranieri's side in a sorry state of affairs with no wins from their last ten games. . . . more . . .
Celtic win 3-0 at home to Caley (Nov 13, 2004)
A John Hartson brace on top of Chris Sutton's early strike gave Celtic a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Buoyant PSG look to revive title challenge (Nov 12, 2004)
Paris Saint Germain will be bidding to build on the momentum of their double whammy over arch-rivals Marseille by getting their French title ambitions back on track against Bordeaux on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Moyes sets European goal for Everton (Nov 12, 2004)
Everton manager David Moyes has signed a new contract that will keep him at the English premiership club until 2009. . . . more . . .
I'll be sacked if China suffer World Cup exit says worried Haan (Nov 12, 2004)
Beleaguered China coach Arie Haan said he will be sacked if his team are dumped out of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup when they take on Hong Kong next week. . . . more . . .
Gunners out to add to Spurs turmoil (Nov 12, 2004)
The last time Arsenal made the short trip to north London rivals Tottenham they came back with the Premiership trophy. . . . more . . .
Fulham lose legal fight with Tigana (Nov 12, 2004)
English Premiership side Fulham lost their High Court legal dispute with former manager Jean Tigana. . . . more . . .
No warm handshakes as whistle-blower Zeman faces Juve (Nov 12, 2004)
There will be no love lost at the Via Del Mare stadium on Sunday when dark horses Lecce entertain Serie A leaders Juventus. . . . more . . .
Leverkusen look to jolt sleepy Bremen (Nov 12, 2004)
German champions Werder Bremen will have to dig deep into their reserves on Saturday when they entertain title pretenders Bayer Leverkusen in what is their eighth game in a 25 frantic days. . . . more . . .
Fulham's Volz gets Germany call-up for Cameroon friendly (Nov 12, 2004)
Fulham defender Moritz Volz was handed his first call-up to the Germany squad by manager Jurgen Klinsmann ahead of a friendly here against Cameroon. . . . more . . .
Blackburn sack long-serving Parkes (Nov 12, 2004)
Blackburn have sacked coach Tony Parkes who has been with the Ewood Park club 35 years. . . . more . . .
Beckham back in the frame for Real return (Nov 12, 2004)
David Beckham is expected to return to action for Real Madrid against Albacete on Sunday after a six week absence due to broken ribs. . . . more . . .
Mutu just like many others claims Bosnich (Nov 12, 2004)
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich believes the London club should have stood by disgraced striker Adrian Mutu, who was sacked after he tested positive for cocaine. . . . more . . .
Beckham leaves door open on Premiership return (Nov 12, 2004)
England captain David Beckham has left the door open on a potential future move back to the English Premiership from Spanish giants Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Old Firm face tricky tests ahead of big showdown (Nov 12, 2004)
Celtic and Rangers will be desperate to pick up full points this weekend before the second Scottish Premier League Old Firm match of the season on Saturday week. . . . more . . .
Setback for Glazer bid for United (Nov 12, 2004)
Malcolm Glazer's bid to buy Manchester United suffered a serious setback after the American's bankers JP Morgan dramatically resigned. . . . more . . .
Boardroom shake-up at United as Glazer hits back (Nov 12, 2004)
Three Manchester United directors had their appointments to the Old Trafford board blocked as Malcolm Glazer took his revenge over his thwarted takeover bid. . . . more . . .
Figo unhappy with Real Madrid contract uncertainty (Nov 12, 2004)
Real Madrid's Portuguese star Luis Figo said he would like to know as soon as possible if the Spanish club intends to extend his current contract beyond 2006 as it has with other big-name players. . . . more . . .
Mutu ban extended worldwide by FIFA (Nov 12, 2004)
Football's world ruling body FIFA have extended worldwide a seven-month ban handed out to disgraced former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. . . . more . . .
Adu-lation grows for teen star as United plays for MLS crown (Nov 12, 2004)
Freddy Adu, the 15-year-old forward who has helped spark D.C. . . . more . . .
Lokomotiv win Russian league title (Nov 12, 2004)
Lokomotiv Moscow clinched their second Russian Premier League title with a well-deserved 2-0 away win at Yaroslavl on the final day of the championship. . . . more . . .
Toshack appointed Wales manager (Nov 12, 2004)
John Toshack has been appointed as national team manager of Wales for the second time, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced. . . . more . . .
Troubled Chinese goalie tests positive for banned substances (Nov 12, 2004)
Embattled Liaoning goalie Liu Jiansheng, who is reportedly facing investigation for match-fixing in China's Super League, has tested positive for the use of banned substances. . . . more . . .
Leeds to sell ground as deal collapses (Nov 12, 2004)
Leeds United confirmed that takeover negotiations by the consortium led by Sebastian Sainsbury have collapsed and that their famous Elland Road ground is to be sold under a sale and lease back deal. . . . more . . .
Pires expected to be left out in the cold (Nov 11, 2004)
Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires says he wasn't surprised at being left out of the France side to play Poland in a friendly next week. . . . more . . .
Elber explains unscheduled surgery (Nov 11, 2004)
Brazilian striker Giovane Elber made attempts to placate his club Lyon after undergoing a second operation on his broken leg in Germany without first seeking their permission. . . . more . . .
Honduran midfielder named MLS Most Valuable Player (Nov 11, 2004)
MetroStars midfielder Amado Guevara was named Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player, the seventh player from outside the United States to win the US league's top solo honor. . . . more . . .
Sicilian derby ends in stalemate (Nov 11, 2004)
Messina climbed two places up to fifth in the Italian first division despite being held to a 0-0 draw at home to Sicilian rivals Palermo. . . . more . . .
Aragones springs surprises with Spanish squad (Nov 11, 2004)
Spain coach Luis Aragones sprung a couple of surprises when he named his 18-man squad to face England on November 17 at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium. . . . more . . .
Canaries' high flyer signs new contract (Nov 11, 2004)
Darren Huckerby, top scorer this season for newly promoted Premiership side Norwich, has signed a one year contract extension. . . . more . . .
MLS strikes deal with players' union (Nov 11, 2004)
Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Union announced that they have agreed upon the first collective bargaining agreement in the American football league's history. . . . more . . .
Dalglish fearful for Scotland (Nov 11, 2004)
Scotland great Kenny Dalglish believes it could take 10 years for the country to qualify again for a major tournament. . . . more . . .
Ferguson vows to stand by second-string (Nov 11, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he will continue to put out a reserve side in the League Cup even though the club have now reached the quarter-finals of the competition. . . . more . . .
Pires left out by France coach Domenech (Nov 10, 2004)
Arsenal winger Robert Pires, one of France's golden generation of players over the last decade, has not been picked by coach Raymond Domenech for their November 17, Stade de France clash against Poland. . . . more . . .
Rafa orders Kewell to get fit (Nov 10, 2004)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ordered Harry Kewell to improve his fitness. . . . more . . .
Rooney agent escapes prosecution (Nov 10, 2004)
Wayne Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, has escaped prosecution for lying to a court over his signing of the England and Manchester United teenager star. . . . more . . .
Marseille jinx continues as Mendy makes it eight for PSG (Nov 10, 2004)
Paris Saint Germain maintained their dominance over Marseille with a 3-2 win in the French League Cup achieved with a little help from the hosts' erratic defence. . . . more . . .
Arsenal midfielder Edu breaks toe (Nov 10, 2004)
Arsenal's Brazilian international midfielder Edu broke the toe on his right foot in Tuesday's 3-1 League Cup win over Everton at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Bayern into last eight as Magath has final say (Nov 10, 2004)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath showed no sentiment towards his former club VfB Stuttgart with his new side triumphing 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the German Cup. . . . more . . .
Beckham out of Spain friendly (Nov 10, 2004)
David Beckham has all but ruled himself out of England's friendly international with Spain in Madrid next week. . . . more . . .
Chelsea clean sweep dream stays alive (Nov 10, 2004)
Premiership leaders Chelsea kept their hopes of a domestic treble alive by advancing into the quarter-finals of the English League Cup with a 2-0 extra-time win away to top-flight rivals Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Olivera helps Juve extend lead (Nov 10, 2004)
Juventus extended their lead at the top of Serie A to six points after they scraped a 1-0 home win over Fiorentina and closest rivals AC Milan were held to a goalless draw at Brescia. . . . more . . .
Rooney's car collides with builder's lorry (Nov 10, 2004)
England teenage striker Wayne Rooney was unhurt after his car was involved in a collision with a 23-ton builder's lorry. . . . more . . .
Pennant backs young Gunners to land trophy (Nov 10, 2004)
Jermaine Pennant believes the youthful squad Arsenal have deployed in the League Cup has enough talent to deliver the club's first piece of silverware this season. . . . more . . .
UEFA authorises use of artificial pitches (Nov 10, 2004)
European football's governing body has authorised the use of artificial pitches for its competitions, UEFA's executive committee ruled. . . . more . . .
Ze Roberto and Luis Fabiano out of Brazil squad (Nov 10, 2004)
Bayern Munich midfielder Ze Roberto and Porto striker Luis Fabiano have pulled out of Brazil's 2006 World Cup qualifier agianst Ecuador next week. . . . more . . .
Arsenal midfielder Edu breaks foot (Nov 10, 2004)
Arsenal's Brazilian international midfielder Edu broke his foot in Tuesday's 3-1 League Cup win over Everton at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Capello thanks his lucky stars as Juve stretch lead (Nov 10, 2004)
Juventus coach Fabio Capello said his team were lucky to snatch a 1-0 win over Fiorentina, a victory which saw the Turin club extend their lead at the top of Serie A to six points. . . . more . . .
Bayern to cull squad and allow youth to blossom (Nov 10, 2004)
Bayern Munich will allow four players to leave at the end of the season to hand an opportunity to some of their promising youth team starlets, vice-president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed. . . . more . . .
Rangers end Old Firm jinx (Nov 10, 2004)
Rangers ended a run of seven straight defeats against arch-rivals Celtic with a come-from-behind 2-1 extra-time win at Ibrox in a dramatic Scottish League Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Jol pledges to bring back glory days for Spurs (Nov 09, 2004)
Tottenham's new coach Martin Jol has pledged to try and bring back the glory days of legendary manager Bill Nicholson at the north London club. . . . more . . .
Arsenal chief tells Wenger to speak up (Nov 09, 2004)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has told manager Arsene Wenger he can continue to say what he believes and rejected suggestions he should put a 'gagging order' on the Frenchman. . . . more . . .
Saha holds hand up to United striking slump (Nov 09, 2004)
Manchester United striker Louis Saha admits the club's forwards are responsible for the side's poor form. . . . more . . .
Law issues England warning (Nov 09, 2004)
Manchester United legend Denis Law has warned England they face the same player crisis that has left Scotland struggling to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Liverpool legend Hughes dies (Nov 09, 2004)
Former England and Liverpool captain Emlyn Hughes has died from a brain tumour aged 57. . . . more . . .
Beckham aims to bend it with Zidane (Nov 09, 2004)
David Beckham and Real Madrid team-mates Zinedine Zidane and Raul have signed to play themselves in a Los Angeles-produced movie called "Goal!". . . . more . . .
No change in football age limit for 2008 Beijing Olympics (Nov 09, 2004)
World governing body FIFA has no plans to lower to 19 from 23 the maximum age for the 2008 Beijing Olympic football competition, Japan Football Association (JFA) president Saburo Kawabuchi said. . . . more . . .
Former England captain Robson named as West Brom manager (Nov 09, 2004)
Former England captain Bryan Robson was officially unveiled as the new manager of West Bromwich Albion. . . . more . . .
Ton-up Poborsky gets Czech recall (Nov 09, 2004)
Karel Poborsky, capped 100 times, has won a recall to the Czech Republic side to play Macedonia on November 17 in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match at Skopje. . . . more . . .
Adams resigns as Wycombe manager (Nov 09, 2004)
Former England captain Tony Adams said in a statement he had resigned as manager of Wycombe Wanderers football club for personal reasons. . . . more . . .
Fowler escapes FA charge (Nov 09, 2004)
Manchester City striker Robbie Fowler has escaped disciplinary action by the Football Association (FA) following his gestures towards Manchester United supporters during last Sunday's derby game at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Terry signs new Chelsea deal (Nov 09, 2004)
Chelsea captain John Terry signed a new contract that will keep him at the Premiership high-flyers until 2009. . . . more . . .
Holders Bremen struggle through, Dortmund pay the penalty (Nov 09, 2004)
Holders Werder Bremen needed extra-time to reach the quarter-finals of the German Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over second division Eintracht Trier. . . . more . . .
Spurs leave coach feeling Jol-ly after downing Burnley (Nov 09, 2004)
Spurs new manager Martin Jol got off to a winning start as they beat Championship side Burnley 3-0 in their League Cup fourth round clash. . . . more . . .
Robinho going nowhere for the moment says club president (Nov 09, 2004)
Brazil's latest super star footballer Robinho will not be leaving his club Santos until at least July next year his club president Marcelo Teixeira said. . . . more . . .
I depend on football, not drugs pleads apologetic Mutu (Nov 09, 2004)
Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who has been suspended for seven months by the Football Association following a recent drugs scandal, turned his attention to fans in his native Romania. . . . more . . .
South American World Cup qualifiers set for overhaul: Blatter (Nov 08, 2004)
South American countries must have a different system of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup said FIFA president Sepp Blatter. . . . more . . .
Uncapped Elliott in Republic of Ireland squad (Nov 08, 2004)
Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott has been called up by Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr for their Lansdowne Road friendly against Croatia on Tuesday next week. . . . more . . .
AC Milan striker Inzaghi out for three months after surgery (Nov 08, 2004)
AC Milan and Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi has undergone surgery on his troublesome left ankle and is not expected to return to action for three months, the Serie A club said. . . . more . . .
Lokomotiv clinch the lead, while CSKA share points with Dynamo (Nov 08, 2004)
Lokomotiv Moscow clinched top spot in the Russian league with a 3-1 win over city rivals Torpedo while defending champions CSKA Moscow were held to a goalless draw by Dynamo. . . . more . . .
Ferguson launches tirade at referee following derby draw (Nov 08, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson launched a blistering attack on referee Graham Poll after seeing Alan Smith sent off and his side denied two clear-cut penalties in a dismal 0-0 draw against Manchester City at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Soccer icon Warren to be honoured with state funeral (Nov 08, 2004)
Australian football icon Johnny Warren will be granted a funeral by his home state, the New South Wales government says. . . . more . . .
Knee injury sidelines Benfica striker Nuno Gomes (Nov 08, 2004)
Benfica's international striker Nuno Gomes sprained his left knee during a weekend match but will not need surgery, the club said after the 28-year-old player underwent a medical scan. . . . more . . .
Ballack 'sending-off' sparks referee debate (Nov 08, 2004)
Two controversial incidents in the Bundesliga over the weekend have reopened the debate as to how competent top-flight German referees are in what has been a season for officials to forget. . . . more . . .
Toothless United losing Premiership plot (Nov 08, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has come as close as he probably ever will to admitting he might have got his sums wrong. . . . more . . .
West Brom size up Robson (Nov 08, 2004)
English Premiership strugglers West Bromwich are expected to name former England captain Bryan Robson their new manager to succeed sacked Gary Megson this week. . . . more . . .
Knee problem rules Aloisi out for a month (Nov 08, 2004)
Australian international striker John Aloisi has been ruled out for a month with a knee injury his Spanish First Division side Osasuna announced. . . . more . . .
Aussie coach to base in Europe ahead of World Cup qualifiers (Nov 08, 2004)
National coach Frank Farina will be based in Europe for most of his time overseeing a team Australia hopes will qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Jol named Spurs coach (Nov 08, 2004)
Tottenham have named Dutchman Martin Jol as the team's new coach following the shock departure of former France coach Jacques Santini last week. . . . more . . .
Wenger charged by FA over post-United comments (Nov 08, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following comments he made after the Gunners' defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Off-key Vieira confident of getting back on-song (Nov 08, 2004)
Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira admits he has been playing below par so far this season but vows to regain form to help the club secure a second successive Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Owen finds the net again as Real Madrid go second (Nov 07, 2004)
Real Madrid moved up to second place after goals from Luis Figo and Michael Owen helped the 29-times Spanish champions to a 2-0 win at Malaga. . . . more . . .
High drama in PSG victory over arch-rivals Marseille (Nov 07, 2004)
On and off-pitch drama dominated Paris Saint Germain's 2-1 victory over Marseille with PSG reduced to 10 men, three spectacular goals, and the visitors having their team bus attacked near the Parc des Princes stadium. . . . more . . .
Hoddle turns down West Brom job (Nov 07, 2004)
Bryan Robson has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Gary Megson as manager of West Bromwich after Glenn Hoddle ruled himself out of contention. . . . more . . .
Adriano to the rescue as Inter are held again (Nov 07, 2004)
Adriano headed his eighth goal of the season against his former club to salvage a point for Inter Milan in their 1-1 draw away to Fiorentina. . . . more . . .
Chelsea move clear of faltering Arsenal (Nov 07, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho purred with delight as a solitary second-half goal by Arjen Robben helped the Blues leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the Premiership table. . . . more . . .
Newcastle fall for Fulham sucker punches (Nov 07, 2004)
A superb display of counter punching allowed Fulham to inflict a 4-1 beating on Newcastle in front of their disbelieving home supporters. . . . more . . .
Gers hit Livi for four to close gap on Celtic (Nov 07, 2004)
Rangers warmed up for their midweek showdown with Celtic by knocking four goals past Livingston to cut their arch rivals' lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League back to four points. . . . more . . .
Spurs insist Santini left empty handed (Nov 07, 2004)
Suggestions that Jacques Santini was handed a three million pound pay-off after quitting as Tottenham coach were dismissed out of hand by the club. . . . more . . .
Goal-shy United stumble again (Nov 07, 2004)
Manchester United's hopes of catching up with Premiership pacesetters Chelsea and Arsenal suffered another setback as the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw by local rivals Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Valencia coach Ranieri under fire after latest fiasco (Nov 07, 2004)
The pressure increased on Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri after the reigning Spanish champions went down 1-0 at lowly Getafe. . . . more . . .
Scottish wannabe bravehearts must earn their spurs says Burns (Nov 07, 2004)
Scottish footballers wishing to become internationals must first prove themselves in the 'Future' team said Scotland's caretaker-manager Tommy Burns. . . . more . . .
Montella strikes again as Roma stall AC Milan (Nov 07, 2004)
AC Milan missed out on the chance to reduce Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to two points when Roma held them to a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Six in a row for Schalke, Stuttgart back on track (Nov 07, 2004)
Schalke 04 produced a sterling late comeback to down SV Hamburg 2-1 at the AOL-Arena as they moved level on points with VfL Wolfsburg at the Bundesliga summit. . . . more . . .
Surgeon perplexed by Elber undergoing second operation (Nov 07, 2004)
Brazilian striker Giovane Elber faces tough questions from his club the three-time French champions Lyon after it was revealed he had undergone a second operation on his broken leg. . . . more . . .
Mutu offered Romania coaching job (Nov 07, 2004)
Adrian Mutu, banned this week for seven months for testing positive for cocaine, has been offered a job as Romania's assistant coach. . . . more . . .
Ruud-less United have to be ruthless with neighbours (Nov 07, 2004)
The last time Manchester City won a league derby at Old Trafford, a Denis Law backheel settled the contest and condemned Manchester United to relegation to the old second division. . . . more . . .
Fergie wants fans to blow away City (Nov 06, 2004)
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson believes the Old Trafford crowd will have a major part to play in Sunday's Manchester derby. . . . more . . .
Wounded Bayern bite back to go second (Nov 06, 2004)
Bayern Munich put their painful midweek European defeat to Juventus behind them with a 3-0 triumph over Hannover at the Olympic Stadium - a result that lifts them to second in the table. . . . more . . .
Birmingham end drought to topple Liverpool (Nov 06, 2004)
Darren Anderton finally ended Birmingham City's 470-minute goal drought to earn Steve Bruce's side a crucial victory that brought to an abrupt end Liverpool's unbeaten home record. . . . more . . .
Panathinaikos fans taunted me claims Henry (Nov 06, 2004)
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry says he was the target of racial taunts in this week's Champions League game against Panathinaikos at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Real line up Robinho, but may have to fight off Chelsea (Nov 06, 2004)
Real Madrid are targeting Brazil striker Robson de Souza as their next high profile catch, local media reported. . . . more . . .
Beckham eager to play with hot-shot Owen (Nov 06, 2004)
England captain David Beckham is desperate to take advantage of Michael Owen's sizzling form after the speedy striker scored three goals in his last four matches for Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Contrite Mutu says sorry to Chelsea fans (Nov 06, 2004)
Adrian Mutu issued an apology to fans at his former club Chelsea for testing positive for cocaine last month. . . . more . . .
Santini's departure nothing to do with me insists Arnesen (Nov 06, 2004)
Jacques Santini's shock resignation as Spurs coach had nothing to do with any rumoured falling out with Tottenham's sporting director Frank Arnesen, the Dane insisted. . . . more . . .
Former Socceroo captain Johnny Warren dies (Nov 06, 2004)
Former Australia captain and distinguished television commentator Johnny Warren died after a long battle with illness. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann to blame for Kahn error says Rummenigge (Nov 06, 2004)
German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann is to blame for goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's late error in Bayern Munich's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus, according to Munich vice-president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. . . . more . . .
Real line up Robinho (Nov 06, 2004)
Real Madrid are targeting Brazil striker Robson de Souza as their next high profile catch, local media reported. . . . more . . .
Villa humble sorry Pompey (Nov 06, 2004)
Aston Villa reignited their European ambitions by demolishing a sorry Portsmouth side 3-0 at Villa Park. . . . more . . .
O'Leary sees room for improvement (Nov 06, 2004)
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary said there was still room for improvement despite his side's comprehensive 3-0 drubbing of a sorry Portsmouth side at Villa Park. . . . more . . .
Celtic stretch lead with narrow win over Kilmarnock (Nov 06, 2004)
Celtic went seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 2-1 win at home to Kilmarnock. . . . more . . .
Charlton hold on as Bartlett goes from hero to villain (Nov 06, 2004)
Spurs first match in the post Jacques Santini era ended in defeat as they ended up 3-2 losers to Charlton Athletic for their fourth successive defeat in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Robben strike takes Chelsea top (Nov 06, 2004)
Chelsea moved to the top of the Premiership as a second half goal from Arjen Robben gave them a 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Schopp gives Brescia the edge (Nov 06, 2004)
Austrian midfielder Markus Schopp scored four minutes from time to give Brescia a much-needed 1-0 win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Arsenal stay second after draw (Nov 06, 2004)
Aki Riihilahti scored a 65th-minute equalizer for Crystal Palace to prevent Arsenal from returning to the top of the Premiership after a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. . . . more . . .
League leaders Barcelona extend their unbeaten streak (Nov 06, 2004)
Spanish leaders Barcelona beat Deportivo La Coruna 2-1, to extend their unbeaten streak in the league to 10 games. . . . more . . .
Zamboni comes back to haunt Juventus (Nov 06, 2004)
Juventus suffered their first defeat of the season after losing 2-1 at Reggina. . . . more . . .
Henry, not Van, is the man says Wenger (Nov 06, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added to the ongoing war of words with Manchester United by insisting that the Gunners' Thierry Henry was the best striker in the world and more of an all-round player than Ruud van Nistelrooy. . . . more . . .
Lyon march at the top continues (Nov 06, 2004)
Lyon beat Lens 1-0 to earn a valuable three points away from home to ensure they remain at the top of the French league table this weekend. . . . more . . .
Security fears haunt PSG-Marseille game (Nov 05, 2004)
Over 1,200 police officers will be on duty inside and outside the Parc des Princes stadium when arch-rivals Paris St Germain and Marseille face-off. . . . more . . .
Lippi backs Juve to hold off title rivals (Nov 05, 2004)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has first-hand knowledge of Juventus having won five Serie A titles during his two spells in charge in Turin, and he believes the championship is theirs to lose this season. . . . more . . .
Stam undergoes ankle surgery (Nov 05, 2004)
Dutch international defender Jaap Stam is expected to be back playing in the New Year after undergoing surgery on a problem left ankle, his club AC Milan reported. . . . more . . .
Santini resigns as Tottenham coach (Nov 05, 2004)
Jacques Santini resigned Friday as coach of Tottenham Hotspur, the English Premiership club said in a statement on its official wesbite. . . . more . . .
Keegan fined by FA over referee attack (Nov 05, 2004)
Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan was fined 8,500 pounds (15,700 dollars) by the Football Association following his criticism of referee Steve Dunn after last month's 4-3 defeat away to Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Becks on comeback trail (Nov 05, 2004)
David Beckham is targetting next weekend for his Real Madrid comeback, a move that will put him in line to captain England in their friendly in the Spanish capital on November 17. . . . more . . .
Toshack's Wales credentials questioned (Nov 05, 2004)
John Toshack may be the bookies' favourite to succeed Mark Hughes as Wales manager but his lack of formal coaching qualifications could prove a stumbling block. . . . more . . .
Keane backs United to forget derby Blues (Nov 05, 2004)
Manchester United captain Roy Keane has said memories of defeat in their last derby game will be pushed to one side when they face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Ferguson looking for City present (Nov 05, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said even just a 1-0 win over Manchester City would be the ideal way of marking his 18 years in charge at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Sinclair out for the season (Nov 05, 2004)
Manchester City midfielder Trevor Sinclair was ruled out out for the rest of the season after a scan on a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Henry, not Van, is the man says Wenger (Nov 05, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added to the ongoing war of words with Manchester United by insisting that the Gunners' Thierry Henry was the best striker in the world and more of an all-round player than Ruud van Nistelrooy. . . . more . . .
Chelsea blast Mutu ban (Nov 05, 2004)
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon accused the Football Association (FA) of being "weak on drugs" after the club's former striker Adrian Mutu was banned for seven months for failing a dope test. . . . more . . .
O'Neill clears Scotland path for Burns (Nov 05, 2004)
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said he would not block Tommy Burns from becoming Scotland's next full-time coach. . . . more . . .
Distraught Bayern look for Bundesliga tonic (Nov 05, 2004)
Bayern Munich must put their midweek 1-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus on the back burner as they turn their attention back to the Bundesliga with a home match against Hannover. . . . more . . .
Newcastle double stops Dynamo (Nov 04, 2004)
Newcastle bounced back from last weekend's Premiership defeat to Bolton with a 2-0 UEFA Cup win over Dynamo Tbilisi. . . . more . . .
Huth to snub Newcastle (Nov 04, 2004)
Chelsea defender Robert Huth is set to reject advances from Newcastle United in the January transfer window and stay at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Deportivo depression reigns in Spain (Nov 04, 2004)
Spain was not a happy place to be if you were a Deportivo La Coruna supporter. . . . more . . .
Mutu suspended for seven months (Nov 04, 2004)
Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu was suspended from playing football in England for seven months by the Football Association after failing a drugs test. . . . more . . .
Lyon and Ruud put on four star Champions League performances (Nov 04, 2004)
Both Lyon and Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy struck four times in Group D of the Champions League as the French champions downed Fenerbahce 4-2 while the Dutch star's goals saw United to a 4-1 victory over Sparta Prague. . . . more . . .
Van foursome points way for Rooney and co (Nov 04, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy's foursome against Sparta Prague in the Champions League has left Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson hungry for more. . . . more . . .
Zenden goals earn Middlesbrough victory over Lazio (Nov 04, 2004)
Two goals from Boudewijn Zenden earned Middlesbrough a 2-0 UEFA Cup victory over Italian club Lazio at the Riverside to put them firmly on the European football map. . . . more . . .
Benitez blend gets Liverpool mix right (Nov 04, 2004)
Liverpool, without injured stars Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Djibril Cisse, proved in Spain they are blending into a winning team under Spanish manager Rafa Benitez. . . . more . . .
Ruud response delights Ferguson (Nov 04, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy's reward for the four-goal display that got Manchester United's Champions League campaign back on track was a suggestion from his manager that the Dutchman now deserved to be bracketed alongside Europe's all-time greats. . . . more . . .
Brown signs new United contract (Nov 04, 2004)
Manchester United defender Wes Brown has agreed a new four-year contract with the club that will keep him at the English giants until June 2008. . . . more . . .
Chelsea blast Mutu ban (Nov 04, 2004)
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon accused the Football Association(FA) of being "weak on drugs" after the club's former striker Adrian Mutu was banned for seven months for failing a dope test. . . . more . . .
Burns appointed Scotland caretaker boss (Nov 04, 2004)
Former Celtic manager Tommy Burns was appointed caretaker coach of Scotland following the resignation of Berti Vogts earlier this week. . . . more . . .
Pires faces French rap (Nov 04, 2004)
Arsenal star Robert Pires, who made a scathing attack on new France coach Raymond Domenech last week, has been summoned to a French Football Federation hearing next week. . . . more . . .
Magath perplexed as Bayern rue missed chances (Nov 04, 2004)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath was left scratching his head in disbelief after his team lost their Champions League Group C match 1-0 to Juventus at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo has what it takes to become best player in world: Figo (Nov 04, 2004)
Manchester United's Portuguese teen striker Cristiano Ronaldo has the skills to become the world's best football player but will have to work hard if he wants to earn this title, Real Madrid star Luis Figo said. . . . more . . .
Newcastle, Sevilla look to bounce back with UEFA Cup wins (Nov 04, 2004)
Alan Shearer has urged his Newcastle United team-mates to put their weekend Premiership defeat to Bolton Wanderers behind them and kick-off another lengthy unbeaten run starting with UEFA Cup action. . . . more . . .
Scotland look for World Cup saviour (Nov 04, 2004)
Scotland begin looking for a new manager to replace German coach Berti Vogts and revive hopes of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Glazer makes fresh United offer (Nov 04, 2004)
Manchester United's future appeared to be thrown back into doubt with the Press Association reporting that United States businessman Malcolm Glazer had made a fresh offer to buy the 28.9 percent stake of majority sharholders John Magnier and J P McManus. . . . more . . .
Kahn made the scapegoat for Bayern defeat (Nov 04, 2004)
German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn bore the brunt of the criticism following Bayern Munich's 1-0 Champions League Group C defeat by Juventus. . . . more . . .
Chelsea wingers set to lift Blues (Nov 04, 2004)
Chelsea playmaker Frank Lampard believes wingers Arjen Robben and Damien Duff can help silence the 'Boring Chelsea' moaners. . . . more . . .
Raul, Figo save Real's blushes as Dynamo light up Kiev (Nov 03, 2004)
Spanish giants Real Madrid came back from a two-goal deficit for the second time this season in the Champions League to draw 2-2 with Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev in their Group B clash. . . . more . . .
Wenger unruffled by sluggish Arsenal (Nov 03, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is refusing to panic but admits his side are going through a dip after witnessing their English Premiership and Champions League campaigns stutter. . . . more . . .
England set for Dutch friendly (Nov 03, 2004)
England will play a friendly against the Netherlands at Villa Park on February 9, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. . . . more . . .
Rooney quits as Ireland chief (Nov 03, 2004)
Fran Rooney has quit as chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). . . . more . . .
Newcastle eye Chelsea's Huth (Nov 03, 2004)
Young Chelsea defender Robert Huth is being targetted by Newcastle United for a possible transfer early in the New Year. . . . more . . .
Impotent Bayern look to breach Juventus and net top spot (Nov 03, 2004)
Barring a late collapse Bayern Munich and Juventus should qualify for the Champions League knockout phase, but both of these European giants are determined to secure top spot in Group C when they meet in Wednesday's duel at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Schurrer-ly not, Argentine knocks Monaco hopes (Nov 03, 2004)
A late goal by Argentinian Gabriel Schurrer dealt a severe blow to Monaco's hopes of returning to the Champions League final as Olympiakos defeated the French side 1-0 in their Group A clash. . . . more . . .
Best heading to Pompey (Nov 03, 2004)
Irish footballing legend George Best looks set to join the board of English Premiership side Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Rooney quits as Ireland boss (Nov 03, 2004)
Fran Rooney has quit as chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). . . . more . . .
Liverpool in the driving seat after downing Deportivo (Nov 03, 2004)
Liverpool, four-times winners of the old European Cup, made good progress towards the last 16 of the Champions League after their scrappy 1-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
It's Champions League smiles all round for Roman and his Blues (Nov 03, 2004)
Roman Abramovich's face was wreathed in smiles and he had every reason to as the billionaire owner of Premiership side Chelsea saw them book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow. . . . more . . .
Montella's late strike keeps Roma clinging to a dream (Nov 03, 2004)
Vincenzo Montella scored in second-half injury-time to give Roma a 1-1 draw at home to Germany's Bayer Leverkusen in their behind closed doors Champions League tie at the Olympic stadium. . . . more . . .
Wise and Wilkins commit to Millwall (Nov 03, 2004)
Millwall management duo Dennis Wise and Ray Wilkins signed new contracts which will keep them at the Championship side until the end of next season. . . . more . . .
United strikers will come good vows Smith (Nov 03, 2004)
Manchester United striker Alan Smith has promised an improved performance from the club's expensive but goal-shy forwards when Sparta Prague arrive at Old Trafford for Wednesday's Champions League clash. . . . more . . .
Capello's newboys look to land knockout place, his old boys to stay alive (Nov 03, 2004)
Italian coaching legend Fabio Capello can see his present side Juventus capture a spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League by beating Bayern Munich while one of his former teams AS Roma could see their hopes extinguished. . . . more . . .
Campbell blow for Arsenal (Nov 03, 2004)
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, who has missed the past two games with an Achilles injury, has now been ruled out for a further three weeks. . . . more . . .
Nilmar magic secures Lyon's qualification (Nov 03, 2004)
Brazilian midfielder Nilmar conjured up some late magic to qualify French champions Lyon for the knockout phase of the Champions League after a dramatic 4-2 win over Turkish champions Fenerbahce. . . . more . . .
Ferguson gets Ruud response to plea for goals (Nov 03, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy struck four times as Manchester United got their Champions League campaign back on track with a 4-1 win over Czech champions Sparta Prague. . . . more . . .
Late Del Piero strike sinks Bayern as Juve progress (Nov 03, 2004)
A last minute strike from captain Alessandro Del Piero allowed Italian leaders Juventus to defeat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League Group C tie and qualify for the knockout phase of the competition as group winners Juventus had to sustain a bombardment on their goal from an impressive Bayern outfit but hit the Germans with the killer blow in the dying seconds. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's Benitez battles to defy the odds (Nov 03, 2004)
Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez retruns to his native Spain for the first time since his move to Merseyside for a crucial Champions League encounter with last season's semi-finalists Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Surreal atmosphere pervades Olympic stadium ahead of Euro tie (Nov 03, 2004)
A surreal almost eerie atmosphere pervaded the Olympic stadium ahead of the behind closed doors Champions League tie between Roma and Germany's Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Old flame Robertson back to rekindle Hearts (Nov 03, 2004)
Hearts have appointed John Robertson as their new manager to succeed Craig Levein at the Scottish Premiership club where he became a goalscoring legend during his playing career. . . . more . . .
FC Porto to meet Once Caldas in final Intercontinental Cup (Nov 02, 2004)
European champions FC Porto of Portugal will take on South American counterparts Once Caldas of Colombia in the last Intercontinental Cup next month. . . . more . . .
We are out to win this for Cisse, says Liverpool's Josemi (Nov 02, 2004)
Liverpool will be without their French international striker Djibril Cisse but he will be on the mind of all his team-mates in their Champions League group A match at Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Welsh keen on 'white witch doctor' to weave magic spell (Nov 02, 2004)
Experienced French coach Philippe Troussier is in contention to succeed Mark Hughes as Wales national coach, it was revealed. . . . more . . .
Hoddle set for West Brom job (Nov 02, 2004)
Former England and Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle was set to become the new West Bromwich manager this week. . . . more . . .
Villa charged over Beattie approach (Nov 02, 2004)
Aston Villa have been charged by the Premier League following allegations they made an illegal approach for Southampton forward James Beattie in the close season. . . . more . . .
Misfiring Gunners held again (Nov 02, 2004)
Arsenal's post-'Battle of Old Trafford' hangover continued here at Highbury as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Panathinaikos in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Bremen eye knockout phase with Anderlecht win (Nov 02, 2004)
German champions Werder Bremen can take a giant stride towards their aim of reaching the last sixteen of the Champions League when they entertain Anderlecht. . . . more . . .
Vandals target home of England manager (Nov 02, 2004)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's three-million-pound (4.3-million-euro, 5.5-million-dollar) home has been targeted in a series of vandal attacks. . . . more . . .
Pires summoned to explain Domenech outburst (Nov 02, 2004)
Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires was 'invited' to appear before the head of the French football federation to explain his recent attacks on national coach Raymond Domenech. . . . more . . .
Robben fires Chelsea into last 16 (Nov 02, 2004)
Arjen Robben rewarded Jose Mourinho for his first full start with a slick first half goal to hand Chelsea a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow and a place in the Champions League knock-out stages. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho hands Milan historic defeat (Nov 02, 2004)
Barcelona fans have been waiting since 1959 to see Milan defeated in their own Nou Camp stadium but Ronaldinho made their dreams come true by getting a stunning winner close to the final whistle to give Barca a 2-1 victory over the Italian champions. . . . more . . .
Rush rules himself out of Wales job (Nov 02, 2004)
Ian Rush ruled himself out of becoming the new Wales manager and opted to stay as boss of English League Two side Chester City. . . . more . . .
Cuper appointed Mallorca coach (Nov 02, 2004)
Argentine Hector Cuper signed a three-year deal with struggling Spanish first division side Real Mallorca. . . . more . . .
Top Serie A sides in the red (Nov 02, 2004)
Top Italian clubs AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Juventus and Lazio piled up debts of 320 million euros last season despite pulling in 71 percent of total revenues. . . . more . . .
Letizi heroics deny Porto (Nov 02, 2004)
Titleholders FC Porto's hopes of making the last 16 of the Champions League remained just about alive after they drew 0-0 with French outfit Paris Saint Germain in their Group H clash. . . . more . . .
Klasnic treble helps Bremen near last sixteen (Nov 02, 2004)
Croatian international Ivan Klansic scored a superb hat-trick to fire German champions Werder Bremen to the brink of the Champions League knockout phase in a 5-1 Group G hammering of Anderlecht here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Goodbye to the glory days, says Liverpool's Benitez (Nov 02, 2004)
The record books say that Liverpool are England's most successful club in European competition, with four wins in the old European Cup during the 1970s and 1980s, but their present coach Rafa Benitez is also well aware that their glory days are long gone. . . . more . . .
Mutu hearing set for Thursday (Nov 02, 2004)
Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu will learn what punishment, if any, the Football Association will take against hin when a disciplinary panel meets on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Thatcher out of Manchester derby (Nov 02, 2004)
Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher will miss the Premiership match against Manchester United, according to his manager Kevin Keegan. . . . more . . .
Beasley winner puts PSV on brink of last 16 (Nov 02, 2004)
On the day his country went to the polls American striker DaMarcus Beasley came up with a vote winner himself in the shape of a first half goal against Rosenborg to push PSV Eindhoven one step closer to the Champions League knock out phase. . . . more . . .
Adriano sees red but Inter go through (Nov 02, 2004)
Inter Milan booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a goalless draw at home to Valencia. . . . more . . .
Misfiring Gunners can conquer Europe: Wenger (Nov 02, 2004)
Arsene Wenger has insisted his Arsenal side can shrug off their underachievers tag and win the Champions League this season. . . . more . . .
Celtic prepare for crucial Champions League game (Nov 02, 2004)
Celtic need a miracle when they take on Shakhtar Donetsk at Parkhead as they desperately try to salvage their Champions League dreams. . . . more . . .
The strain starts to tell for Irureta (Nov 02, 2004)
Deportivo La Coruna coach Javier Irureta is rarely a picture of relaxation but he was tense even by his own standards ahead of his team's Champions League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Celtic narrowly beat nine-men Shakhtar Donetsk (Nov 02, 2004)
Celtic grabbed three vital Champions League points with a 1-0 home win against nine-men Shakhtar Donetsk - but they wasted a great opportunity to improve their goals for tally in Group F. . . . more . . .
Arsenal quell Euro jitters as Italians head for second stage (Nov 02, 2004)
Arsenal, top dogs in England but often fall guys in Europe, face Panathinaikos determined to quell supporters' fears that they are losing their taste for the big occasion. . . . more . . .
Letizi heroics deny Porto as Halilhodzic fumes (Nov 02, 2004)
Titleholders FC Porto's hopes of making the last 16 of the Champions League remained just about alive after they drew 0-0 with French outfit Paris Saint Germain in their Group H clash. . . . more . . .
Barcelona need to snare Shevchenko to beat Milan (Nov 02, 2004)
The spectre of AC Milan looms large in Barcelona's recent history and the Catalans are out to exorcise ghosts of matches past when the two giants of European soccer meet in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Espanyol's Tamudo to miss England match (Nov 02, 2004)
Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo will miss Spain's friendly international against England on November 17 due to torn muscles in his right thigh, the Barcelona-based club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Mallorca looking to recuperate under Argentine coach (Nov 02, 2004)
Argentine Hector Cuper signed a three-year deal with struggling Spanish first division side Real Mallorca. . . . more . . .
Kamara out for six weeks (Nov 02, 2004)
Portsmouth striker Diomansy Kamara was ruled out for six weeks after sustaining a knee injury during last weekend's 2-0 win over Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Benitez calls for tackling clampdown (Nov 02, 2004)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has asked English referees to give his players greater protection from what he says are poor tackles. . . . more . . .
City's flood stemmed by Canaries (Nov 02, 2004)
Norwich remained winless in the Premiership after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Viana escapes unhurt after car accident (Nov 02, 2004)
Portuguese international Hugo Viana, who is on a season-long loan to Sporting Lisbon from Newcastle United, escaped unhurt from a car accident on the way to a training session just outside of Lisbon. . . . more . . .
Gunners misfire again (Nov 02, 2004)
Arsenal's post-'Battle of Old Trafford' hangover continued here at Highbury as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Panathinaikos in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Chelsea into last 16 with help from Mourinho's 'magic triangle' (Nov 02, 2004)
Arjen Robben rewarded Jose Mourinho for his first full start with a slick first half goal to hand Chelsea a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow and a place in the Champions League knock-out stages. . . . more . . .
Constant winning has crushed Bayern motivation says Hitzfeld (Nov 02, 2004)
Former Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld claims the German titans have become so accustomed to grinding out victories over the years that they have lost the will to win. . . . more . . .
Mourinho faces Premiership facts (Nov 02, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has for once admitted he might end the season without one of his major targets -- the English Premiership and the UEFA Champions League. . . . more . . .
Ferguson refuses to panic for Sparta clash (Nov 02, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted he would not opt for wholesale changes for Wednesday's Champions League match at home to Czech outfit Sparta Prague. . . . more . . .
Campbell and Edu out of Pananthinaikos game (Nov 01, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ruled out England defender Sol Campbell and Brazil midfielder Edu from Tuesday's Champions League match against Greek giants Panathinaikos. . . . more . . .
Wolves sack Jones (Nov 01, 2004)
Wolverhampton manager Dave Jones has been sacked by the Championship club and his assistant Stuart Gray appointed caretaker boss. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann relishes Argentina test, Japan's Zico faces Brazil reunion (Nov 01, 2004)
German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann played down suggestions that the hosts were favourites to progress from Group A of the 2005 Confederations Cup following the draw. . . . more . . .
Wales could be in a rush to name Hughes successor (Nov 01, 2004)
Chester manager Ian Rush had talks with the English League Two side amidst growing speculation he could be named as the new Wales manager. . . . more . . .
Spat-on Vogts resigns as Scotland manager because of "disgraceful abuse" (Nov 01, 2004)
Scotland manager Berti Vogts has resigned because of "disgraceful abuse" including being spat upon, he said in a Scottish Football Association statement. . . . more . . .
Offence best form of defence says Ancelotti (Nov 01, 2004)
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard believes that his Champions League adversaries AC Milan will try to shut up shop in Tuesday's group F match but Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti could spring a surprise. . . . more . . .
Don't expect beautiful Barca, warns coach Rijkaard (Nov 01, 2004)
Barcelona have played some of the most entertaining football in Europe this season, but the Catalan club's fans were warned that they may have to settle for something less for once on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Vogts resigns as Scotland manager (Nov 01, 2004)
Scotland manager Berti Vogts has resigned, the Scottish Football Association said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea star Zola awarded OBE (Nov 01, 2004)
Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola was made an honorary member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to football. . . . more . . .
City's Flood stemmed by Canaries (Nov 01, 2004)
Norwich remained winless in the Premiership after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Manchester City. . . . more . . .
McLeish reinforces Rangers hot seat (Nov 01, 2004)
Rangers boss Alex McLeish has praised the players who only a few weeks ago looked set to cost him his job. . . . more . . .
Mutu will accept FA ban: lawyer (Nov 01, 2004)
Sacked Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has said he will accept any punishment imposed by the Football Association (FA) for drugs offences but is set to take legal action following reports his lawyers say have exaggerated the extent of his substance abuse. . . . more . . .
Former giants Leeds and Forest slip towards oblivion (Nov 01, 2004)
When the Champions League swings into action again on Wednesday, the fans of Nottingham Forest and Leeds will be dreaming of what might have been. . . . more . . .
Ex-football star Collymore alleges assult by rugby players (Nov 01, 2004)
Former England football striker Stan Collymore has alleged he was racially abused and beaten up by players from the Bath rugby side. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hopes of Arsenal action fading (Nov 01, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's bid to have Arsenal duo Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry punished for what he believes was foul play during last month's 'Battle of Old Trafford' are set to come to nothing because of Football Association rules. . . . more . . .
Rangnick has dark horses Schalke at full gallop (Nov 01, 2004)
Six weeks ago Schalke 04 languished second from bottom of the Bundesliga and their title hopes looked in tatters but the arrival of Ralf Rangnick as manager has brought five wins and the Gelsenkirchen club are now second in the table. . . . more . . .
