Archive soccer news from around the world
French World Cup winner Lizarazu to join Zidane on sidelines (Apr 30, 2006)
Former French international defender and World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu will quit football at the end of this season, the player said. . . . more . . .
Quickfire Juve back on track (Apr 30, 2006)
Serie A leaders Juventus put their faltering title quest back on track with a resounding 3-0 win at Siena. . . . more . . .
Hearts hammer Celtic to close on Champions League (Apr 30, 2006)
Hearts hammered Celtic 3-0 at Tynecastle to take a huge step towards clinching second place in the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux book Champions League place (Apr 30, 2006)
Bordeaux virtually made sure of their place in the Champions League next season when a 2-2 draw against Le Mans put them almost out of sight of their nearest rivals. . . . more . . .
Giuly expects Henry to join Barcelona (Apr 30, 2006)
Barcelona's Ludovic Giuly has hinted that he expects Thierry Henry to quit Arsenal and join the Spanish champions at the Camp Nou next season. . . . more . . .
Unhappy Mourinho considered quitting (Apr 30, 2006)
Jose Mourinho has admitted he was close to walking out on Chelsea earlier this season because the club does not get as much credit as it deserves. . . . more . . .
Barca still waiting for title after Valencia victory (Apr 30, 2006)
Valencia's emphatic 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Alaves meant that Barcelona had to put the champagne to celebrate their second successive championship back on ice. . . . more . . .
Tottenham race towards Champions League (Apr 30, 2006)
Tottenham took a huge step towards Champions League qualification as Aaron Lennon's goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. . . . more . . .
Owen still on course for World Cup after scare (Apr 30, 2006)
Striker Michael Owen is still on course for the World Cup despite suffering a scare in Newcastle's 0-0 draw at Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Celtic's Maloney wins awards double (Apr 30, 2006)
Celtic striker Shaun Maloney became the first player to be named both Player and Young Player of the Year by his fellow professionals in Scotland. . . . more . . .
Bayern Munich win German Cup (Apr 29, 2006)
A Claudio Pizarro header earned Bayern Munich a 1-0 German Cup final victory over Eintracht Frankfurt to put them firmly on course for a second consecutive league and cup double. . . . more . . .
Curbishley leaves Charlton (Apr 29, 2006)
Alan Curbishley will leave Charlton at the end of the season, the club announced. . . . more . . .
Charlton fail to honour Curbishley (Apr 29, 2006)
Alan Curbishley's final match in charge at The Valley ended with Charlton going down to a 2-0 defeat by Blackburn, who boosted their hopes of European football next season. . . . more . . .
Chelsea crowned champions as United crushed (Apr 29, 2006)
Imperious Chelsea were crowned champions of England once again when they emphatically crushed the distant title hopes of closest rivals Manchester United, beating them 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Bayern eye cup as first leg of double (Apr 29, 2006)
No German team has managed to win the league and cup double in successive seasons but Bayern Munich have a great chance of achieving that feat if they can defeat Eintracht Frankfurt in the German cup final. . . . more . . .
Rooney out for six weeks: United (Apr 29, 2006)
Wayne Rooney's World Cup dream suffered a potentially shattering blow when Manchester United confirmed the striker will be out of action for six weeks after breaking his foot in the Premiership clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
English press wail as Rooney succumbs to 'the curse of the metatarsal' (Apr 29, 2006)
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney dominates English press which viewed the fracture of the metatarsal bone in his right foot as a potentially fatal blow to England's World Cup chances. . . . more . . .
Maiden Marseille v PSG Cup final making waves (Apr 29, 2006)
Arch rivals Marseille and Paris St Germain will face more than a test of their trophy-winning potential in their first ever meeting in a French Cup final. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth leaving nothing to chance in relegation fight (Apr 29, 2006)
Portsmouth's desperate struggle to beat relegation from the Premiership takes them to Wigan, where they hope to have striker Lomana LuaLua back - thanks in part to some unorthodox medical treatment. . . . more . . .
PSG lift French Cup as fans battle (Apr 29, 2006)
Paris Saint Germain won the French Cup for the seventh time with a 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Marseille but the showpiece was scarred by fighting between fans outside the Stade de France. . . . more . . .
Celta Vigo keep alive Champions League hopes (Apr 29, 2006)
Celta Vigo continued their surprising season with a 2-0 win at local Galician rivals and fellow UEFA Cup contenders Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Rooney out to ruin Chelsea's Premiership party plans (Apr 29, 2006)
Wayne Rooney is determined to wreck Chelsea's plans to celebrate winning the Premiership when Manchester United march into Stamford Bridge hell-bent on stopping the show going ahead. . . . more . . .
Spotlight turns on McClaren after Scolari drops out (Apr 29, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari's shock withdrawal from the race to become the next England manager has turned the spotlight firmly back on Steve McClaren to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Barca look for Valencia help to lift title (Apr 29, 2006)
After their match at Sevilla was washed out last Sunday, runaway league leaders Barcelona have another chance to clinch their second successive Spanish championship this weekend but will need Valencia to help them. . . . more . . .
Eriksson will take Rooney to World Cup (Apr 29, 2006)
England national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said he will take hobbling striker Wayne Rooney to the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Injured Rooney faces World Cup heartbreaker (Apr 29, 2006)
Wayne Rooney's World Cup dream suffered a potentially shattering blow when Manchester United confirmed the striker will be out of action for six weeks after breaking his foot in the Premiership clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho moves Barca closer to title (Apr 29, 2006)
Barcelona made hard work of beating struggling Cadiz but their 1-0 victory against the second-bottom team in the Spanish first division took them to the verge of being crowned champions. . . . more . . .
Kahn to call it quits in 2008 (Apr 29, 2006)
German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has said that he will retire in 2008 when he will be 38. . . . more . . .
England left sweating over Rooney (Apr 29, 2006)
England suffered a massive World Cup scare when striker Wayne Rooney was stretchered off in the closing stages of Manchester United's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Chelsea clinch second title as Pompey survive (Apr 29, 2006)
Chelsea wrapped up their second consecutive Premiership title in style by beating nearest rivals Manchester United 3-0 in front of their own suppporters. . . . more . . .
Rooney injury sparks World Cup concern (Apr 29, 2006)
England striker Wayne Rooney was stretchered off after suffering a right foot injury in Manchester United's 3-0 loss at Chelsea here. . . . more . . .
Spotlight turns on McClaren after Scolari drops out (Apr 28, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari's shock withdrawal from the race to become the next England manager has turned the spotlight firmly back on Steve McClaren to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Gudjohnsen back for Chelsea (Apr 28, 2006)
Eidur Gudjohnsen is back for Chelsea who need just a point against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to seal back-to-back Premiership triumphs. . . . more . . .
Sky retains grip on Premiership television rights (Apr 28, 2006)
The English Premier League announced it had awarded BSkyB the television rights to at least half of the 138 lives matches from 2007 to 2010. . . . more . . .
Scolari pulls out of England running (Apr 28, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari said that he had pulled out of the running to become the new coach of England. . . . more . . .
PSG groups slam organisers over Cup final security (Apr 28, 2006)
Paris St Germain supporters groups have claimed that Saturday's French Cup final between the capital club and bitter rivals Marseille could descend into violence due to a lack of organisation on the part of the French Football Federation and security officials. . . . more . . .
Big Phil under fire for England snub (Apr 28, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari and the English Football Association came under fire after the Brazilian's shock decision to withdraw from the race to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach. . . . more . . .
Olympiakos snap up Ecuador's Borja (Apr 28, 2006)
Greek champions Olympiakos Piraeus announced that they had signed Ecuador striker Felix Borja on a four-year contract. . . . more . . .
Independiente deny Aguero sale to Atletico (Apr 28, 2006)
Independiente club president Julio Comparada has rubbished Spanish press reports that teenage Argentine starlet Sergio Aguero has signed for Atletico Madrid. . . . more . . .
Mullins, Garcia lose FA Cup red card appeal (Apr 28, 2006)
West Ham's Hayden Mullins and Luis Garcia of Liverpool will miss next month's FA Cup final after their appeals for wrongful dismissal were rejected by the Football Association. . . . more . . .
Cisse hoping recent goals earn him ultimate reward (Apr 28, 2006)
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse is hoping his late season goalscoring form will catch the eye of France coach Raymond Domenech and earn him a World Cup call-up. . . . more . . .
Scolari offered England job (Apr 27, 2006)
Luis Felipe Scolari is poised to take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager of England. . . . more . . .
'Big Phil' offered England job (Apr 27, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari is to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager, a series of reports said, sparking surprise -- and some protests -- that the job should go to a foreign coach for a second time. . . . more . . .
Henry picks up record third Footballer of the Year award (Apr 27, 2006)
Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry became the first player to be named Footballer of the Year for the third time. . . . more . . .
Four-star Boro set up Sevilla showdown (Apr 27, 2006)
Massimo Maccarone hit a last-gasp winner to complete a remarkable and unlikely comeback from three goals behind as Middlesbrough beat Steaua Bucharest 4-2 to reach the UEFA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Germany great Matthaus tips Argentina for World Cup glory (Apr 27, 2006)
West Germany's 1990 World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus claims Argentina are in a better position to lift this summer's World Cup than their South American rivals Brazil. . . . more . . .
Injured Messi making good progress: doctor (Apr 27, 2006)
Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi is making good progress from a leg injury and could be close to making his return to action, according to Argentina team doctor Donato Villani. . . . more . . .
Barca in heaven as Real go back to drawing board (Apr 27, 2006)
In turmoil after three trophyless seasons and hit by the imminent departure of Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid are facing up to a summer of disruption after chairman Fernando Martin's recent resignation. . . . more . . .
Four-star Boro rise from the dead again (Apr 27, 2006)
For the second successive tie, Massimo Maccarone hit a last-gasp winner to complete a remarkable and unlikely comeback from three goals behind as Middlesbrough beat Steaua Bucharest 4-2 to reach the Uefa Cup final. . . . more . . .
Scolari pulls out of England running: report (Apr 27, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari reportedly said that he had pulled out of the running to become the new coach of England. . . . more . . .
McClaren shrugs off England woe to mastermind Euro glory (Apr 27, 2006)
After watching his Middlesbrough side reach the UEFA Cup final with their second astonishing comeback in successive rounds, Steve McClaren insisted the speculation over the England job had never been a distraction. . . . more . . .
FIFA takes court action over World Cup trademarks (Apr 27, 2006)
Just six weeks before this year's World Cup finals in Germany kick off, football's governing body FIFA went to Germany's federal court in a bid to protect its exclusive rights to trademark names linked to the tournament. . . . more . . .
Owen says he's ready to return (Apr 27, 2006)
England striker Michael Owen delivered his country's World Cup hopes a major boost with confirmation that he is ready to return to Premiership action this weekend. . . . more . . .
Zico warns smallest mistake will snuff out Japan's World Cup hopes (Apr 27, 2006)
Japan coach Zico warned that the smallest of mistakes could end their dreams of reaching the World Cup semi-finals from a tough group led by five-time champions Brazil. . . . more . . .
Scolari offered England job: reports (Apr 27, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari is poised to take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager of England, according to reports here. . . . more . . .
Portugal's injured Sabrosa in doubt for World Cup (Apr 27, 2006)
Benfica striker Simao Sabrosa is in doubt for this year's World Cup finals after he sprained his left ankle during a Portuguese league match last weekend, sports daily O Jogo reported. . . . more . . .
Clubs seek to overturn Cup Final bans (Apr 27, 2006)
Liverpool and West Ham formally lodged appeals against the red cards received by Luis Garcia and Hayden Mullins the previous evening which could see both players banned from the FA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Chelsea fined for indiscipline at West Brom (Apr 27, 2006)
Chelsea were fined 10,000 pounds (18,000 dollars) by the Football Association for failing to control their players during an ill-tempered match against West Bromwich last month. . . . more . . .
Middlesbrough bid for first European final (Apr 27, 2006)
Middlesbrough are aiming to keep double cup disappointment at bay when they face Steaua Bucharest at the Riverside stadium in a bid to book their first ever European final. . . . more . . .
Germany veteran Nowotny confirms Bayer exit (Apr 27, 2006)
Germany World Cup hopeful Jens Nowotny confirmed he will end his ten-year spell with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Scolari faces battle to convince doubters (Apr 27, 2006)
Luiz Felipe Scolari is on the verge of being named as England's next manager but his first battle looks like being to win over the doubters who insisted the job should have gone to an Englishman. . . . more . . .
FIFA suffers setback over World Cup trademarks (Apr 27, 2006)
Football's world governing body FIFA suffered a serious setback in its bid to protect its World Cup sponsors when Germany's federal court lifted the copyright for three German-language slogans on 860 products. . . . more . . .
England haven't offered me the job yet says Scolari (Apr 27, 2006)
Portugal's Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed he has held talks with England's Football Association (FA) but said he has received no offer to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager after the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Taylor blasts 'pathetic' search for England manager (Apr 26, 2006)
Former England manager Graham Taylor has blasted the Football Association's search for the next national team boss as "pathetic". . . . more . . .
Ancelotti puts trust in Italian know-how to upset Barca (Apr 26, 2006)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admits that containing Ronaldinho on a night when he is in the mood can amount to mission impossible. . . . more . . .
Hearts' Webster put on transfer list (Apr 26, 2006)
Scottish Premier League side Hearts have put Andy Webster on the transfer list because majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov claims he cannot trust the defender. . . . more . . .
You won't wind me up says Rooney (Apr 26, 2006)
England striker Wayne Rooney says he has mentally prepared for the threat posed to his game by rival defenders at the World Cup in Germany this summer. . . . more . . .
Wenger wary of Ronaldinho in Paris (Apr 26, 2006)
Arsene Wenger singled out Ronaldinho as the danger man for Arsenal in Paris next month after watching Barcelona win their Champions League semi-final against AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Barca set up dream final against Gunners (Apr 26, 2006)
Barcelona will meet Arsenal in a Champions League final that will delight football purists around the world after holding AC Milan to a goalless draw here. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Martin resigns (Apr 26, 2006)
Real Madrid president Fernando Martin resigned after less than two months in the post. . . . more . . .
Lehmann reveals how homework gave him edge on Riquelme (Apr 26, 2006)
Life just keeps getting better for Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, and it's all thanks to doing his homework. . . . more . . .
Eriksson sends Cole World Cup ultimatum (Apr 26, 2006)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson warned defender Ashley Cole that he will have to play more for Arsenal if he wants to be considered for the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Scotland name four new players for Japan trip (Apr 26, 2006)
Scotland coach Walter Smith has named four new players in his 20-man squad for the Kirin Cup tournament in Japan next month where they will face Bulgaria and the hosts. . . . more . . .
Wenger happy to reap reward as Gunners reach final (Apr 26, 2006)
Arsene Wenger has described Arsenal's achievement in reaching the Champions League final as vindication for nearly a decade of hard work at Highbury and insisted the Gunners can go on to lift the trophy. . . . more . . .
World Cup blow as Aussie Cahill out for six weeks (Apr 26, 2006)
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill's World Cup hopes have been thrown into doubt after the Premiership club revealed he will be sidelined for six weeks with knee ligament damage. . . . more . . .
Cahill blow adds to Hiddink's World Cup problems (Apr 26, 2006)
Tim Cahill has added to Australia coach Guus Hiddink's World Cup problems after being ruled out of action for the next six weeks. . . . more . . .
Zidane confirms farewell, eyes coaching role with kids (Apr 26, 2006)
Real Madrid star and France legend Zinedine Zidane has explained his decision to retire after the World Cup finals in Germany and not play on with his club for another year. . . . more . . .
Cisse double sinks Hammers (Apr 26, 2006)
Djibril Cisse kept alive Liverpool's faint hopes of snatching second place in the Premiership as his brace sealed a controversial 2-1 win over West Ham. . . . more . . .
Valencia's Aimar happy to stay put (Apr 26, 2006)
Valencia's inspirational Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar said he was happy to see out the remaining two years of his contract if that's what his Spanish club wanted. . . . more . . .
Sweet revenge as China's Dalian downs Japan's Gamba (Apr 26, 2006)
China's Dalian Shide outclassed Japan's Gamba Osaka on a waterlogged pitch to score sweet revenge and position themselves for a berth in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Sporting Lisbon's Sa Pinto set to retire (Apr 26, 2006)
Sporting Lisbon's star striker Ricardo Manuel Silva Sa Pinto, announced he will retire from football at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Kahn still Germany keeper, according to sticker album (Apr 26, 2006)
Oliver Kahn may have lost the Germany goalkeeping position to rival Jens Lehmann, but according to the Panini World Cup sticker album he is still the No. 1. . . . more . . .
Slavia Prague see red over twin sendings-off (Apr 26, 2006)
Slavia Prague downed tools and walked off the pitch in the second half of their crucial league encounter against Slovan Liberec in protest after two of their players were sent off. . . . more . . .
Naturalised Pernia dreams of Spanish World Cup success (Apr 26, 2006)
Mariano Pernia of Spanish first division side Getafe said he hoped to taste World Cup glory with Spain after the Argentine became a naturalised Spaniard. . . . more . . .
Reds are on the rise: Gerrard (Apr 25, 2006)
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard warned that his side are on the rise and will be better equipped than ever to challenge Chelsea for next year's Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Man City buck losing run at Villa (Apr 25, 2006)
Manchester City had Darius Vassell to thank for bucking their run of six successive losses with a 1-0 win at Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Scolari quells speculation over England job (Apr 25, 2006)
Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has moved to quell speculation linking him with the job of England manager, insisting his ties with Football Association powerbroker David Dein are just friendly. . . . more . . .
Deisler back in treatment for depression (Apr 25, 2006)
Bayern Munich's German international midfielder Sebastian Deisler has revealed that he is again receiving treatment for depression after being ruled out of this summer's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Ljungberg battles injury nightmare (Apr 25, 2006)
Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has revealed his battle against injury which includes having blood drained from his foot after every match. . . . more . . .
Newcastle boss denies Roeder reports (Apr 25, 2006)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has denied reports that Glenn Roeder is set to be appointed the club's manager on a permanent basis. . . . more . . .
Wembley Stadium legal battle kicks off in London (Apr 25, 2006)
A multi-million-pound legal battle kicked off in London between Australian construction group Multiplex and one of its key subcontractors on the delay-dogged Wembley Stadium project. . . . more . . .
Everton legend Labone dies (Apr 25, 2006)
Former Everton and England defender Brian Labone has died aged 66, the Premiership club revealed. . . . more . . .
Wiltord looking to settle future before World Cup (Apr 25, 2006)
Lyon's France international striker Sylvain Wiltord said he wanted to settle his future with the French league champions before heading to the World Cup this summer. . . . more . . .
French press dream of glorious World Cup sendoff for Zizou (Apr 25, 2006)
The French press were dreaming of a glorious World Cup sendoff for Zinedine Zidane the day after he announced his decision to retire following this summer's tournament. . . . more . . .
Costa Rica unveil World Cup shortlist (Apr 25, 2006)
Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes has unveiled a shortlist of 28 players for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Charlton make offer for Japan's Nakata (Apr 25, 2006)
Charlton Athletic have made an offer for Japanese star midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, who is on currently loan with English Premier League rivals Bolton. . . . more . . .
Gunners ride their luck all the way to Paris (Apr 25, 2006)
Jens Lehmann saved a last-ditch penalty from Argentinian playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme as Arsenal rode their luck all the way to the final of the Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Bayern target van Buyten (Apr 25, 2006)
German giants Bayern Munich have targetted SV Hamburg captain and Belgian international Daniel van Buyten, according to sources close to the player. . . . more . . .
Zidane has told Real he is hanging up boots (Apr 25, 2006)
Real Madrid star and French World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane has already told the club he is retiring at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Managers' chief calls for homegrown England boss (Apr 25, 2006)
Managers' union chief John Barnwell has called for an English coach to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Zidane to retire after World Cup (Apr 25, 2006)
Real Madrid's inspirational French playmaker Zinedine Zidane announced that he will retire from football after this summer's World Cup in Germany. . . . more . . .
I'm not out of England job yet says Allardyce (Apr 25, 2006)
Sam Allardyce said he was still in the running for the England manager's job though admitted the credentials of Luiz Felipe Scolari were impressive. . . . more . . .
Five goalkeepers vie for place on Poland's World Cup squad (Apr 25, 2006)
Picking out their best goalkeeper may not be easy for some countries but in Poland the decision is particularly tough - no less than five players are vying to be selected for this summer's World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Scolari focused on Portugal job: agent (Apr 24, 2006)
Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, back in the running for the England manager's job according to press reports, will be firmly focused on World Cup success with Portugal, his agent said. . . . more . . .
Wenger tells Gunners to go for Euro kill (Apr 24, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he will not sacrifice his attacking principles when the Gunners take aim at a first ever appearance in the Champions League final this week. . . . more . . .
Asian football chief sees lucrative commercial opportunities in China (Apr 24, 2006)
Developing football in China has become a priority for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammed bin Hammam, who sees massive commercial opportunities in the booming economic powerhouse. . . . more . . .
Iranian women allowed into stadiums, breaking long taboo (Apr 24, 2006)
Hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has announced that Iranian women can go to stadiums to watch sporting events, putting an end to a ban imposed after the 1979 Islamic revolution. . . . more . . .
Australian keeper Didulica fined 60,000 euros (Apr 24, 2006)
Australian international goalkeeper Joey Didulica has been slapped with a 60,000 euro fine for seriously injuring an opposing player during a clash between his Austria Vienna side and city rivals Rapid Vienna. . . . more . . .
French football coach Troussier in line for China job: state media (Apr 24, 2006)
Globe-trotting French football coach Philippe Troussier has been named the favorite to coach China's national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, state press reported. . . . more . . .
Missing Brazilian striker returns (Apr 24, 2006)
FC Zurich's Brazilian striker Rafael de Araujo, who went missing for three days in an alleged blackmail plot, handed himself into Swiss police. . . . more . . .
No legal obstacle to FIFA adopting anti-doping code: arbitrators (Apr 24, 2006)
Sport's top arbitrators said Monday that FIFA had not fully complied with the world anti-doping code and there were no legal grounds to prevent football's governing body from doing so. . . . more . . .
No legal obstacle to FIFA adopting anti-doping code (Apr 24, 2006)
Sport's top arbitrators have said that FIFA had not fully complied with the world anti-doping code and there were no legal grounds to prevent football's governing body from doing so. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann puts World Cup hopefuls through paces (Apr 24, 2006)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has put 17 of his country's World Cup hopefuls through their paces at a training camp here to test their fitness before this summer's tournament. . . . more . . .
Relaxed Riquelme confident he can shoot down Gunners (Apr 24, 2006)
Argentinian ace Juan Roman Riquelme has warned Arsenal that under-dogs Villarreal will play free from pressure as they seek to shatter the Gunners' Champions League ambitions here. . . . more . . .
Five goalkeepers vie for place on Poland's World Cup squad (Apr 24, 2006)
Picking out their best goalkeeper may not be easy for some countries but in Poland the decision is particularly tough - no less than five players are vying to be selected for this summer's World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Makaay extends Bayern stay (Apr 24, 2006)
Bayern Munich's Dutch international striker Roy Makaay has confirmed that he has extended his contract with the German side by a year until 2008. . . . more . . .
Wenger backs Campbell to reign in Spain (Apr 24, 2006)
Arsene Wenger is confident that Sol Campbell can handle a high-pressure return to the limelight in Arsenal's Champions League crunch with Villarreal. . . . more . . .
Scolari back in running for England job (Apr 24, 2006)
Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is back in the running to take over as England coach after this summer's finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Beckham too weak to captain England, warns Robson (Apr 23, 2006)
West Brom manager and former-England captain Bryan Robson claimed Sunday that Real Madrid star David Beckham is too weak to captain the national side and should be replaced for the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Wenger not McClaren right for England job, says Southgate (Apr 23, 2006)
Middlesbrough captain Gareth Southgate believes that Arsene Wenger would be the ideal man to take over as England manager and not his club boss Steve McClaren. . . . more . . .
Valencia and rain spoil Barca championship party (Apr 23, 2006)
Valencia's David Villa and a downpour in Seville put a damper on Barcelona's championship celebrations. . . . more . . .
Shearer grateful to have 'lived the dream' (Apr 23, 2006)
Alan Shearer insisted that he'd fulfilled his dream after confirming that he had brought forward his retirement from professional football. . . . more . . .
Scouse honour as Gerrard and Rooney clinch awards (Apr 23, 2006)
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney picked up two more honors to add to their glittering collections. . . . more . . .
Harewood fires West Ham into FA Cup final (Apr 23, 2006)
A Marlon Harewood second-half super strike gave West Ham a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park. . . . more . . .
Harry 'Houdini' ready for last-day drop finale (Apr 23, 2006)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp tipped the Premiership relegation race to go right until the final kick of the season after seeing his side come from behind to salvage a crucial late 2-1 victory over already doomed Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Robson accepts Albion are for the drop (Apr 23, 2006)
West Bromwich Albion manager Bryan Robson said the club's 3-0 defeat away to Newcastle United meant "it looks like we will be relegated." . . . more . . .
Monaco keep dreaming of Europe after Lyon victory (Apr 23, 2006)
Monaco kept their faint UEFA Cup hopes alive with a battling display to overcome newly-crowned five-time champions Lyon at Stade Louis II. . . . more . . .
Injured Schwarzer sweats on World Cup dream (Apr 23, 2006)
Mark Schwarzer is set to learn whether or not he will be fit for Australia's World Cup campaign after suffering a suspected fractured cheekbone. . . . more . . .
Makaay stakes World Cup claim as Bayern rescue point (Apr 23, 2006)
Roy Makaay gave Netherlands national coach Marco van Basten a timely reminder of his striking talents ahead of the World Cup by scoring twice in Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw with lowly Mainz 05. . . . more . . .
Aussie keeper Schwarzer faces World Cup fitness battle (Apr 23, 2006)
Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer faces a World Cup fitness battle after suffering a suspected fractured cheekbone in Middlesbrough's FA Cup semi-final defeat against West Ham. . . . more . . .
Jackson clinches US victory (Apr 23, 2006)
Jamea Jackson clinched victory for the United States in their Fed Cup World Group first round tie against Germany on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Redknapp quizzed in betting probe (Apr 23, 2006)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that he has been quizzed by the Football Association (FA) as part of an investigation into allegations of insider betting. . . . more . . .
Valencia's Villa kills Barca's proposed championship celebration (Apr 23, 2006)
Valencia's David Villa put Barcelona's championship celebrations on hold with a hat trick in the last nine minutes to give the 2004 champions a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao. . . . more . . .
Rangers pick up precious point in Old Firm draw (Apr 23, 2006)
Rangers have picked up a precious point in their bid to finish second behind arch-rivals Celtic after the final meeting of season between the Glasgow giants ended in a scoreless draw. . . . more . . .
Cole gunning to bury misery of last-gasp miss (Apr 23, 2006)
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole warned that he will be gunning to ease the misery of his last-gasp FA Cup miss by making sure his side clinch the Premiership title next weekend. . . . more . . .
Spurs aim to bury ghost of Highbury (Apr 22, 2006)
If Tottenham are to fulfill their dream of competing in the Champions League, they will be required to lay another ghost to rest on their final trip to Highbury. . . . more . . .
Henry rescues Arsenal as Spurs stay ahead (Apr 22, 2006)
Thierry Henry has salvaged Arsenal's hopes of snatching fourth place in the Premiership as his late goal earned a 1-1 draw with Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Mourinho rules out another Gerrard bid (Apr 22, 2006)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has insisted that he will not join the bidding for Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard for the third summer in succession. . . . more . . .
Wenger blasts Spurs over goal 'lie' (Apr 22, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has accused the Tottenham bench of "lying" after Robbie Keane scored the visitors' controversial opener in the 1-1 north London derby draw here at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Everton edge Birmingham nearer the drop (Apr 22, 2006)
Birmingham City were pushed closer to the relegation trapdoor on Saturday despite hanging on for a deserved point against Everton in a goalless draw at Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Strugglers battle to beat relegation trapdoor (Apr 22, 2006)
Portsmouth are confident they can avoid the Premiership relegation trapdoor and condemn West Brom and Birmingham to the drop. . . . more . . .
Hurting Mourinho tells Reds: you'll never win the league (Apr 22, 2006)
Jose Mourinho has claimed Liverpool have no chance of challenging Chelsea in the Premiership, despite his side's FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Rafael Benitez's men. . . . more . . .
Villarreal rest stars and crash (Apr 22, 2006)
Villarreal, with one eye of their Champions League semi-final clash with Arsenal, paid a heavy price for resting their leading lights when they were beaten 2-0 by Real Sociedad in the Spanish League. . . . more . . .
Benitez backs under-dogs to bite in FA Cup showdown (Apr 22, 2006)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted his side are under-dogs to Chelsea as the two sides prepare to lock horns for the 10th time in two seasons to decide who wins through to the FA Cup final. . . . more . . .
Shearer confirms end of career (Apr 22, 2006)
Veteran Newcastle captain Alan Shearer has confirmed that his career has been finished by a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Wenger hits out at 'liar' Jol as Spurs stay ahead (Apr 22, 2006)
Arsene Wenger branded Tottenham manager Martin Jol "a liar" after his Arsenal side drew a hugely contentious north London derby 1-1 here at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Shearer the ultimate professional says Brooking (Apr 22, 2006)
Sir Trevor Brooking believes Alan Shearer's only regret from a sterling career would be not bringing down the curtain on his career in front of 50,000 Newcastle United fans. . . . more . . .
Tension high in Turin as Juve get the jitters (Apr 22, 2006)
Serie A leaders Juventus will face a test of character at the Delle Alpi stadium when they host a resurgent Lazio. . . . more . . .
Ameobi sends Albion nearer Premiership exit (Apr 22, 2006)
Striker Shola Ameobi has improved Newcastle United's chances of qualifying for the UEFA Cup with a brace in a 3-0 victory which further dented West Brom's hopes of beating the drop. . . . more . . .
Liverpool wreck Chelsea double dream (Apr 22, 2006)
Chelsea's hopes of claiming a first domestic double were shattered at Old Trafford as Liverpool emerged from an enthralling FA Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory. . . . more . . .
Hibs break Hearts to boost Gers' hopes (Apr 22, 2006)
Abdessalam Benjelloun struck a late winner for Hibernian to clinch a 2-1 win over derby rivals Hearts, a result which will also boost the wishful blue half of Glasgow. . . . more . . .
10-man Nancy repeat Cup success over Nice (Apr 22, 2006)
Ten-man Nancy overcame the second half dismissal of defender Sebastien Puygrenier to stun Nice 2-1 in the French League Cup final here at the Stade de France. . . . more . . .
Bolton enhance UEFA Cup hopes at Charlton's expense (Apr 22, 2006)
Sam Allardyce beat Alan Curbishley in the battle of the prospective England managers after a superb first-half performance from his Bolton side set up a 4-1 victory over Charlton. . . . more . . .
Fab four will be fine for Germany says Eriksson (Apr 22, 2006)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident four of his key players will brush aside their injury woes and play a part in their World Cup campaign. . . . more . . .
Milan slash Juve lead to three points (Apr 22, 2006)
Juventus's shaky grip on the Italian title appears even more tenuous after AC Milan slashed their lead at the top to just three points. . . . more . . .
Taylor boosts Pompey survival hopes (Apr 22, 2006)
Matthew Taylor scored a dramatic late penalty winner to move Portsmouth a giant step closer to Premiership survival as Harry Redknapp's side came from behind to claim a crucial 2-1 home victory against already-relegated Sunderland at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Hamburg stumble pushes Bayern closer to title (Apr 22, 2006)
SV Hamburg spurned the chance to make certain of Champions League football next season following a 2-0 loss against Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Zidane to announce retirement on April 26 (Apr 21, 2006)
World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane is almost certain to announce his retirement after the World Cup during a press conference on Wednesday, radio station Cadena Ser claimed. . . . more . . .
Ex-Brazil coach Santana dies, age 74 (Apr 21, 2006)
Former Brazil national coach Tele Santana has died at the age of 74. . . . more . . .