Archive soccer news from around the world
Celtic signs Chinese defender Du (Aug 31, 2005)
Scottish football giants Celtic have signed Chinese centre back Du Wei in a transfer deal potentially worth 1.3 million dollars, club officials said. . . . more . . .
Benfica striker Simao snubs Reds (Aug 31, 2005)
Benfica captain and striker Simao Sabrosa has reportedly rejected the chance to join European champions Liverpool ahead of the transfer deadline. . . . more . . .
US coach wants more support for World Cup dream (Aug 31, 2005)
A serious World Cup challenge by the United States will require better backing from football supporters, US coach Bruce Arena said as his squad prepares for a qualifying showdown here against Mexico. . . . more . . .
FA uphold Mido ban (Aug 31, 2005)
Tottenham striker Mido saw his claim for wrongful dismissal rejected by the Football Association, with the governing body now set to make the Egyptian serve a three-game ban. . . . more . . .
Real land Ramos after talks with Sevilla: report (Aug 31, 2005)
Real Madrid appear to have landed hot young defender Sergio Ramos after completing talks with fellow Spanish league side FC Sevilla, according to reports in the Spanish press. . . . more . . .
AEK moves to ban hooligans for life (Aug 31, 2005)
Top Greek side AEK Athens took the unprecedented move of releasing photographs of unruly fans who disrupted their opening league match on Sunday at the ground of city rivals Atromitos. . . . more . . .
Newcastle deny Owen get-out clause (Aug 31, 2005)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd denied they had given record signing Michael Owen a 12-month get-out clause in his four year deal. . . . more . . .
Keeper Poom joins Arsenal on loan (Aug 31, 2005)
Estonia international goalkeeper Mart Poom joined Arsenal from Premiership rivals Sunderland on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day. . . . more . . .
Owen admits Newcastle second-choice (Aug 31, 2005)
Michael Owen admits he signed for Newcastle because he feared a move to Liverpool would break down and condemn him to another season on the Real Madrid subs' bench. . . . more . . .
Spurs sign Jenas (Aug 31, 2005)
Tottenham have announced they had completed the signing of England midfielder Jermaine Jenas from Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Germany snub French star Ismael (Aug 30, 2005)
Bayern Munich's French defender Valerien Ismael has become the latest foreigner to be denied the chance to play for the German national team. . . . more . . .
Liverpool swoop for teenage duo (Aug 30, 2005)
Champions League holders Liverpool may have missed out on re-signing their former striker Michael Owen but they succeeded in a double transfer swoop for Austrian winger Besian Idrizaj and Wales Under-21 striker Ramon Calliste. . . . more . . .
Lippi defends Del Piero call-up (Aug 30, 2005)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has defended his decision to call up Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Belarus. . . . more . . .
FIFA appoints CAF security chief to ensure fan ban at Kenya-Tunisia clash (Aug 30, 2005)
FIFA has appointed the security chief of the African football federation to ensure that its ban on fans at this weekend's World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Tunisia is respected, officials said. . . . more . . .
Cisse wants to stay at Liverpool (Aug 30, 2005)
French international striker Djibril Cisse insisted he wanted to stay at Liverpool and was not aware of a possible loan deal with Monaco. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa sign PSV defender Bouma (Aug 30, 2005)
Aston Villa have signed PSV Eindhoven defender Wilfred Bouma for 3.5 million pounds. . . . more . . .
Owen puts future in Newcastle (Aug 30, 2005)
Real Madrid's England striker Michael Owen has opted to return to the English Premiership with Newcastle United after a return to Liverpool broke down. . . . more . . .
France focusing on Faroes, not crunch Ireland match (Aug 30, 2005)
France coach Raymond Domenech said his side was focused on collecting three points from the 2006 World Cup Group Four qualifier match against the Faroe Islands and not the crucial game four days later against Ireland in Dublin. . . . more . . .
Newcastle agree Owen move (Aug 30, 2005)
Newcastle United have agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid's England striker Michael Owen. . . . more . . .
Real warning on Owen (Aug 30, 2005)
Real Madrid have warned they will not let Michael Owen go on the cheap as the England striker tries to negotiate a return to the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Injured Terry out of World Cup qualifier against Wales (Aug 30, 2005)
Chelsea defender John Terry has been ruled out of England's squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Wales due to a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Shearer works Madrid hot-line to Owen (Aug 29, 2005)
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is spending a fortune on phone calls to Madrid to try to get England striker Michael Owen to join Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Poll gets the vote to replace Collina for Spain/Serbia clash (Aug 29, 2005)
Experienced English referee Graham Poll has been called up to replace retired Italian legend Pierluigi Collina for the 2006 World Cup qualifier between Spain and Serbia Montenegro, it was announced. . . . more . . .
Juve win but fail to shine as Adriano inspires Inter (Aug 29, 2005)
Juventus began the defence of their Serie A title with a scrappy 1-0 home win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Brazilian police quiz Ronaldo over Internet drugs case (Aug 29, 2005)
Brazilian football superstar Ronaldo held talks with local police in connection with a drug trafficking case. . . . more . . .
Juninho-inspired Lyon back on top as Marseille hit rock bottom (Aug 29, 2005)
Gerard Houllier's Lyon were back on top of the French first division after a 2-0 win over Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Keane back for Ireland (Aug 29, 2005)
DUBLIN AFP) - Roy Keane has returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifying showdown against France at Lansdowne Road on September 7. . . . more . . .
Italian referee Collina announces retirement after sponsorship row (Aug 29, 2005)
Pierluigi Collina, widely considered the world's best referee, has announced his retirement following a row with the Italian football federation (FIGC) over sponsorship. . . . more . . .
Camara set to click for Nice (Aug 29, 2005)
Senegalese international striker Souleymane Camara signed for French First Division outfit Nice from 2004 Champions League finalists Monaco. . . . more . . .
Manchester United have title look, says Ferguson (Aug 29, 2005)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his side are ready to challenge for the English Premiership title after watching them beat Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Irish manager couldn't Kerr less about French record (Aug 29, 2005)
Ireland's impressive home record against 1998 World Cup winners France means nothing said Irish manager Brian Kerr just over a week ahead of his side's crucial 2006 World Cup Group Four qualifier with the French. . . . more . . .
South Korean ace Lee set for Tottenham (Aug 29, 2005)
South Korean international defender Lee Young-Pyo will leave PSV Eindhoven and sign for English Premiership side Tottenham, the Dutch club's coach Guus Hiddink said. . . . more . . .
Anderlecht sign Hungarian star (Aug 29, 2005)
Belgian giants Anderlecht strengthened their defence ahead of a tough Champions League campaign by signing Hungary international central defender Roland Juhasz from Hungarian outfit MTK Budapest. . . . more . . .
German referee threatened after penalty call (Aug 29, 2005)
German referee Helmut Fleischer confirmed that he had received threatening phone calls since his awarding Kaiserslautern a penalty which gave them a 3-2 victory over Cologne in the domestic championship on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Cisse close to sealing Monaco loan move (Aug 29, 2005)
French international striker Djibril Cisse could be set to join 2004 Champions League finalists Monaco on loan from Champions League holders Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Mourinho issues title warning (Aug 28, 2005)
Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea's title rivals that his record-breakers will be even better this season. . . . more . . .
McClaren eyes Sven's job (Aug 28, 2005)
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren believes that he has what it takes to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach. . . . more . . .
Hamburg want Tottenham starlet Ziegler (Aug 28, 2005)
SV Hamburg are in talks with English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur over a loan deal for Swiss international defender Reto Ziegler. . . . more . . .
James and Johnson suffer World Cup axe (Aug 28, 2005)
Error-plagued goalkeeper David James and defender Glen Johnson have been axed by Sven-Goran Eriksson from the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland. . . . more . . .
Porto's Valente signs for Everton (Aug 28, 2005)
FC Porto's Portuguese international defender Nuno Valente has signed a two-year deal worth 2.5 million euros (3.1m dollars) with English Premiership side Everton. . . . more . . .
Yorke scores in thrilling opening to Aussie A-League (Aug 28, 2005)
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke scored a cracking header to give his new club Sydney FC a 1-1 home draw with Melbourne Victory in a rousing opening to Australia's revamped A-League football season. . . . more . . .
McCarthy returns from injury (Aug 28, 2005)
Striker Benni McCarthy has started training again with his FC Porto teammates ten days after he injured his right thigh muscle while playing for his native South Africa. . . . more . . .
Gladbach capture Brazilian striker Kahe (Aug 28, 2005)
Borussia Monchengladbach have finalised the signing of Brazilian striker Kahe from homeland club Ponte Preta. . . . more . . .
Adriano's hat-trick gives Inter winning start (Aug 28, 2005)
Brazilian striker Adriano scored a hat-trick as Inter Milan began the new Serie A season with a 3-0 victory at home to Treviso, while their city neighbours AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw at Ascoli. . . . more . . .
Juve win but fail to shine as Adriano inspires Inter (Aug 28, 2005)
Juventus began the defence of their Serie A title with a scrappy 1-0 home win over Chievo. . . . more . . .
Juninho-inspired Lyon back on top as Marseille hit rock bottom (Aug 28, 2005)
Gerard Houllier's Lyon were back on top of the French first division after a 2-0 win over Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Red hot Charlton maintain record start (Aug 28, 2005)
Charlton maintained their record start to the English Premiership season with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid survive Cadiz scare (Aug 28, 2005)
Spanish giants Real Madrid, with out of favour England striker Michael Owen exiled to the stands, stumbled their way to a 2-1 win over new boys Cadiz on Sunday, with captain Raul Gonzalez getting the winner just six minutes from time. . . . more . . .
Croatian keeper Pletikosa returns to Hajduk Split for a year (Aug 28, 2005)
Croatian international goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa signed a one-year contract with national champions Hajduk Split. . . . more . . .
Winless Dortmund rue late equaliser (Aug 28, 2005)
Borussia Dortmund are still searching for their first win of the 2005/06 season following a 1-1 draw at MSV Duisburg. . . . more . . .
Osasuna's Romeo shows no love for Villarreal (Aug 28, 2005)
Bernardo Romeo used his head to score both of Osasuna's goals in the Pamplona-based side's 2-1 win over Champions League contenders Villarreal. . . . more . . .
Nakamura on target as Celtic bounce back in style (Aug 28, 2005)
Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura opened his Celtic account as Gordon Strachan's side bounced back from their Old Firm derby defeat last week with a 4-0 win against Dunfermline at East End Park. . . . more . . .
Everton secure Valente signing (Aug 28, 2005)
Everton have wrapped up the 1.5 million pounds (2.7 million dollars) signing of Portuguese international defender Nuno Valente from Porto. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti fuming after ref gives go-ahead to rain-soaked tie (Aug 28, 2005)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was fuming at referee Massimo De Santis for not abandoning the league game away to newly-promoted Ascoli where incessant rain made conditions hazardous. . . . more . . .
Boumsong horror show gifts Man Utd victory (Aug 28, 2005)
Newcastle defender Jean Alain Boumsong played the villain, presenting goals to Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy, as Manchester United won 2-0 and maintained their perfect Premiership start. . . . more . . .
Wigan penalise sorry Sunderland (Aug 27, 2005)
Wigan celebrated their first ever Premiership win when a penalty awarded in the opening seconds gave them a 1-0 win over fellow topflight newcomers Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Beleaguered Kenya football boss sacked (Aug 27, 2005)
Kenya's football crisis deepened when the national football federation sacked its president Alfred Sambu in direct defiance of a FIFA directive. . . . more . . .
Quick-fire double sends City second (Aug 27, 2005)
Stuart Pearce proved he has the midas touch as Manchester City came from behind to beat Portsmouth 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium and go second in the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Duo face anxious wait over Sven's squad (Aug 27, 2005)
David James and Alan Smith will be sweating over their places in Sven Goran Eriksson's latest England squad for the World Cup qualifying double header against Wales and Northern Ireland. . . . more . . .
Flawless Bayern open up lead at top (Aug 27, 2005)
Bayern Munich opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga after crushing Hertha Berlin 3-0. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart lose Brazilian Cacau for six weeks (Aug 27, 2005)
Nothing appears to be going right for VfB Stuttgart manager Giovanni Trapattoni with Brazilian striker Cacau now ruled out of action for six weeks. . . . more . . .
Tiago ties up Lyon move as Juninho extends stay (Aug 27, 2005)
Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes signed a four-year deal with Lyon as Brazilian midfielder Juninho Pernambucano penned a new three-year deal with the French champions. . . . more . . .
Taylor backs under fire Souness (Aug 27, 2005)
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has sprung to the defence of his beleaguered manager Graeme Souness on the eve of the Toon Army's crunch English Premiership clash against high-flyers Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Heskey double sinks Baggies (Aug 27, 2005)
Steve Bruce admitted he was relieved to get over the worst few days of his career at Birmingham following his side's 3-2 win over West Bromwich at the Hawthorns. . . . more . . .
Bolton snatch points from Hammers (Aug 27, 2005)
Plucky Bolton made it six points out of six this week after second-half goals from Kevin Nolan and Ivan Campo secured a fortunate 2-1 victory over West Ham at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Baros sinks Blackburn on home debut (Aug 27, 2005)
Milan Baros made the perfect start at Aston Villa as he scored the only goal that saw the Midlands side take all the points at home to Blackburn Rovers. . . . more . . .
McBride earns Fulham first win (Aug 27, 2005)
Former Everton striker Brian McBride scored his second goal of the season as Fulham registered their first win to compound a week of misery for the Merseysiders who slumped 1-0 at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Rangers floored by supersub Sproule's hat-trick (Aug 27, 2005)
Supersub Ivan Sproule busted Hibernian's 10-year Ibrox hoodoo with a stunning late hat-trick to floor his boyhood heroes Rangers. . . . more . . .
Bolton make profligate Hammers pay (Aug 27, 2005)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce revealed his half-time tirade had held the key to his team's 2-1 win at West Ham. . . . more . . .
Late goals make Marseille and PSG suffer (Aug 27, 2005)
Marseille missed out on a first French league victory after a late equaliser from Ajaccio while leaders Paris Saint Germain slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Nice to suffer their loss of the season. . . . more . . .
New boys shine for Fiorentina on opening day (Aug 27, 2005)
Two of Fiorentina's summer signings were on target as the big-spending Florence club began the new Serie A season with a 2-1 home win over Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Palladino scores on Serie A debut to give Livorno victory (Aug 27, 2005)
Raffaele Palladino scored on his Serie A debut to give Livorno a 2-1 home victory over Lecce in the first match of the new season. . . . more . . .
Mido sending off hands Chelsea easy victory (Aug 27, 2005)
Champions Chelsea maintained their grip on the Premiership with a commanding 2-0 victory over 10-man Tottenham at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Cisse pledges future to Anfield (Aug 27, 2005)
Djibril Cisse has pledged his future to Liverpool after coming off the subs bench to lead the Merseysiders to a 3-1 Super Cup win in extra time over CSKA Monaco. . . . more . . .
Dream Fiorentina debut for Toni (Aug 27, 2005)
Lanky striker Luca Toni enjoyed a dream debut for Fiorentina, scoring the winner and setting up the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Sampdoria on the first day of the new Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hails rock steady Van Der Sar (Aug 27, 2005)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the calming influence of veteran new boy Edwin van der Sar on the Premiership side. . . . more . . .
Ajaccio deny Marseille first taste of success (Aug 27, 2005)
Marseille were denied their first league win as Rolland Courbis's Ajaccio scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot at the Velodrome which saw the match end 1-1. . . . more . . .
Nou Camp reject keeps Barcelona at bay (Aug 27, 2005)
Reigning Spanish champions Barcelona got off to an unimpressive start to the new season when they were held to a 0-0 draw by newly-promoted Alaves. . . . more . . .
Football referee arrested for alleged match-fixing, first in Vietnam (Aug 26, 2005)
A professional-level Vietnamese referee has been arrested and will face trial on match-fixing charges, becoming the first target of a campaign here to rid football of corruption. . . . more . . .
Stelios commits as Tudor arrives on loan to Bolton (Aug 26, 2005)
Greek international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos signed a new three-year contract with English Premiership side Bolton as a one-year loan deal was agreed with Juventus for Croatian international defender Igor Tudor. . . . more . . .
Ferrari heads for Everton (Aug 26, 2005)
Italian defender Matteo Ferrari has joined Everton on a one-year loan deal from Roma with a view to a permanent transfer. . . . more . . .
Holders CSKA face Danish challenge (Aug 26, 2005)
Holders CSKA Moscow open their UEFA Cup title defence against FC Midtylland of Denmark after the draw for the first round of the competition. . . . more . . .
Stelios commits to Bolton (Aug 26, 2005)
Greek international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos signed a new three-year contract with English Premiership side Bolton. . . . more . . .
Luque set for Newcastle signing (Aug 26, 2005)
Premiership strugglers Newcastle United were on the verge of signing striker Albert Luque from the Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Italian football chief charged with power abuse (Aug 26, 2005)
The Italian football federation (FIGC) president was charged with abuse of his powers after demoting second division club Salernitana for non payment of tax. . . . more . . .
Spurs out to stop long Chelsea winning run (Aug 26, 2005)
Tottenham are out to break a 15 year losing run in the league against Chelsea when they host Jose Mourinho's champions at White Hart Lane on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Gilberto slams Chelsea tactics (Aug 26, 2005)
Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gilberto slammed the tactics of Premiership rivals Chelsea only days after his manager Arsene Wenger criticised the champions' "long-ball" style. . . . more . . .
Key man Prso tipped to unlock European defences (Aug 25, 2005)
Rangers manager Alex McLeish will take his side into Thursday's draw for the lucrative Champions League group stages believing that striker Dado Prso is the key to further success in the tournament. . . . more . . .
Jol staying put at Spurs (Aug 25, 2005)
Tottenham manager Martin Jol has signed a new three year contract which will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2007. . . . more . . .
Porto reject another English offer for McCarthy (Aug 25, 2005)
FC Porto have rejected an offer of 6.5 million euros from English Premiership club West Ham for their South Africa striker Benni McCarthy, who is eager to play in England. . . . more . . .
Gerrard set for Super Cup rest (Aug 25, 2005)
Liverpool's inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard is set for an overdue rest as the European champions take on UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow in the Super Cup. . . . more . . .
Ferguson blames Neville injury on ropy pitch (Aug 25, 2005)
Manchester United's Champions league win over Hungarian champions Debrecen came with a sting in the tail with Gary Neville picking up a groin injury manager Sir Alex Ferguson blamed on the poor pitch. . . . more . . .
Arsenal have rediscovered self-belief: Wenger (Aug 25, 2005)
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have rediscovered their self-belief after they crushed Fulham 4-1. . . . more . . .
Liverpool yet to move for Owen (Aug 25, 2005)
European Champions Liverpool are keeping their options open after former star striker Michael Owen said that he wanted to return to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Mancini blames surreal atmosphere for Inter's drab show (Aug 25, 2005)
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini blamed the lack of atmosphere for his team's scrappy 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk, which was still enough for the Serie A side to secure a place in the Champions League group stages. . . . more . . .
Morrison returns to Palace (Aug 25, 2005)
Ireland international striker Clinton Morrison has signed for English Championship side Crystal Palace for 2 million pounds (3 million euros) from Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Chelsea hammer West Brom to go top (Aug 25, 2005)
Champions Chelsea returned to the Premiership summit just three games into the new season after a comfortable 4-0 victory over West Brom at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
FIFA orders calm in crisis-ridden Kenyan football (Aug 25, 2005)
FIFA ordered rival factions battling for control of the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) to end their bitter dispute that turned violent last week and concentrate on the sport itself. . . . more . . .
Lille move to Paris for Champions League campaign (Aug 25, 2005)
Lille will be playing their three Champions League group match home fixtures at the Stade de France, club president Michel Seydoux announced. . . . more . . .
Alleged rape victim wanted sex with Van Persie but not his friends (Aug 25, 2005)
The woman who accused Arsenal's Dutch star Robin van Persie of rape actually wanted to have sex with the "nice" footballer. . . . more . . .
Scolari calls up Valente for World Cup qualifiers (Aug 25, 2005)
Ignoring complaints from former European champions FC Porto, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called up defender Nuno Valente as part of his 20-man roster for the team's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Russia. . . . more . . .
Titleholders Liverpool draw Chelsea in Champions League (Aug 25, 2005)
Champions Liverpool were drawn in the same group as last season's English league winners Chelsea in the group stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Four-goal champions back on top (Aug 24, 2005)
Chelsea were back to their best as they swept aside sorry West Brom 4-0 thanks to a Frank Lampard double at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Rangers ease into big time on emotional night (Aug 24, 2005)
Scottish title holders Rangers successfully clinched a spot in the lucrative Champions League group stages with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famgusta. . . . more . . .
PSV's Lee still seeking Spurs (Aug 24, 2005)
RSV Eindhoven's South Korean defender Young-Pyo Lee said he wanted to leave the Netherlands and sign for English Premiership club Tottenham. . . . more . . .
O'Leary hoping for Solano reprieve (Aug 24, 2005)
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary is hoping Peruvian midfielder Nolberto Solano's red card against Portsmouth will be rescinded by the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Blackburn see red again in Spurs draw (Aug 24, 2005)
Tottenham's perfect start to the new season stuttered when they were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Henry closes in on Wright record (Aug 24, 2005)
Thierry Henry moved to within a single goal of Ian Wright's Arsenal scoring record as his second-half brace sealed a deserved 4-1 victory over Fulham at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Stelios piled on misery for Newcastle (Aug 24, 2005)
Stelios Giannakopoulos may have played his last game for Bolton but he scored as the hosts defeated sorry Newcastle 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Kahn rules out imminent retirement (Aug 24, 2005)
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has ruled out his imminent retirement, saying such a move would be absolutely "absurd". . . . more . . .
Evergreen Viduka back to his best (Aug 24, 2005)
Two-goal hero Mark Viduka is back to his best according to his manager Steve McClaren after a difficult first year at Middlesbrough that was interrupted by injury. . . . more . . .
Liverpool survive scare as Swiss minnows complete fairytale (Aug 24, 2005)
Defending champions Liverpool survived a Champions League scare before booking their place in the multi-million dollar group stages where they will be joined by a little-known Swiss team who were playing amateur football nine years ago. . . . more . . .
Plucky Everton suffer controversial defeat (Aug 24, 2005)
Everton's brief Champions League flirtation ended in controversy when a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal condemned them to a 4-2 aggregate loss in their third qualifying round clash. . . . more . . .
Clinical Bremen make Basel pay penalty (Aug 24, 2005)
German side Werder Bremen qualified for the Champions League for the second successive season scoring three goals in eight minutes to clinch a 3-0 second leg win over FC Basel. . . . more . . .
Cisse vows to remain at Anfield despite Owen interest (Aug 24, 2005)
France striker Djibril Cisse said he wants to stay at Liverpool for the duration of his contract despite reports Michael Owen wants a return to the club where he made his name. . . . more . . .
Sing German national anthem with pride urges Schily (Aug 24, 2005)
Germany's Interior Minister Otto Schily has called on international football stars such as Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn to start bellowing out their national anthem with pride ahead of the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Chelsea machine starting to click into gear (Aug 24, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho last night warned weekend opponents Tottenham Hotspur that his champions are clicking into gear after West Bromich Albion were thrashed at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Neville injury sours United's Champions' romp (Aug 24, 2005)
A thigh injury sustained by England defender Gary Neville soured Manchester United's 3-0 Champions League victory against Debrecen. . . . more . . .
Liverpool in hunt for Bolton's Giannakopoulos (Aug 24, 2005)
Liverpool are in talks with Bolton in a bid to bring Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Aliadiere ends Celtic nightmare to join West Ham (Aug 24, 2005)
French forward Jeremie Aliadiere has ended his Celtic loan spell after just six weeks and joined English Premiership side West Ham for the rest of the season. . . . more . . .
Liverpool branded 'morally wrong' by Bolton (Aug 24, 2005)
Liverpool have been branded "morally wrong" by Bolton after admitting they want to take Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Basel sack Gimenez after pre-match row (Aug 24, 2005)
Swiss champions FC Basel have cancelled the contract of Argentine striker Christian Gimenez after the player refused to take part in their Champions League qualifier with Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
Lack of support fails to halt Inter's progress (Aug 24, 2005)
A lack of home support failed to prevent Inter Milan from reaching the group stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Wolfsburg capture Serbian international (Aug 24, 2005)
Serbia and Montenegro international Bojan Neziri has joined Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg on loan until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Cosmi refuses to take plaudits as Udinese reach Champions League (Aug 24, 2005)
Udinese coach Serse Cosmi refused to take the plaudits after his team reached the Champions League group stages for the very first time. . . . more . . .
Newcastle agree fee for Owen with Real Madrid (Aug 24, 2005)
English Premiership side Newcastle United said they had agreed a "record transfer fee" with Real Madrid for England striker Michael Owen, but the player has yet to make up his mind. . . . more . . .
All forgiven as Carvalho set for Chelsea return (Aug 23, 2005)
Jose Mourinho has recalled Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho to the Chelsea squad for the visit of West Brom to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Latvians deny bribes charge (Aug 23, 2005)
The Latvian football federation denied accusations that their national side was offered bribes to lose the recent World Cup qualifier against Russia. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux sign Brazilian Denilson (Aug 23, 2005)
Brazilian international midfielder Denilson has signed a one-year contract to play for French first division outfit Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Lincoln snubbed by Germany (Aug 23, 2005)
Germany have decided not to take up Schalke 04's Brazilian midfielder Lincoln on his offer to play for the national team. . . . more . . .
Owen says no to Everton move (Aug 23, 2005)
English Premiership side Everton have failed in a bid to lure Michael Owen from Real Madrid to Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Thun fairytale leads to Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Unheralded Thun completed an incredible football journey when they reached the Champions League group stages, just nine years after they were playing as amateurs in the Swiss third division. . . . more . . .
Baros completes Villa move (Aug 23, 2005)
Aston Villa completed the signing of striker Milan Baros from Liverpool for 6.5 million pounds (11.7 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Giggs handed United captaincy (Aug 23, 2005)
Ryan Giggs will captain Manchester United against Debrecen in their Champions League qualifier in the absence of Roy Keane after being reassured over his future at the club by manager Sir Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Tears at the Bridge as Tiago leaves for Lyon (Aug 23, 2005)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said that some players were in tears when Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes agreed to join French league winners Lyon. . . . more . . .
Hitzfeld enticed by Kiev offer (Aug 23, 2005)
Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld admits he has held talks with Ukraine side Dinamo Kiev about becoming the club's new sporting director. . . . more . . .
Maradona admits to 'hand of God' goal against England (Aug 23, 2005)
Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona admitted for the first time that he had deliberately used his hand to score a controversial goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann calls up Under-21 stars (Aug 23, 2005)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has called two new faces into his squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Slovakia and South Africa with Marcell Jansen and Lukas Sinkiewicz promoted from the Under-21 team. . . . more . . .
Embattled South Korea coach quits 10 months before World Cup (Aug 23, 2005)
Embattled Dutchman Jo Bonfrere has quit as coach of South Korea's national team just 10 months before the World Cup amid a campaign against him by angry fans, the Korea Football Association (KFA) said. . . . more . . .
'No inferiority complex' insists Wenger (Aug 23, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied his team has an inferiority complex but admitted they lacked belief during their 1-0 defeat against champions Chelsea on the weekend. . . . more . . .
Marseille banish poor domestic form to progress to UEFA Cup (Aug 23, 2005)
Marseille put their poor league form to one side to hammer Deportivo La Coruna 5-1 in the Intertoto Cup finals and progress to the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Udinese stun Sporting to reach Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Udinese reached the Champions League group stages for the first time after defeating Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon 3-2. . . . more . . .
Chelsea midfielder Tiago poised to sign for Lyon (Aug 23, 2005)
Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes is on the verge of leaving the Premiership champions to sign a five-year deal with French league winners Lyon. . . . more . . .
Skoko set for Wigan debut (Aug 23, 2005)
Australian international Josip Skoko is set to make his debut for Wigan in the English Premiership this weekend after completing the papers to get his international work permit. . . . more . . .
Real Betis dispatch Monaco from Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Real Betis reached the lucrative group stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history after a draw with Monaco saw them progress 3-2 on aggregate. . . . more . . .
Liverpool slip to defeat but progress in Champions League (Aug 23, 2005)
Valentin Iliev sentenced Liverpool to their first Champions League defeat at Anfield for 12 months as the holders went down 1-0 to CSKA Sofia before scrambling through to the group stages 3-2 on aggregate. . . . more . . .
Manchester City go top as Sunderland misery continues (Aug 23, 2005)
Sunderland remained pointless and rooted to the bottom of the Premiership after losing at home to new league leaders Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Celtic youngster Beattie called up to Scotland squad (Aug 23, 2005)
Scotland manager Walter Smith called up young Celtic striker Craig Beattie to his senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Italy at home and away to Norway. . . . more . . .
Barton owes it to Pearce after Thailand bust-up (Aug 22, 2005)
Manchester City bad boy Joey Barton has pledged to repay his coach Stuart Pearce for his backing after a bust-up in a Thailand bar. . . . more . . .
Dortmund cup nightmare continues as Braunschweig triumph (Aug 22, 2005)
Borussia Dortmund crashed out of the German Cup at the first hurdle with Eintracht Braunschweig scoring a late goal as the second division side won 2-1. . . . more . . .
Maradona comparisons 'ludicrous' says Iran star Karimi (Aug 22, 2005)
Bayern Munich's Iranian international midfielder Ali Karimi insist it is folly to compare him with Argentina's 1986 World Cup hero Diego Maradona. . . . more . . .
Baros on verge of Villa move (Aug 22, 2005)
Milan Baros was on the brink of joining Aston Villa from Liverpool after the Premiership rivals agreed a fee for the Czech striker. . . . more . . .
Give me another chance, pleads James (Aug 22, 2005)
Under-fire England goalkeeper David James has pleaded with national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to give him another chance despite his nightmare performance in the 4-1 defeat to Denmark. . . . more . . .
Brazilian starlet Rafinha close to Schalke move (Aug 22, 2005)
Bundesliga title hopefuls Schalke 04 have confirmed that they are on the brink of signing Brazilian Under 20 international Rafinha from his homeland side Coritiba. . . . more . . .
Jarosik on loan to Birmingham (Aug 22, 2005)
Out-of-favour midfielder Jiri Jarosik has been loaned by champions Chelsea to Premiership rivals Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Benitez queries Gerrard's England fitness (Aug 22, 2005)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has questioned whether Steven Gerrard will be fit to play in England's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland next month. . . . more . . .
Robben out of Chelsea team for West Brom (Aug 22, 2005)
Dutch winger Arjen Robben will be dropped from the Chelsea lineup for Wednesday's Premiership game against West Bromwich, but coach Jose Mourinho says that has nothing to do with his comments about the side's squad system. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth sign Friske (Aug 22, 2005)
English Premiership side Portsmouth have signed Danish defender Brian Friske following their poor start to the season. . . . more . . .
Everton facing Champions League injury crisis after Bolton win (Aug 22, 2005)
Everton manager David Moyes admitted that he is facing an injury nightmare ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Villareal after losing Marcus Bent and Alessandro Pistone in the 1-0 weekend win at Bolton. . . . more . . .
Bassila joins Sunderland (Aug 22, 2005)
English Premiership side Sunderland have signed Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila on a two-year deal. . . . more . . .
Samuel given three-match ban for spitting (Aug 22, 2005)
Inter Milan's Argentine central defender Walter Samuel has been banned for three matches for spitting at Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved in Saturday's Italian SuperCup match in Turin. . . . more . . .
Everton deny Stubbs cancer contract claim (Aug 22, 2005)
Everton have rejected claims from former captain Alan Stubbs that he left the club in the summer because of a clause in the proposed deal relating to the cancer he overcame four years ago. . . . more . . .
Deane arrives not knowing what to expect in Australia's A-League (Aug 22, 2005)
New Perth Glory signing Brian Deane has arrived to play in Australia's revamped A-League which kicks off on Friday, but is unsure what to expect. . . . more . . .
Marseille hungry for Cana deal (Aug 22, 2005)
Paris Saint Germain have turned down a second offer by French rivals Marseille for their Albanian international defender Lorik Cana, a team official said. . . . more . . .
Brazilian starlet Rafinha signs for Schalke (Aug 22, 2005)
Bundesliga title hopefuls Schalke 04 have finalised the five million euro signing of Brazilian Under 20 international Rafinha from his homeland side Coritiba. . . . more . . .
Struggling Magpies close in on Luque (Aug 21, 2005)
Newcastle are close to tying up an eight-million-pound deal for Spanish international striker Alberto Luque after their lack of firepower was highlighted in a disappointing stalemate against 10-man West Ham. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Lincoln wants to play for Germany (Aug 21, 2005)
Schalke 04's Brazilian playmaker Lincoln admits he wants to play for the German national team after giving up on his dream of representing his native Brazil. . . . more . . .
Gerrard out of Champions League clash (Aug 21, 2005)
Steven Gerrard is set to miss Liverpool's Champions League third qualifying round second leg clash with CSKA Sofia after picking up a calf injury in Liverpool's narrow victory over Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Lennon apologises for Old Firm red card rage (Aug 21, 2005)
Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon apologised after being red-carded in his team's 3-1 Old Firm defeat to Rangers and for his angry confrontation with referee Stuart Dougal. . . . more . . .
Eleven police injured in clashes with Bosnian football fans (Aug 21, 2005)
Eleven Bosnian police officers were injured during clashes with football supporters after a national championship match. . . . more . . .
Late-show Lyon go top while Marseille misery continues (Aug 21, 2005)
Four-time French champions Lyon needed a late goal to go top of the French league while fallen giants Marseille, the former European champions, slumped to second from bottom. . . . more . . .
Sunderland set to sign French midfielder (Aug 21, 2005)
English Premiership basement side Sunderland are set to sign midfielder Christian Bassila from Strasbourg, the French first division club's coach Jacky Dugueperoux said. . . . more . . .
French star Marlet signs for Wolfsburg (Aug 21, 2005)
VfL Wolfsburg have finalised the signing of former France international Steve Marlet on a free transfer from Premiership side Fulham. . . . more . . .
Mourinho berates unhappy Carvalho (Aug 21, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho used his programme notes for Sunday's crunch game with Arsenal to lay down the law to any dissenters in his team. . . . more . . .
Cluj prepare all out attack on Lens (Aug 21, 2005)
Romanian soccer minnows Cluj will launch an all-out attack against Lens on Tuesday in the return leg of their Intertoto Cup final, team manager Dorinel Munteanu vowed. . . . more . . .
Give me another chance, pleads James (Aug 21, 2005)
Under-fire England goalkeeper David James has pleaded with national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to give him another chance despite his nightmare performance in the 4-1 defeat to Denmark. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart survive cup scare against village people (Aug 21, 2005)
VfB Stuttgart limped into the second round of the German Cup needing extra-time to defeat village team TSG Hoffenheim 4-3. . . . more . . .
Drogba fluke sinks Arsenal in Wenger's milestone match (Aug 21, 2005)
Didier Drogba overshadowed debutant Michael Essien to poach a fluke winner for Chelsea's first league victory over Arsenal in 10 years in a clash of the titans at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Bent snatches win for Everton (Aug 21, 2005)
Marcus Bent snatched an unlikely 1-0 win for Everton as David Moyes's team survived a Bolton onslaught to emerge victorious at the Reebok stadium. . . . more . . .
Jol hails 'special' Defoe as Spurs live up to the hype (Aug 21, 2005)
Martin Jol described Jermain Defoe's magnificent strike as "special" after the England forward inspired Tottenham to a hard-fought victory over Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Ferguson backs Ruud to break 30-goal barrier (Aug 21, 2005)
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Ruud van Nistelrooy to smash the 30-goal barrier again this season. . . . more . . .
Lennon faces rap after Old Firm clash (Aug 21, 2005)
Neil Lennon is facing an Scottish Football Association (SFA) probe after exploding with anger at the end of his Celtic side's 3-1 Old Firm defeat to Rangers. . . . more . . .
Ten-man PSG reclaim top spot in France (Aug 21, 2005)
Ten-man Paris Saint Germain lost their 100-percent record as they drew 1-1 at Troyes but the point was enough to put them back on top of the French championship. . . . more . . .
Kheri drops Oliech for World Cup qualifiers (Aug 20, 2005)
Kenyan coach Mohammed Kheri said he had no plans to field striker Dennis Oliech for the rest of the World Cup qualifiers after the player skipped the vital away game in Tunisia last Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern issue Ballack contract ultimatum (Aug 20, 2005)
German champions Bayern Munich have issued an ultimatum to German international star Michael Ballack, giving him six weeks to decide whether or not he wants to stay at the Allianz Arena. . . . more . . .
Charlton make it two out of two with win over Wigan (Aug 20, 2005)
Charlton Athletic made it two wins out of two in the English Premiership with a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Wigan Athletic. . . . more . . .
Benitez confirms Liverpool participation in Japan (Aug 20, 2005)
Rafael Benitez has set his sights on adding the world championship to his team's European crown after finally confirming Liverpool's participation at December's World Club Championship in Japan. . . . more . . .
Wenger still looking for perfection from Gunners (Aug 20, 2005)
Ahead of his 500th match for the Gunners, Arsene Wenger admitted that he is still striving for perfection. . . . more . . .
Steaua fined over Cisse abuse (Aug 20, 2005)
Steaua Bucharest have been fined by UEFA after Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse suffered racist abuse in a Champions League qualifier at the Bulgarian club this month. . . . more . . .
Rampant Ruud maintains United's perfect start (Aug 20, 2005)
Ruud van Nistelrooy's predatory instincts ensured Manchester United maintained their perfect start to the Premiership campaign with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Rangers on top after outclassing ten-man Celtic (Aug 20, 2005)
Dado Prso and Thomas Buffel tortured 10-man Celtic to give champions Rangers a deserved Old Firm derby triumph. . . . more . . .
Defoe keeps Spurs on winning run (Aug 20, 2005)
Jermain Defoe eased his disappointment at being substituted for England in midweek by hitting a magnificent strike to help Tottenham to a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Van der Gun adds to Dortmund's attacking arsenal (Aug 20, 2005)
Borussia Dortmund have finalised the signing of Netherlands forward Cedric van der Gun from Dutch side Ajax. . . . more . . .
Hearts stay top in Scotland (Aug 20, 2005)
Hearts extended their spectacular start to the season to four straight wins to maintain their lead at the top of Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Brave Hammers hold sorry Newcastle (Aug 20, 2005)
Newcastle were jeered off the pitch after failing to exploit Paul Konchesky's sending-off as 10-man West Ham held on for a 0-0 draw at St James Park. . . . more . . .
'France 98' charity game for Venezuela air crash (Aug 20, 2005)
The French World Cup winning side of 1998 is planning to stage a match to raise funds for the families of the victims of Tuesday's air crash in Venezuela that claimed the lives of 152 French nationals. . . . more . . .
Lucky Liverpool scrape past Sunderland (Aug 20, 2005)
A Xabi Alonso free kick was enough to deliver Liverpool a hard-fought victory over relegation candidates Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Rangers outclass ten-man Celtic (Aug 20, 2005)
Dado Prso and Thomas Buffel tortured 10-man Celtic to give champions Rangers a deserved Old Firm derby triumph. . . . more . . .
Late-show Lyon go top while Marseille misery continues (Aug 20, 2005)
Four-time French champions Lyon needed a late goal to go top of the French league while fallen giants Marseille, the former European champions, slumped to second from bottom. . . . more . . .
High-flying Cologne suffer cup humiliation (Aug 20, 2005)
FC Cologne may be fifth in the Bundesliga table but they crashed out of the German cup at the first hurdle with second division Kickers Offenbach triumphing 3-1. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy fires United to perfect start (Aug 20, 2005)
Hot-shot Ruud van Nistlerooy fired Manchester United into a share of the lead in the English Premiership with a typical predator's effort as the Red Devils beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Horsfield double topples Pompey (Aug 20, 2005)
Two goals from striker Geoff Horsfield helped West Brom take the points with a 2-1 win at home to Portsmouth in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Ferguson praises return of rampant Ruud (Aug 20, 2005)
Ruud van Nistelrooy is back to his best, Sir Alex Ferguson declared after the striker's goal earned Manchester United a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Tugay stunner gets Rovers off the mark (Aug 20, 2005)
A stunning 25-yard strike from Turkey international midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu earned Blackburn their first points of the season by sealing a 2-1 win over Fulham. . . . more . . .
Robben in Carvalho-type outburst (Aug 20, 2005)
Chelsea winger Arjen Robben faces Jose Mourinho's wrath after a Ricardo Carvalho-type outburst criticising his manager's selection policy. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux leave Monaco with bitter taste (Aug 20, 2005)
Bordeaux notched up their third win of the French season thanks to a 1-0 win over Monaco. . . . more . . .
Injured Edu out for six months (Aug 20, 2005)
Valencia's Brazilian midfielder Edu will be out of action for at least six months after rupturing his knee ligaments. . . . more . . .
Cole wonder goal sends City fifth (Aug 20, 2005)
A stunning strike from Andrew Cole sealed the points for Manchester City in a 2-1 win over Birmingham at St Andrews. . . . more . . .
Give Nakata time, Bolton boss Allardyce says (Aug 19, 2005)
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce says that new signing Hidetoshi Nakata will need time to adapt to the English Premiership but he will be a hit when he does so. . . . more . . .
Carvalho needs head examined: Mourinho (Aug 19, 2005)
Chelsea's Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho needs his head examined, his boss Jose Mourinho has said. . . . more . . .
Wenger is Arsenal's best buy, Dein says (Aug 19, 2005)
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein says he believes that French coach Arsene Wenger is the best signing the club has ever made. . . . more . . .
Serie A newcomers Treviso look for new home (Aug 19, 2005)
Serie A newcomers Treviso will have to play all their home games at a neutral ground this season as their own stadium does not satisfy the necessary safety requirements. . . . more . . .
Defender Taylor staying at Newcastle (Aug 19, 2005)
Defender Steven Taylor has agreed a new four-year contract with Newcastle United of the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Essien joins Chelsea in record deal (Aug 19, 2005)
Chelsea finally completed the signing of highly-rated Ghana midfielder Michael Essien from French champions Lyon. . . . more . . .
South Korean football chiefs to decide Bonfrere's fate next week (Aug 19, 2005)
South Korean football chiefs will meet next week to decide the fate of embattled Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere. . . . more . . .
Bellamy out of World Cup qualifiers (Aug 19, 2005)
Striker Craig Bellamy will miss Wales' World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland next month. . . . more . . .
Kenyan football boss hurt in mystery car wreck (Aug 19, 2005)
The head of Kenya's crisis-wracked football federation said he had been seriously injured in a mystery car wreck that he believed was related to a bitter dispute on the board. . . . more . . .
Wolfsburg snap up Portuguese defender Alex (Aug 19, 2005)
German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg have recruited Portuguese international defender Alex but have yet to sign Fulham's French striker Steve Marlet. . . . more . . .
Carvalho apologises for Mourinho outburst (Aug 19, 2005)
Portuguese international defender Ricardo Carvalho apologised for venting his frustration at missing out on Chelsea's Premiership opener against Wigan. . . . more . . .
Nigeria's Oruma chooses club over country (Aug 19, 2005)
Marseille's newly-signed midfielder Wilson Oruma said he was choosing to concentrate on club football and would not be looking for a call up to help Nigeria qualify for the 2006 World Cup and African Nations Cup tournament. . . . more . . .
Injured McCarthy misses training (Aug 19, 2005)
Striker Benni McCarthy was absent from FC Porto's training session because of an injury to his right thigh muscle suffered while playing for his native South Africa earlier in the week. . . . more . . .
Celtic plunge further into the red (Aug 19, 2005)
Scottish giants Celtic have revealed their debts have risen to close to the 20 million pound (36 million dollar) mark following a drop in turnover and a poor season in Europe last term. . . . more . . .
Chips are not down for us, insists Everton boss Moyes (Aug 19, 2005)
Everton boss David Moyes insisted that Everton's poor start to the season was only a minor glitch that would see the Merseysiders emerge stronger. . . . more . . .
PSG get green light for Uruguayan duo (Aug 19, 2005)
Paris Saint Germain have been given the green light by the world soccer's governing body FIFA to provisionally register their two Uruguayan summer recruits Carlos Bueno and Cristian Rodriguez. . . . more . . .
Baros still our man, says Houllier (Aug 19, 2005)
Lyon boss Gerard Houllier insisted that they still held out hope of recruiting Liverpool's out-of-favour Czech striker Milan Baros. . . . more . . .
Sol's staying, insist Gunners (Aug 18, 2005)
Premiership side Arsenal insisted that England defender Sol Campbell has not requested a transfer away from Highbury. . . . more . . .
Iraqi footballers dream of Europe and the big time (Aug 18, 2005)
Iraq's footballers are dreaming of Europe and the big salaries of the continent's club professionals, away from the perils of war-torn Iraq where their talents go unrewarded. . . . more . . .
Zizou's back and France celebrates again (Aug 18, 2005)
"He's back" and French World Cup hopes are back with him. . . . more . . .
James is no calamity, says Pearce (Aug 18, 2005)
Manchester City coach Stuart Pearce has sprung to the defence of his goalkeeper David James following his latest poor showing for England in the 4-1 defeat to Denmark in Wednesday's friendly in Copenhagen. . . . more . . .
Hammers boosted by take-over talk (Aug 18, 2005)
West Ham manager Alan Pardew has welcomed a proposed 200 million pound (359 million dollar) take-over from Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian as proof the club is on the up. . . . more . . .
Doula to stay at Sporting (Aug 18, 2005)
Sporting Lisbon coach Jose Peseiro quashed suggestions that Cameroon international midfielder Rodolph Doula is poised to move from the Portuguese side to an English or French team. . . . more . . .
Italian class wins the day in Dublin (Aug 18, 2005)
Italy's 2-1 win over Ireland at Lansdowne Road was more than just an excellent game of football, it provided both managers with the sort of workout they were looking for ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next month. . . . more . . .
Mexico beat Costa Rica 2-0 to edge toward World Cup finals (Aug 18, 2005)
Jared Borgetti became Mexico's all-time leading scorer as Mexico beat Costa Rica 2-0 here to edge ever closer to a 2006 World Cup berth. . . . more . . .
Injury time goal lifts Guatemala to win over Panama (Aug 18, 2005)
An injury time goal by Gonzalo Romero lifted Guatemala to a 2-1 victory over Panama here in a North and Central America and Caribbean World Cup qualifier. . . . more . . .
Full-strength Aussie team for Oceania qualifiers with Solomons: Hiddink (Aug 18, 2005)
New Australian coach Guus Hiddink said he was not taking Oceania minnows Solomon Islands lightly and would field a full-strength squad in next month's World Cup playoffs. . . . more . . .
Rooney looks to avenge 'horrible' defeat (Aug 18, 2005)
Striker Wayne Rooney vowed never again to experience the misery of England's 4-1 loss to Denmark in Copenhagen. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo back as Ronaldinho misses vital World Cup qualifier (Aug 18, 2005)
Real Madrid star Ronaldo will make his return to the national team for World Cup qualifiers when he was named by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira in his 22-man squad for the September 4 tie against Chile. . . . more . . .
South Koreans want coach axed despite World Cup qualification (Aug 18, 2005)
South Korea's football fans want to reward coach Jo Bonfrere with the sack for steering the country through to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Liverpool told Solano not for sale (Aug 18, 2005)
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary warned Liverpool against bidding for their Peruvian winger Nolberto Solano. . . . more . . .
Early goal from McBride lifts US over Trinidad in World Cup qualifier (Aug 18, 2005)
Brian McBride's strike 91 seconds into the match gave the United States all they needed to win their 2006 World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 here. . . . more . . .
Collina given ultimatum over sponsorship (Aug 18, 2005)
Pierluigi Collina, widely considered the world's best referee, will not be allowed to officiate this season unless he drops his new sponsor, the Gazzetta dello Sport reported. . . . more . . .
Essien set for Chelsea signing (Aug 18, 2005)
English champions Chelsea were hopeful they could quickly wrap up the signing of Lyon midfielder Michael Essien in time for him to play in Sunday's Premiership showdown with Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Japan avenge Iran loss to top World Cup qualifying group (Aug 17, 2005)
Asian champions Japan avenged the only loss of their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Iran to finish top of Group B. . . . more . . .
Tough starts for Serie A's new boys (Aug 17, 2005)
Ascoli and Treviso, who were promoted to Serie A following the demotion of Genoa and Torino, face daunting tasks against the Milan powerhouses on the first day of the 2005/06 season. . . . more . . .
EU gives Premier League yellow card over broadcasting rights (Aug 17, 2005)
The European Union's executive commission recently gave the Premier League, which runs the English football championships, a yellow card for not allowing enough competition over broadcasting rights. . . . more . . .
Four-goal Denmark stun lacklustre England (Aug 17, 2005)
England's preparations for their next World Cup qualifiers suffered an embarrassing setback when they slumped to a 4-1 friendly defeat against Denmark. . . . more . . .
Brazil coach satisfied after dull Croatia warm-up (Aug 17, 2005)
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he was satisfied after his world champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Croatia. . . . more . . .
Costa Rica looking for lightning to strike twice against Mexico (Aug 17, 2005)
Group leaders Mexico will try to take another step toward securing their 2006 World Cup berth when they host Costa Rica as qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean resumes. . . . more . . .
Wales draw blank against Slovenia (Aug 17, 2005)
Wales played their first international match in Swansea in 17 years as they drew 0-0 with Slovenia. . . . more . . .
Heinze saves Argentina's blushes (Aug 17, 2005)
Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze scored the winner to give ten-man Argentina a 2-1 friendly win against Hungary. . . . more . . .
Rooney vows to be on best behaviour (Aug 17, 2005)
England star Wayne Rooney has vowed he will curb his quick temper while playing for both Manchester United and his country. . . . more . . .
Italian guile beats Irish graft (Aug 17, 2005)
Italy's goalkeeper Flavio Roma and referee Paolo Costa put paid to Ireland's best efforts to salvage their manager Brian Kerr's 17-game unbeaten home record in a high-tempo friendly. . . . more . . .
Angry Eriksson apologizes for Denmark fiasco (Aug 17, 2005)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson apologized for England's 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Denmark and insisted his team won't make the World Cup finals if they repeat the performance. . . . more . . .
Liverpool interest flattering says Salihamidzic (Aug 17, 2005)
Bayern Munich's Bosnia and Herzegovina international Hasan Salihamidzic admits he is flattered by interest from European champions Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Robben effort in vain as Germany sneak draw (Aug 17, 2005)
The Netherlands were left to rue a string of missed chances as arch rivals Germany came from two goals down to secure a flattering 2-2 draw in a friendly. . . . more . . .
Russia suffer World Cup setback (Aug 17, 2005)
Russia's hopes of making the World Cup finals suffered another setback when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Latvia. . . . more . . .
Hammers complete Bellion deal as take-over looms (Aug 17, 2005)
West Ham completed the signing of French striker David Bellion from Premiership rivals Manchester United on a one year loan deal as the London club found itself at the centre of take-over talks. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann will quit after World Cup, says Rummenigge (Aug 17, 2005)
Even if hosts Germany win the 2006 World Cup Jurgen Klinsmann will step down as manager, according to West Germany's 1980 European championship hero Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. . . . more . . .
Japan and Iran to fight for top slot after qualifying for World Cup (Aug 17, 2005)
Asian Cup holders Japan and powerhouses Iran will be playing for bragging rights after they fought off cut-throat competition to qualify for next year's World Cup in Germany. . . . more . . .
South Koreans seeking World Cup revenge over Saudis (Aug 17, 2005)
South Korea are seeking revenge against Saudi Arabia in their final qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Scots miss out on rare away win (Aug 17, 2005)
Scotland were denied a confidence-boosting away win by two late goals which earned Austria a 2-2 draw here. . . . more . . .
All to play for Uzbekistan and Kuwait (Aug 17, 2005)
The match in Tashkent between Uzbekistan and Kuwait will be the focal point for the final round of Asia Zone World Cup qualifiers. . . . more . . .
Campbell still in frame for World Cup selection: Eriksson (Aug 17, 2005)
England national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has pledged to give Arsenal defender Sol Campbell a chance to win back his England place in time for the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Battling Uzbekistan keep World Cup dream alive (Aug 17, 2005)
Uzbekistan battled back from two goals down to beat Kuwait 3-2 in a dramatic Asian qualifier and keep their World Cup dream alive. . . . more . . .
AC Milan offer to solve Juve's goalkeeping crisis (Aug 17, 2005)
AC Milan have offered to solve Juventus' goalkeeping crisis by allowing reserve goalkeeper Christian Abbiati to join their fierce Serie A rivals. . . . more . . .
Four-goal Denmark stun (Aug 17, 2005)
England's preparations for their next World Cup qualifiers suffered an embarrassing setback when they slumped to a 4-1 friendly defeat against Denmark. . . . more . . .
Hammers complete Bellion loan deal (Aug 17, 2005)
West Ham completed the signing of French striker David Bellion from Premiership rivals Manchester United on a one year loan deal. . . . more . . .
Nakata's not a risk, says Bolton boss (Aug 17, 2005)
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is adamant that signing Japanese international midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata is not a risk for the English Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Italy the perfect prep for France claims Cunningham (Aug 17, 2005)
Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham believes the friendly against Italy represents the perfect warm up to next month's crucial World Cup qualifier against France. . . . more . . .
Sven hails his 'strongest' England team (Aug 17, 2005)
England limber up for their final push to qualify for the World Cup with a friendly against Denmark, with Sven Goran Eriksson hailing what he believes is his best team since becoming manager. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia upset South Korea 1-0 in World Cup qualifier (Aug 17, 2005)
Saudi Arabia beat South Korea 1-0 in a nail-biting final Asian zone group-A World Cup football qualifier. . . . more . . .
Jventus take Abbiati on loan from rivals AC Milan (Aug 17, 2005)
Italian champions Juventus have accepted AC Milan's offer of help in solving their goalkeeping crisis by taking Christian Abbiati on loan from their Serie A rivals for the forthcoming season. . . . more . . .
Zizou helps France regain their zest (Aug 17, 2005)
Zinedane Zidane made a triumphant return to the international stage, the talismanic midfielder lifting France to a 3-0 win over Cote d'Ivoire. . . . more . . .
Souness hits out at friendlies (Aug 17, 2005)
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has hit out at the latest round of friendly internationals claiming they leave him with no time to prepare for Premiership action this weekend. . . . more . . .
Kanoute agrees four-year Sevilla deal (Aug 17, 2005)
Spanish Primera Liga side Sevilla announced they have agreed to sign Tottenham's Mali international striker Fredi Kanoute for 6.5 million euros (8 million dollars). . . . more . . .
World Cup fever in Germany reflected by soaring attendances (Aug 17, 2005)
Over the past five years average attendances in the Bundesliga have been recorded at a respectable 30,000 but crowds have soared since the introduction of World Cup stadia last season. . . . more . . .
Rangers star Prso defends Brazil snub (Aug 16, 2005)
Croatia striker Dado Prso says he snubbed his country's friendly against Brazil because he wants to save himself for crucial World Cup qualifiers. . . . more . . .
Smith still wants to play for England (Aug 16, 2005)
Manchester United's Alan Smith insisted that he still wants to play for England despite opting to feature in a reserve game rather than travel to Copenhagen where the national team have a friendly. . . . more . . .
Ghana at odds with Chelsea over Essien (Aug 16, 2005)
Ghana expect Chelsea newboy Michael Essien to play in Wednesday's friendly against Senegal despite the Premiership club's fears their 38-million-euro (25.9 million pounds) asset could get injured. . . . more . . .
Japan's Nakata in bitter-sweet farewell to Italian football (Aug 16, 2005)
Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata bid a bitter-sweet farewell to Italian football as his transfer to Premiership side Bolton Wanderers on a 12-month loan from Fiorentina was announced. . . . more . . .
Bellamy joins Wales injury list (Aug 16, 2005)
Forward Craig Bellamy has joined the list of four high-profile players ruled out through injury and illness for Wales' friendly Wednesday against Slovenia at Swansea's New Stadium. . . . more . . .
Dailly leads Scotland into battle against Austria (Aug 16, 2005)
West Ham defender Christian Dailly will skipper Scotland in Wednesday's friendly against Austria as manager Walter Smith gives regular captain Barry Ferguson and a host of key players a day off. . . . more . . .
Souness hits out at friendlies (Aug 16, 2005)
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has hit out at the latest round of friendly internationals claiming they leave him with no time to prepare for Premiership action this weekend. . . . more . . .
Bolton take Nakata on loan (Aug 16, 2005)
Premiership side Bolton Wanderers have clinched a 12-month loan deal with Fiorentina's Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata. . . . more . . .
Injury blow for Juve and Italy as Buffon injures shoulder (Aug 16, 2005)
Juventus and Italy could be without goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for two months after he suffered a shoulder injury in last week's pre-season Berlusconi trophy match against AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Wright-Phillips out of England game (Aug 16, 2005)
Chelsea midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips will miss England's international friendly against Denmark here because of a knee injury, national boss Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed. . . . more . . .
Beckham hoping Owen will stick with Real (Aug 16, 2005)
England captain David Beckham admitted Tuesday that Michael Owen faces a tough career decision but that he hoped his team-mate would stay at Real Madrid this season. . . . more . . .
Police crack down on travelling England thugs (Aug 16, 2005)
Two people were stopped from travelling to Copenhagen for England's friendly against Denmark on Wednesday as British police clamped down on suspected hooligans. . . . more . . .
I'm skipper but not leader, says Zidane (Aug 16, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane returns to the French national team on Wednesday as skipper but insists: 'I'm not a leader'. . . . more . . .
High police alert ahead of Latvia versus Russia qualifier (Aug 16, 2005)
Latvian police are out in force in Riga, a day ahead of a 2006 World Cup qualifier between the national side and arch-rivals Russia. . . . more . . .
Drogba delight at Essien arrival (Aug 16, 2005)
Ivory Coast international striker Didier Drogba insisted that Premiership champions Chelsea would reap the benefits of signing Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien. . . . more . . .
Beattie hands Everton Euro blow (Aug 16, 2005)
Everton's hopes of over-turning their Champions League deficit at the hands of Villarreal suffered a setback when striker James Beattie was ruled out through injury. . . . more . . .
Jenas redcard reduced to yellow (Aug 15, 2005)
Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas has had the red card he received during Sunday's 2-0 Premiership loss at Arsenal downgraded to yellow after the match referee reviewed his controversial decision. . . . more . . .
Robbie Keane out of Ireland squad for Italy friendly (Aug 15, 2005)
Ireland will have to do without Tottenham striker Robbie Keane for the home friendly against Italy on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern's Makaay reaches landmark in style (Aug 15, 2005)
Roy Makaay cost Bayern Munich a club record 18.75 million euros from Deportivo La Coruna in August 2003 but that investment continues to pay dividends with the Dutch international scoring a hat-trick as Bayern crushed Bayer Leverkusen 5-2 on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Jewell admits interest in striker (Aug 15, 2005)
Paul Jewell will this week step-up his bid to sign Norwich striker Dean Ashton in an attempt to console himself following Wigan Athletic's last-gasp defeat to Chelsea at the JJB Stadium. . . . more . . .
Essien gets green light to join Chelsea (Aug 15, 2005)
Michael Essien has been given the green light to move to English champions Chelsea, Lyon's president, Jean-Michel Aulas said. . . . more . . .
Wenger rules out swoop for Jenas (Aug 15, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ruled out making a move for Newcastle's Jermaine Jenas after the midfielder was sent off at Highbury for a rash challenge on Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva. . . . more . . .
Makaay more prolific than Bayern legend Muller (Aug 15, 2005)
Roy Makaay has often drawn comparisons with former Bayern Munich striking icon Gerd Muller but statistics prove Netherlands international Makaay is more clinical in front of goal. . . . more . . .
Essien completes Chelsea transfer (Aug 15, 2005)
Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien completed his transfer from French champions Lyon to English Premiership title-holders Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Ballack can follow in Matthaus footsteps says Klinsmann (Aug 15, 2005)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his captain Michael Ballack can take the 2006 World Cup by storm and help his country to glory just like the legendary Lothar Matthaus did in the 1990 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Chelsea pay club record to capture Essien (Aug 15, 2005)
Premiership champions Chelsea agreed to pay a club record 38 million euros (25.9 million pounds, 47 million dollars) for Lyon midfielder Michael Essien. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo to miss Egypt friendly (Aug 15, 2005)
Manchester United's star winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been sidelined from Portugal's international football friendly against Egypt on Wednesday because of a sprained ankle. . . . more . . .
Harewood extends his stay at Upton Park (Aug 15, 2005)
West Ham's highest goalscorer last season Marlon Harewood gave the Hammers a boost as he signed a new five-year contract at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Ellington completes West Brom switch (Aug 15, 2005)
West Bromwich Albion completed the three-million-pound (5.4-million-dollar) signing of striker Nathan Ellington from Premiership newcomers Wigan. . . . more . . .
Injured Custodio to miss Egypt friendly (Aug 15, 2005)
Sporting Lisbon midfielder Custodio Castro has been sidelined from Portugal's international football friendly against Egypt later this week after suffering a right knee injury in weekend training. . . . more . . .
Last gasp Crespo strike buries Wigan (Aug 14, 2005)
Hernan Crespo broke Wigan Athletic hearts with a stunning strike deep into stoppage time to snatch an undeserved victory for the visitors as Chelsea won 1-0 at the JJB stadium. . . . more . . .
Mourinho has credentials for England job: Eriksson (Aug 14, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has the credentials to be considered as a possible candidate to replace him as England coach when his contract runs out. . . . more . . .
Marseille hold Lyon in Velodrome thriller (Aug 14, 2005)
Marseille took their first point of the season against champions Lyon in a 1-1 draw at the Velodrome stadium. . . . more . . .
Pardew hoping to create Upton Park fortress (Aug 14, 2005)
West Ham manager Alan Pardew vowed to turn Upton Park into a fortress after the Hammers returned to the Premiership in style with a crushing victory against Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Managers hail solo show by Gerrard (Aug 14, 2005)
Steven Gerrard's contribution to Liverpool's 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough earned him rave reviews from both managers after another dominant show. . . . more . . .
Makaay hat-trick helps Bayern savour Leverkusen revenge (Aug 14, 2005)
Bayern Munich this week had to wire Deportivo La Coruna 500,000 euros for breaking a clause in the contract of Roy Makaay, but the Dutch international striker more than repaid that outlay, scoring a hat-trick as Bayern crushed Leverkusen 5-2 to march to the top of the table. . . . more . . .
Henry and Van Persie strike to sink 10-man Newcastle (Aug 14, 2005)
Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie broke Newcastle hearts, and their incredible resistance, with a brace of goals in the last nine minutes as Arsenal won 2-0 at Highbury. . . . more . . .
South Korea beat North Korea 3-0 in friendly (Aug 14, 2005)
South Korea beat North Korea 3-0 in a men's football friendly held as part of joint festivities marking the end of Japan's colonial rule over the Korean peninsula 60 years ago. . . . more . . .
Success the key to Glazer takeover according to Premier chief (Aug 14, 2005)
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insisted the future of Manchester United under Malcolm Glazer is dependent on success on the pitch. . . . more . . .
Nakamura targets Old Firm debut (Aug 14, 2005)
Celtic's Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura has declared himself ready to taste the rivalry and fierce passion of next Saturday's Glasgow derby against Rangers. . . . more . . .
Tenacious Park impresses on league debut (Aug 14, 2005)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for new signing Park Ji-Sung after the South Korea winger enjoyed a dynamic debut. . . . more . . .
PSG's Pauleta enjoys that winning feeling (Aug 14, 2005)
Portuguese striker Pedro Pauleta struck twice to push Paris Saint Germain top of the French league after taming Toulouse 2-0. . . . more . . .
Late goal for Dons sinks 10-men Rangers (Aug 14, 2005)
A late goal from Jamie Smith gave Aberdeen an upset home win over champions Rangers after the Ibrox Park side had been reduced to 10-men with 35 minutes to go. . . . more . . .
Mourinho apologises for last gasp Crespo strike (Aug 14, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was apologetic after Hernan Crespo broke Wigan Athletic hearts with a stunning strike deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 victory at the JJB stadium. . . . more . . .
Nightmare start for Trapattoni as Stuttgart fall (Aug 14, 2005)
Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni is still searching for his first Bundesliga win as VfB Stuttgart coach after his side fell to a shock 3-2 home defeat at the hands of promoted FC Cologne. . . . more . . .
Hearts go top as late goal for Dons sinks 10-men Rangers (Aug 14, 2005)
A late goal from Jamie Smith gave Aberdeen an upset 3-2 home win over champions Rangers as Hearts went back top of the Scottish Premier League table with a 3-0 win at Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Bent stunned by England call up (Aug 14, 2005)
New Charlton striker Darren Bent has admitted he was stunned to receive a call-up to Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad for the friendly against Denmark on Wednesday night. . . . more . . .
Stelios at centre of fierce tug-of-war (Aug 14, 2005)
Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos will know next week where he will play his football this season. . . . more . . .
Kahn offers Klinsmann jibe over goalkeeper rotation (Aug 14, 2005)
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn admits he would not be overly surprised if German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann decided to rotate his goalkeepers during the 2006 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Gartside determined to hold on to Stelios (Aug 13, 2005)
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside insisted that their Greek international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos is not set for a move to Premiership rival's Manchester City. . . . more . . .
PSG's Pauleta enjoys that winning feeling (Aug 13, 2005)
Portuguese striker Pedro Pauleta struck twice to push Paris Saint Germain top of the French league after taming Toulouse 2-0. . . . more . . .
United look to strike early Premiership blow (Aug 13, 2005)
Manchester United look to put their summer troubles behind them and strike an early blow over champions Chelsea and bitter rivals Arsenal when they kick-off the new Premiership season. . . . more . . .
Fired-up Defoe leads Spurs to victory (Aug 13, 2005)
Tottenham Hotspur inspired by Jermain Defoe opened their Premiership account with a 2-0 win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Rooney drives Man Utd to ominous victory over old pals Everton (Aug 13, 2005)
Any questions over Manchester United's ability to challenge for English Premiership honours were extinguished at Goodison Park with a 2-0 win over Everton in the season opener. . . . more . . .
Rooney inspires victory over former club (Aug 13, 2005)
Any questions over Manchester United's ability to challenge for Premiership honours were extinguished at Goodison Park with a 2-0 win over Everton in the season opener. . . . more . . .
Early fireworks fail to separate Villa and Bolton (Aug 13, 2005)
Aston Villa and Bolton fought out a 2-2 draw at Villa Park with the game exploding into life in the first 10 minutes with a goal fest that had purists dreaming of a Premiership record. . . . more . . .
Man City confirm Stelios bid (Aug 13, 2005)
Manchester City have confirmed that they have made a one-million-pound (1.8-million-dollar) bid for Bolton's Greek international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos. . . . more . . .
Kirkland frustrates Man City as West Brom grind out draw (Aug 13, 2005)
West Bromwich Albion's on-loan debutant goalkeeper Chris Kirkland kept Manchester City at bay in a goalless English Premiership draw at the City of Manchester Stadium. . . . more . . .
Wigan's Ellington agrees West Brom move (Aug 13, 2005)
West Bromwich Albion have agreed a 3-million-pound (5.4-million-dollar) deal with Premiership newcomers Wigan for striker Nathan Ellington. . . . more . . .
Victorious Premiership return for West Ham (Aug 13, 2005)
West Ham made a winning return to the English Premiership after new signing Yossi Benayoun inspired his team to a stunning 3-1 victory against Blackburn at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Eriksson sticks to tried and tested (Aug 13, 2005)
Sven Goran Eriksson resisted the temptation to make sweeping changes to his England squad giving his favoured line-up the chance to cement their World Cup credentials in Wednesday's friendly against Denmark. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Charlton teach Sunderland Premiership lesson (Aug 13, 2005)
Ten-man Charlton Athletic ensured Sunderland endured a miserable English Premiership return as debutant Darren Bent's double secured a deserved 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light. . . . more . . .
Thompson double puts Celtic top (Aug 13, 2005)
England star Alan Thompson delivered two excellent late goals to lift Celtic to a 3-1 win against Falkirk and top of the Scottish Premiership. . . . more . . .
Choppy waters ahead for Hiddink's ugly ducklings (Aug 13, 2005)
Champions PSV Eindhoven open the defence of their Dutch title this weekend with their side seriously weakened after the sale this summer of three key players. . . . more . . .
Man Utd put rivals on notice as English Premiership kicks off (Aug 13, 2005)
Manchester United proved their title credentials with a 2-0 victory at Everton as the English Premiership kicked off. . . . more . . .
Bayern out to set record straight (Aug 13, 2005)
Bayern Munich may have lifted the German championship with consumate ease last season but there were stumbles along the way and a 4-1 demolition by Bayer Leverkusen on the third weekend of the campaign saw manager Felix Magath come in for some stern criticism. . . . more . . .
Balde in for grilling as Bhoys wait on Nakamura (Aug 13, 2005)
The second sighting of the man from the land of the 'Rising Sun' should be enough to make Celtic fans forget about any grievances they may have with defender Bobo Balde. . . . more . . .
Happy Premiership return for West Ham (Aug 13, 2005)
West Ham United made a winning return to the English Premiership after new signing Yossi Benayoun inspired a stunning 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Goal poacher Pauleta puts PSG top (Aug 13, 2005)
Portuguese striker Pedro Pauleta struck twice to push Paris Saint Germain to the provisional top of the French league after taming Toulouse 2-0. . . . more . . .
Makaay hat-trick helps Bayern savour Leverkusen revenge (Aug 13, 2005)
Bayern Munich this week had to wire Deportivo La Coruna 500,000 euros for breaking a clause in the contract of Roy Makaay, but the Dutch international striker more than repaid that outlay, scoring a hat-trick as Bayern crushed Leverkusen 5-2 to march to the top of the table. . . . more . . .
Liverpool held as Gerrard fails to break the deadlock (Aug 13, 2005)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard produced a remarkable one-man attempt to break the deadlock as the European champions began their English Premiership campaign with a goalless draw at Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Fulham contain Birmingham in stalemate (Aug 13, 2005)
Fulham were held to a hard-fought goalless draw by Birmingham City at Craven Cottage on the opening day of the English Premiership season. . . . more . . .
UEFA probe racist attacks on Cisse (Aug 12, 2005)
UEFA have launched an inquiry into the racist abuse hurled at Liverpool's Djibril Cisse in the Champions league tie against CSKA Sofia. . . . more . . .
Beleaguered Italian football chiefs set date for new calendar (Aug 12, 2005)
The Italian football federation (FIGC) said the fixture lists for the new football season will be released on August 16, just 12 days before the start of the new campaign. . . . more . . .
AC Milan sign Aussie keeper Kalac (Aug 12, 2005)
AC Milan have signed Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac on a three-year deal, the Italian Serie A club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Former Real president Sanz buys Parma (Aug 12, 2005)
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz is to become the new owner of financially troubled Parma, the Italian Serie A club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Davids to miss Spurs' Premiership opener (Aug 12, 2005)
Tottenham's newly-signed Dutch international midfielder Edgar Davids will miss their Premiership opener at Portsmouth on Saturday after suffering a minor knee injury. . . . more . . .
Dyer pens Magpies deal as World Cup looms (Aug 12, 2005)
Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has signed a new four-year contract at Newcastle in the hope he can continue his turn-around in fortunes and secure an England place for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Villa set to up bid to lure Baros (Aug 12, 2005)
Aston Villa are set to up their initial offer for Milan Baros in a bid to lure the Czech Republic international from Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Scholes extends contract at United (Aug 12, 2005)
Manchester United have moved to secure the services of influential midfielder Paul Scholes who has signed a four-year extension to his current contract. . . . more . . .
Souness maintains hopes of Owen arrival (Aug 12, 2005)
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness is still hoping to give the St James' Park fans and his depleted team a boost with the arrival of Real Madrid striker Michael Owen. . . . more . . .
Celtic keen to land China captain Du: report (Aug 12, 2005)
Scottish giants Celtic have affirmed they are still keen to sign China captain Du but admit they have not agreed a transfer fee with his current club Shanghai Shenhua. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand signs new four-year United deal (Aug 12, 2005)
England star Rio Ferdinand has signed his new four-year deal with Manchester United, manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed. . . . more . . .
Houllier selects 18-man squad - without Essien (Aug 12, 2005)
Lyon coach Gerard Houllier named an 18-man squad for the team's third league game of the season against Marseille although Ghana midfielder Michael Essien will not take part. . . . more . . .
Cole pursues tapping-up appeal (Aug 11, 2005)
Arsenal defender Ashley Cole is "very likely" to take a restraint of trade case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after losing his appeal against his guilty verdict in the tapping-up row with Chelsea, his legal team said. . . . more . . .
Cottagers plug goalkeeping hole (Aug 11, 2005)
Fulham manager Chris Coleman has plugged the hole left by injuries to both his first choice goalkeepers by signing Tony Warner from Cardiff on a six-month loan-deal. . . . more . . .
Mourinho tells World Cup players to keep calm (Aug 11, 2005)
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has called for calm from the players who he might end up stopping from going to the World Cup because of their non-selection for the Blues. . . . more . . .
Bayern agree to Makaay compensation (Aug 11, 2005)
German champions Bayern Munich revealed that they have agreed to pay Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna 500,000 euros compensation for breaking a clause in the contract of Dutch international striker Roy Makaay. . . . more . . .
In a nation torn by violence, football may rekindle Iraqi pride (Aug 11, 2005)
As an Iraqi football team prepares to take on Cyprus in a friendly duel, its players hope to rekindle their former glory and set national pride alight in a country wracked by violence and sectarian strife. . . . more . . .
The racists won't grind me down insists Cisse (Aug 11, 2005)
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has spoken about his hurt at being the victim of racist chanting during his club's Champions League tie against CSKA Sofia. . . . more . . .
Neville expects tough reunion with United, brother Gary (Aug 11, 2005)
Phil Neville is in no doubt about the difficulty facing his new side Everton when they take on his former employers Manchester United in the opening round of Premiership matches. . . . more . . .
Carraro insists new Serie A season will start on time (Aug 11, 2005)
Franco Carraro, president of the Italian football federation (FIGC), insists the new Serie A season will begin as scheduled on August 28 despite Genoas ongoing legal battle which has prevented the fixture list from being published. . . . more . . .
Crespo out to finally win league medal (Aug 11, 2005)
Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo is back for a second spell at Chelsea and says he is determined to finally win a league title after four near misses. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann separates rivals Kahn and Lehmann (Aug 11, 2005)
German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann has decided to keep goalkeeping rivals Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann apart for the next six warm-up matches to prevent further friction building up ahead of the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Ruud sees football glory for United teens (Aug 11, 2005)
Manchester United youngsters Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to dominate world football according to their strike partner at Old Trafford Ruud van Nistelrooy. . . . more . . .
It's official - Zidane's back (Aug 11, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane's shock return to international football was made official when the Real Madrid star's name appeared in the France squad for next week's friendly against Cote d'Ivoire. . . . more . . .
Birmingham's Nafti likely to miss season (Aug 10, 2005)
Tunisian midfielder Mehdi Nafti's Premiership season is over before he has kicked a ball in anger due to a serious knee injury which is likely to keep him out for the season. . . . more . . .
Domenech ready to mix youth and experience (Aug 10, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane's return to the French national side will be confirmed on Thursday when coach Raymond Domenech names his squad for the friendly against the Cote D'Ivoire next Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Fergie relief as United protest fizzles out (Aug 10, 2005)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson voiced his relief at the absence of fans' protests as goals from Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a 3-0 win against Debrecen in the Glazer family's first match at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Coco deal collapses for Newcastle (Aug 10, 2005)
Newcastle United's plans to sign Inter Milan defender Francesco Coco, seen here in 2002, on loan have collapsed after the two teams failed to agree terms. . . . more . . .
Morientes-inspired Liverpool in control (Aug 10, 2005)
Liverpool are on the verge of the Champions League group stages after Fernando Morientes emerged from a recent slump to lift the European champions to a 3-1 win over CSKA Sofia. . . . more . . .
Newcastle fail to sign Anelka (Aug 10, 2005)
Newcastle United's quest to bolster their strikeforce for the new season received a blow when they failed to sign Fenerbahce forward, Nicolas Anelka. . . . more . . .
Mourinho and Cole lose appeals but fines reduced (Aug 10, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Arsenal defender Ashley Cole lost their appeals against Premier League sanctions relating to last season's 'tapping up' affair, although both had their fines reduced. . . . more . . .
Everton's Euro dream still alive, says Moyes (Aug 10, 2005)
Everton manager David Moyes insisted his side can still rescue their Champions League dream and qualify for the group stages despite watching them lose 2-1 to Villarreal in the third qualifying round first leg at Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Inter outclass Shakhtar (Aug 10, 2005)
Inter Milan took a major step towards the group phase of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their third qualifying round encounter. . . . more . . .
Premiership gets extra taste of Asia (Aug 10, 2005)
When Manchester United face Everton in the opening match of the Premiership, most eyes will be on the likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane. . . . more . . .
Germany want to recruit Turkish starlet Sahin (Aug 10, 2005)
The German Football Federation (DFB) want Turkey's Under-17 international prodigy Nuri Sahin to play for their national team. . . . more . . .
Happy Hyypia staying at Liverpool (Aug 10, 2005)
Finnish defender Sami Hyypia is to sign a new three-year contract with European Champions Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Japan's Nakata set for Bolton switch (Aug 10, 2005)
Fiorentina's Japan international Hidetoshi Nakata could be on his way to the English Premiership for a loan spell with Bolton Wanderers. . . . more . . .
Chelsea close to clinching Essien transfer, report says (Aug 10, 2005)
Chelsea are closing in on finally signing Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien from Lyon, despite the French champion's efforts to hold on to their star player, the Press Association (PA) reported. . . . more . . .
Morientes returns to save Reds (Aug 10, 2005)
Liverpool passed another test of their Champions League credentials with a convincing 3-1 defeat of CSKA Sofia which should see the reigning champions into the group phase of the competition. . . . more . . .
Brazil's Cicinho keen on Italy move (Aug 10, 2005)
Brazil international Cicinho has admitted he would welcome a move to Italy and dreams of playing for AC Milan. . . . more . . .
End of brief Kiev adventure for Buryak (Aug 09, 2005)
Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev have sacked their coach Leonid Buryak, the club press spokesman sergei Polkhovsky announced. . . . more . . .
Hearts sign Greece ace Fyssas (Aug 09, 2005)
Scottish Premier League leaders Hearts added more depth to their ambitious squad after completing the signing of Greek star Panagiotis Fyssas from Benfica. . . . more . . .
United romp to victory in front of watching Glazers (Aug 09, 2005)
Manchester United gave the Glazer family an early reward on their 790 million pound investment as goals from Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a comfortable 3-0 Champions League qualifier win against Hungarian champions Debrecen. . . . more . . .
Smith without key players for Austria friendly (Aug 09, 2005)
Commitments in Europe for several key players have limited the selection choices of Scotland manager Walter Smith ahead of next week's friendly against Austria. . . . more . . .
United fans in Glazer protest (Aug 09, 2005)
Hundreds of angry Manchester United fans used the Champions League tie against Debrecen to stage a protest against the Glazer family. . . . more . . .
Essien saga over as Lyon reject Chelsea offer (Aug 09, 2005)
Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien will be staying with French champions Lyon after the club's president Jean-Michel Aulas announced the long-running transfer saga with Chelsea had finally ended. . . . more . . .
Plucky Anorthosis go down fighting against Rangers (Aug 09, 2005)
Cypriot underdogs Anorthosis Famagusta gave a plucky performance against Scottish heavyweights Glasgow Rangers going down 2-1 in their European Champions League third round first leg qualifier. . . . more . . .
Everton undone by Figueroa magic (Aug 09, 2005)
Luciano Figueroa turned Everton's Champions League dream into a nightmare as Villarreal emerged from their trip to Goodison Park with a 2-1 win and a crucial edge to take into the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. . . . more . . .
Balde says no to Marseille (Aug 09, 2005)
Celtic defender Bobo Balde has turned down an offer to join Marseille in France and has committed himself to playing for the Glasgow side, the Daily Record reported. . . . more . . .
Dudek blow for Liverpool (Aug 08, 2005)
Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek has been ruled out for three months after dislocating his right elbow in a training ground accident. . . . more . . .
Mysterious apparition told Zidane to resume France career (Aug 08, 2005)
Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane has admitted a mysterious apparition advised him to end his self-imposed international retirement to return and help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Real reveal Owen being chased by two Uniteds (Aug 08, 2005)
The chase to sign England striker Michael Owen is hotting up after Real Madrid revealed that both Manchester United and Newcastle United have joined the list of clubs expressing an interest. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand agrees new four-year United deal (Aug 08, 2005)
England star Rio Ferdinand has agreed a new four-year deal with Manchester United, the Premiership club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Cahill signs new Everton deal (Aug 08, 2005)
Everton's Australia international midfielder Tim Cahill signed a new five-year deal with the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Newcastle favourites as Man United deny Owen reports (Aug 08, 2005)
The chase to sign England striker Michael Owen is hotting up after Real Madrid revealed that both Manchester United and Newcastle United have joined the list of clubs expressing an interest. . . . more . . .
Total domination? Doubt it, says Mourinho (Aug 08, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insisted his side were not heading for total domination of English football this season - despite beating nearest rivals Arsenal comfortably in the opening fixture. . . . more . . .
Essien may yet join Chelsea as Abramovich enters fray (Aug 08, 2005)
The long-running transfer saga between Chelsea and Lyon over midfielder Michael Essien is set to continue after Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said he will meet Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. . . . more . . .
Sychev out of Russian World Cup squad (Aug 08, 2005)
Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dmitry Sychev has withdrawn from the Russian World Cup squad to take on Latvia after sustaining a serious knee injury in Saturday's league game at Kazan. . . . more . . .
Besiktas snap up Kleberson (Aug 08, 2005)
Manchester United have sold their unsettled Brazilian midfielder Kleberson to Besiktas despite incurring a major loss in selling him to the Turkish club. . . . more . . .
Van Basten happy with Hamburg move says van der Vaart (Aug 07, 2005)
SV Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart insists his move to Germany will not hinder his chances of securing a spot in the Netherlands team for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Canaries fly to top of French league (Aug 07, 2005)
Nantes served notice of their title intentions as they surged to the top of the French league following a 3-0 rout at ten-man Rennes. . . . more . . .
Nantes grab provisional French lead (Aug 07, 2005)
Nantes moved to top of the French league thanks to a 3-0 win at Rennes although they could be deposed later when champions Lyon face Strasbourg. . . . more . . .
Krstajic the hero as Schalke leave it late (Aug 07, 2005)
Two goals in three hectic minutes helped title hopefuls Schalke 04 to a sensational 2-1 comeback win over Kaiserslautern. . . . more . . .
Strachan has big hopes of Nakamura (Aug 07, 2005)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has warned the rest of the Scottish Premier League there's more to come from new signing Shunsuke Nakamura after his stunning debut. . . . more . . .
Dyer set to sign on at Newcastle (Aug 07, 2005)
Kieron Dyer has said that he is set to sign a new four-year contract at Newcastle putting behind him all the problems he had last season. . . . more . . .
Essien transfer up to Lyon says Mourinho (Aug 07, 2005)
Jose Mourinho said Sunday the long-running saga over Chelsea's proposed signing of Ghana midfielder Michael Essien, who plays for Lyon, can be concluded by the French champions. . . . more . . .
Zidane given captain's role for comeback (Aug 07, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane will resume his role as captain when he makes his comeback for France later this month, manager Raymond Domenech said. . . . more . . .
Hearts go top of Scottish Premier League (Aug 07, 2005)
Hearts moved to the top of the Scottish Premier League on Sunday with a 4-0 demolishing of city rivals Hibernian. . . . more . . .
Essien staying at Lyon says club president (Aug 07, 2005)
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas appears to have had the last word in a long-running transfer dispute with Chelsea by announcing that midfielder Michael Essien will not be joining the English champions. . . . more . . .
Drogba double shoots down Gunners (Aug 07, 2005)
Didier Drogba's double drove Chelsea towards the Community Shield title as Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium here. . . . more . . .
Yorke struggling to adapt down under, says coach Littbarski (Aug 07, 2005)
Expensive former Manchester United recruit Dwight Yorke was struggling to adapt to new Australian club Sydney FC, coach Pierre Littbarski said. . . . more . . .
Bremen top Bundesliga after Bielefeld rout (Aug 06, 2005)
Werder Bremen lead the 18-strong Bundesliga after crushing Arminia Bielefeld 5-2 in their opening fixture at the Weserstadion. . . . more . . .
Cisse on target to keep PSG ahead (Aug 06, 2005)
Paris Saint Germain kept up their winning momentum in the French championship with a 1-0 victory at Sochaux which keeps the Parisians on top of the league after the second day of action. . . . more . . .
Wigan snap up Camara (Aug 06, 2005)
Premiership debutants Wigan have boosted their frontline after agreeing to pay Wolverhampton Wanderers a club record three million pounds (4.3 million euros) for striker Henri Camara. . . . more . . .
Manchester City captain Distin out for first month of Premiership season (Aug 06, 2005)
Manchester City captain Sylvain Distin is set to miss the first month of the new campaign after tearing an abductor muscle in training. . . . more . . .
Mourinho defends Kenyon comments (Aug 06, 2005)
Coach Jose Mourinho has backed Peter Kenyon after the Chelsea chief executive's comments that the club would comfortably defend their Premiership title this season. . . . more . . .
French ace Sagnol denies Valencia agreement (Aug 06, 2005)
Bayern Munich's French international defender Willy Sagnol has denied reports that he has agreed to join Spanish side Valencia next season. . . . more . . .
Nakamura helps get Bhoys back on track (Aug 06, 2005)
Shunsuke Nakamura inspired Celtic to a much-needed 2-0 win at home to Dundee United in a hugely impressive debut for the Parkhead club in the Scottish Premier League here. . . . more . . .
Zidane sell-out for Ivory Coast friendly (Aug 05, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane's comeback for France has helped sell out a friendly international against Ivory Coast here on August 17. . . . more . . .
Bad boy Montero says arrivederci to Italy (Aug 05, 2005)
Hard man Paolo Montero has ended his love affair with Italian football by joining Argentinian side San Lorenzo. . . . more . . .
Saha suffers injury setback (Aug 05, 2005)
Manchester United striker Louis Saha will miss the start of the season after undergoing a knee operation. . . . more . . .
Zidane crucial to French World Cup dream, says Deschamps (Aug 05, 2005)
France's World Cup-winning skipper Didier Deschamps believes midfield superstar Zinedine Zidane can fire the 1998 champions to the finals in Germany next summer. . . . more . . .
Liverpool stunned by Gonzalez work permit snub (Aug 05, 2005)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted that he was stunned by the failure to secure a work permit for his new Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez. . . . more . . .
England international Campbell to miss start of season (Aug 05, 2005)
England international Sol Campbell has been ruled out of Arsenal's start to the Premiership campaign, as well as England's friendly against Denmark later this month. . . . more . . .
Luis Figo signs for Inter Milan (Aug 05, 2005)
Inter Milan have completed the signing of Portugal international Luis Figo from Real Madrid, the Italian Serie A club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Bayern show champion spirit to defeat Gladbach (Aug 05, 2005)
German champions Bayern Munich began the defence of their Bundesliga crown with a 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengadbach here, despite playing over half of the match with ten men. . . . more . . .
British regulator clears Glazer's Man United takeover (Aug 05, 2005)
British financial regulators gave the green light to US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer's purchase of Manchester United, the world's richest football club. . . . more . . .
Everton set to tie down teenage star (Aug 05, 2005)
Everton are hoping to offer a first professional contract to teenage striker James Vaughan who last season became the club's youngest ever first-team player and goalscorer. . . . more . . .
Ballack will sign Bayern extension says Magath (Aug 05, 2005)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath believes German international captain Michael Ballack will extend his contract at the Allianz Arena beyond June 2006. . . . more . . .
Veteran Ince could keep playing (Aug 05, 2005)
Former England international Paul Ince, who will be two years short of his 40th birthday in October, could keep playing beyond the end of the season if Wolves fail to secure promotion to the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Cole wants to win back Arsenal fans (Aug 05, 2005)
Ashley Cole, whose future at Arsenal was in doubt after the club took him to a Premier League inquiry for meeting Chelsea over a possible move, says he wants to win back sceptical fans. . . . more . . .
City abandon Malbranque chase (Aug 05, 2005)
Manchester City abandoned their pursuit of Fulham's French midfielder Steed Malbranque after having two bids rejected. . . . more . . .
Essien threatens Lyon strike (Aug 05, 2005)
Michael Essien has told Lyon he will not play for them again as he tries to force the French champions to allow him to move to Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Zidane confident of Thuram comeback (Aug 04, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane believes Lilian Thuram will copy his international U-turn and return to help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
I'm dedicated to Arsenal, says Henry (Aug 04, 2005)
New Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry insisted that he is committed to the Gunners and wants to stay with the club for as long as he is wanted. . . . more . . .
Borgetti joins Bolton (Aug 04, 2005)
Mexican striker Jared Borgetti has completed his move to Premiership side Bolton after passing a medical. . . . more . . .
I'm not greedy, says Everton's Cahill (Aug 04, 2005)
Australian midfielder Tim Cahill said he was not greedy in refusing to sign a contract extension with English premier league club Everton. . . . more . . .
Everton snap up United's Neville (Aug 04, 2005)
Everton have agreed a 3.5 million pound fee with Manchester United for midfielder Phil Neville. . . . more . . .
Rangers snap up Monaco defender (Aug 04, 2005)
Glasgow Rangers have boosted their Scottish title defence and Champions League ambitions by signing defender Julien Rodriguez from Monaco, the French club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Zidane plays down risks of French return (Aug 04, 2005)
Zinedine Zidane insisted that he is not concerned his reputation will suffer by coming out of international retirement. . . . more . . .
Ballack shrugs off transfer talk to concentrate on opener (Aug 04, 2005)
Michael Ballack has brushed off talk of a possible move to Manchester United and said his only concern is Bayern Munich's opening Bundesliga game against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday. . . . more . . .
Rangers sign Monaco defender (Aug 04, 2005)
Glasgow Rangers have boosted their Scottish title defence and Champions League ambitions by signing defender Julien Rodriguez from Monaco, the French club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Wenger won't imitate Chelsea's cash splash (Aug 04, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is adamant that he will not be tempted into wasting his remaining transfer kitty in an effort to keep up with Chelsea's multi-million pound spending. . . . more . . .
Newcastle say adios to Europe (Aug 03, 2005)
Newcastle United were dumped out of Europe after a frustrating night on Tyneside that saw Graeme Souness's side lose 2-1 to Deportivo La Coruna in the semi-finals of the Intertoto Cup. . . . more . . .
Injured Crouch deals blow to Liverpool (Aug 03, 2005)
Liverpool's planning for the new season suffered a setback when their seven million pound (10 million euro) striker Peter Crouch was ruled out for up to three weeks because of a hamstring strain. . . . more . . .
Anorthosis of Cyprus triumph in grudge Turkey game (Aug 03, 2005)
Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus qualified for the third round of the European Champions League after a dramatic and politically-charged game against Turkey's Trabzonspor. . . . more . . .
Lennon says players behind Strachan (Aug 03, 2005)
Celtic captain Neil Lennon says their 4-0 win over Slovakian champions Artmedia Bratislava show the players are behind new boss Gordon Strachan. . . . more . . .
Anorthosis of Cyprus triumph in Turkey (Aug 03, 2005)
Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus qualified for the third round of the European Champions League after a dramatic and politically-charged game against Turkey's Trabzonspor. . . . more . . .
Franca leaves Leverkusen for Kashiwa Reysol (Aug 03, 2005)
Bayer Leverkusen's Brazilian international striker Franca signed a deal to move to Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, the Bundesliga club announced. . . . more . . .
England international Butt joins Birmingham on a season's loan (Aug 03, 2005)
England international Nicky Butt has been snapped up by Birmingham on a season's loan from fellow Premiership club Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Barcelona hit Chinese champions for nine (Aug 03, 2005)
Barcelona put on a masterclass for their Asian fans with a 9-0 humiliation of Chinese champions Shenzhen Jianlibao in a pre-season friendly here. . . . more . . .
Zidane in shock return to French side (Aug 03, 2005)
French star Zinedine Zidane has announced that he is coming out of international retirement to help his country's flagging World Cup campaign. . . . more . . .
Owen in talks with Premiership clubs (Aug 03, 2005)
Real Madrid striker Michael Owen said he had talked to three or four Premiership clubs about the possibility of returning to England. . . . more . . .
Everton stall on Liverpool's Baros (Aug 03, 2005)
Everton's hopes of signing Milan Baros have hit a snag with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insisting on seven million pounds and the Czech striker asking for a pay rise. . . . more . . .
England's poor relations put Serie A in shade (Aug 03, 2005)
It's about Millwall rather than Milan, Reading not Roma and Ipswich instead of Inter. . . . more . . .
Beckham to sign new Real Madrid contract: report (Aug 03, 2005)
England captain David Beckham is set to extend his contract at Real Madrid by two years till 2009, Spanish sports daily newspaper Marca reported. . . . more . . .
Newcastle join Man United in Owen chase (Aug 03, 2005)
Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in the chase for Michael Owen after the England striker was officially put up for sale by Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Ballack denies Man United agreement (Aug 02, 2005)
Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has denied reports he has come to a gentleman's agreement to join Manchester United after the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Gladbach sign Norwegian star Fakiri (Aug 02, 2005)
Borussia Monchengladbach finalized the signing of Norwegian international midfielder Hassan El Fakiri. . . . more . . .
Nigeria to train in France ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier (Aug 02, 2005)
Nigeria will train in France from August 25 ahead of their make-or-break World Cup qualifying tie against Algeria next month, caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen announced. . . . more . . .
Only double success will satisfy ambitious Trezeguet (Aug 02, 2005)
Juventus striker David Trezeguet believes the forthcoming season will be regarded as a failure unless his team win the Champions League and the Serie A title. . . . more . . .
Broken finger rules Kiely out for six weeks (Aug 02, 2005)
Charlton suffered a serious blow as first choice goalkeeper Dean Kiely was ruled out for the first six weeks of the English Premiership campaign after fracturing his finger in training. . . . more . . .
Bayern could face bare-faced cheek from Elber (Aug 02, 2005)
Borussia Monchengladbach's eccentric Brazilian striker Giovane Elber insists he will rip off all his clothes if he scores against former club Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga curtain raiser on Friday. . . . more . . .
Drobny signs for Sparta Prague (Aug 02, 2005)
Stylish Czech Republic defender Vaclav Drobny signed for Czech champions Sparta Prague on a three year contract from French First Division outfit Strasbourg. . . . more . . .
Jansen keen to ref again despite accusations (Aug 02, 2005)
Former Bundesliga official Jurgen Jansen insists he is determined to pick up his referee's whistle once again despite being named in the Robert Hoyzer match-fixing scandal. . . . more . . .
Wigan snap up Camara (Aug 02, 2005)
Premiership debutants Wigan looked set to boost their frontline after agreeing to buy Senegalese international striker Henri Camara from Championship outfit Wolves. . . . more . . .
Le Tallec bolsters Sunderland strikeforce (Aug 02, 2005)
France's Under-21 striker, Anthony Le Tallec, has been recruited by Premiership newcomers Sunderland to strengthen their strike-force. . . . more . . .
Celtic crash out despite 4-0 win (Aug 02, 2005)
Celtic crashed out of European competition for the season but their 4-0 win at home to Slovakian champions Artmedia Bratislava restored some pride. . . . more . . .
Colon has a Silva lining (Aug 02, 2005)
Former Uruguayan international striker Dario Silva has left Spanish first division side FC Sevilla for Argentine club Colon De Sante Fe. . . . more . . .
Double dismissal mars Schalke cup win (Aug 02, 2005)
Schalke 04 won the German League Cup for the first time defeating VfB Stuttgart 1-0 here despite having two players sent off for unsporting conduct. . . . more . . .
High security in Turkey for Cyprus fixture (Aug 02, 2005)
The quiet town of Trabzon on the banks of the Black Sea is on high alert for Wednesday's first ever football match between a Greek Cypriot team and a local side on Turkish soil. . . . more . . .
Benitez backs Gerrard to carry on scoring (Aug 02, 2005)
Rafael Benitez has backed Steven Gerrard to maintain his astonishing Champions League goalscoring record after the Liverpool captain took his tally to seven in this season's competition with the opener in Liverpool's 2-0 win over FBK Kaunas. . . . more . . .
Gerrard rescues lacklustre Liverpool (Aug 02, 2005)
Steven Gerrard came off the substitutes bench to lift Liverpool from their slumber after the European champions struggled to impress against Lithuanian side FBK Kaunas at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Ferguson has the cash if he wants Owen (Aug 01, 2005)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been given the green light to bid for Real Madrid's Michael Owen and must now decide whether the England striker fits into his plans. . . . more . . .
Lyon warns Chelsea of Arsenal interest in Essien (Aug 01, 2005)
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has warned Chelsea they might face competition from Arsenal for Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien. . . . more . . .
Lynchpin Lampard ready for golden year (Aug 01, 2005)
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has come a long way in four years when his 11-million-pound move from West Ham was greeted with disbelief by the Stamford Bridge faithful. . . . more . . .
Liverpool prepared to loan Baros say Schalke (Aug 01, 2005)
Schalke 04 claim Liverpool have told Czech international striker Milan Baros he can leave the club on loan and are now closing in on his signature. . . . more . . .
Schalke admit defeat in Baros chase (Aug 01, 2005)
Schalke 04 have finally admitted defeat in their bid to lure Czech international striker Milan Baros away from Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Vigo rebuffed on Kleberson; closing in on Viana (Aug 01, 2005)
Newly-promoted Spanish First Division side Celta Vigo said they had failed in their bid to buy Manchester United's Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson but were closing in on signing Portuguese international midfielder Hugo Viana from Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Gazza looks for hopes to produce stars as coach of minor Portuguese team (Aug 01, 2005)
Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne hopes to produce some top players during his spell as player-coach of minor league club Algarve United. . . . more . . .
The best day of my life says Real new boy Baptista (Aug 01, 2005)
Julio Cesar Baptista, Real Madrid's new 24.5 million euro striker, was officially unveiled at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium here. . . . more . . .
Japan trip a huge success say Bayern (Aug 01, 2005)
German champions Bayern Munich declared their pre-season trip to Japan a roaring success and claimed it was possible that stars such as Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn could soon be talking to fans in Japanese. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan complete Samuel transfer (Aug 01, 2005)
Inter Milan have completed the signing of Argentine defender Walter Samuel from Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Vieira-less Arsenal can still win the title; Bergkamp (Aug 01, 2005)
Arsenal without their talismanic skipper Patrick Vieira are still in the running to win the Premiership title, veteran defender Dennis Bergkamp claimed. . . . more . . .
