Archive soccer news from around the world
Nancy advance past rampaging Dutch (Nov 30, 2006)
French side Nancy held on to win 3-0 at home against Feyenoord in their UEFA Cup Group E tie despite the match being temporarily halted because of rampaging Dutch fans. . . . more . . .
UEFA Cup match stopped as Dutch fans run riot (Nov 30, 2006)
Rampaging Dutch fans forced an early stoppage to the UEFA Cup tie between hosts Nancy and Feyenoord after the French side had romped to a 3-0 lead. . . . more . . .
Job done as Newcastle secure top spot (Nov 30, 2006)
Injury-plagued Newcastle United secured the point they needed to go into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup as group winners after a 0-0 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. . . . more . . .
Chicago's Soldier Field to host 2007 Gold Cup final (Nov 30, 2006)
Chicago's Soldier Field will host the semi-finals and final of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 12-nation tournament that will run from June 6-24, the regional football federation said. . . . more . . .
Headscarves fail to mask Asian women's class gap (Nov 30, 2006)
Jordan marked their women's international football debut by fielding three headscarfed-players before slumping to an embarrassing 13-0 defeat to Japan at the Asian Games. . . . more . . .
Terry hit with improper conduct charge over red card moan (Nov 30, 2006)
John Terry faces an extra one-match ban after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) over his comments about a red card he received during his side's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham earlier this month. . . . more . . .
Hargreaves hoping for surprise Christmas present (Nov 30, 2006)
Bayern Munich's England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves admits he still harbours hopes of a January move to Manchester United but admits it would be a surprise if the German champions let him leave. . . . more . . .
Chelsea boss Mourinho counting on Ballack to turn up heat on Man Utd (Nov 30, 2006)
Jose Mourinho is confident Michael Ballack, Chelsea's match-winner at Bolton, will earn his huge salary as the champions turn the screw on Manchester United in the Premiership title battle. . . . more . . .
Wenger fumes as title dreams slip away (Nov 30, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left fuming at the officials after his side crashed to 2-1 defeat at Fulham, a result which leaves their title hopes in tatters. . . . more . . .
Tensions high ahead of next PSG home match (Nov 30, 2006)
Paris is bracing itself for a possible backlash as the fall-out from last week's killing of a Paris St Germain supporter continues. . . . more . . .
Pearce dreaming of Europe after slaying away day jinx (Nov 30, 2006)
Stuart Pearce insists Manchester City can challenge for a European place after finally ending their desperate wait for a Premiership away win against Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Benitez accuses Portsmouth of time-wasting (Nov 30, 2006)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez accused Portsmouth of time-wasting as the Spaniard saw his side's faint title hopes disappear at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Fergie denies Giggs spat (Nov 30, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished suggestions that he had a bust up with veteran winger Ryan Giggs before Manchester UnitedÂ’s 3-0 victory over Everton. . . . more . . .
Sevilla stroll while Leverkusen struggle (Nov 29, 2006)
Reigning UEFA Cup champions Sevilla turned on the style, sweeping Grasshopper aside 4-0 in Zurich to guarantee their place in the next round. . . . more . . .
Pompey put paid to Liverpool title hopes (Nov 29, 2006)
Liverpool's Premiership title ambitions all but ended as Rafael Benitez's lacklustre side were held to a 0-0 draw by third-placed Portsmouth at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Ballack strikes to keep up the pressure (Nov 29, 2006)
Michael Ballack headed home a first half winner as Chelsea maintained their relentless pursuit of Premiership leaders Manchester United with a 1-0 win at Bolton. . . . more . . .
United refuse to come unstuck against toffees (Nov 29, 2006)
Manchester United maintained a three-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the Premiership as they brushed past Everton 3-0 at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Villa raided by inner-City smash and grab (Nov 29, 2006)
Darius Vassell extended his personal vendetta against Aston Villa to finally end Stuart Pearce's desperate wait for a Premiership away win. . . . more . . .
Gunners title hopes shot down by Fulham (Nov 29, 2006)
Fulham beat ten-man Arsenal 2-1 at Craven Cottage to end all hopes Arsene Wenger's side might have had of staying in the race for the Premiership title. . . . more . . .
China and Japan off to winning starts (Nov 29, 2006)
Rivals China and Japan got their Asian Games football gold medal campaigns off to flying starts while holders Iran buried their recent problems to also grab three points. . . . more . . .
Rooney cleared over nightclub clash (Nov 29, 2006)
England striker Wayne Rooney will not be charged following allegations he assaulted a photographer outside a Manchester nightclub. . . . more . . .
Bellamy cleared of nightclub assault (Nov 29, 2006)
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy was cleared at a Cardiff court of assaulting two teenage women in a heated nightclub clash. . . . more . . .
Defoe's not for sale, insists Jol (Nov 29, 2006)
Tottenham manager Martin Jol has warned clubs hoping to sign Jermain Defoe that the England striker is not for sale. . . . more . . .
Khalfan Ibrahim named Asian player of the year; Australia team of year (Nov 29, 2006)
Qatari teenager Khalfan Ibrahim was named Asian player of the year while Australia was voted Asian team of the year at a glittering awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi. . . . more . . .
Tevez baulks at Brazilian punishment (Nov 29, 2006)
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has endured a miserable time since his move to West Ham, but even he could never have thought things would get so bad he would be forced to wear the shirt of hated rivals Brazil. . . . more . . .
Injury setback for England star Hargreaves (Nov 29, 2006)
England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves must wait a little longer to make his comeback with his club Bayern Munich revealing that his broken leg had not healed properly. . . . more . . .
Rangers set to cut ties with Ricksen, Celts agree Pearson can leave (Nov 29, 2006)
Rangers are set to accept an offer of one million pounds to make hardman midfielder Fernando Ricksen's loan move to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg permanent. . . . more . . .
Mane in charge at Bilbao (Nov 29, 2006)
Athletic Bilbao have announced that they had appointed Jose Manuel Esnal Pardo, better-known as Mane, as their new coach replacing the sacked Felix Sarriugarte. . . . more . . .
United form leaves Brown, Silvestre out in the cold (Nov 29, 2006)
The blossoming partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has under-pinned Manchester United's best start to a Premiership campaign this season. . . . more . . .
Bierhoff backs Ballack to brush off criticism (Nov 29, 2006)
Under-fire Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will not let the stinging criticism in the English media affect him one bit, according to Germany's general manager Oliver Bierhoff. . . . more . . .
Cannavaro, Zidane and Ronaldinho contest FIFA prize (Nov 29, 2006)
Italian World Cup-winning skipper Fabio Cannavaro, Brazilian maestro Ronaldinho and French idol Zinedine Zidane have been shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award. . . . more . . .
Webber strikes again for the Blades (Nov 28, 2006)
Danny Webber struck late against his former club Watford to earn Sheffield United a crucial 1-0 win in a relegation struggle at Vicarage Road. . . . more . . .
Benfica's Miccoli in doubt for Old Trafford trip (Nov 28, 2006)
Benfica's Italian striker Fabrizio Miccoli is in doubt for next week's Champions League match against Manchester United after he injured his left thigh muscle in a weekend Portuguese league match. . . . more . . .
Tottenham target Lens teenager Taarabt (Nov 28, 2006)
Tottenham are targeting Lens' teenaged midfielder Adel Taarabt, sources at the French first division club revealed. . . . more . . .
Wenger fury at Henry award snub (Nov 28, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hit out after French striker Thierry Henry was overlooked once again for the European Player of the Year title. . . . more . . .
South Korea too good for Bangladesh, but Verbeek not happy (Nov 28, 2006)
South Korea proved too hot to handle for Bangladesh in their opening Asian Games football match, running out 3-0 winners, but it was a far from convincing display. . . . more . . .
Burundi stun Zambia in Challenge Cup (Nov 28, 2006)
Burundi delivered the shock of the East and Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup first-round matches with a 3-2 win over Zambia. . . . more . . .
Zenden set for surgery (Nov 28, 2006)
Liverpool's Dutch international midfielder Bolo Zenden is set to undergo knee surgery on November 29 that will keep him out of action until the new year. . . . more . . .
FIFA applauds removal of top Kenya football officials (Nov 28, 2006)
FIFA has lauded the removal of two top officials from the suspended Kenya Football Federation (KFF) as a step in the right direction to bring the country back into world soccer. . . . more . . .
Chelsea to launch Chinese website (Nov 28, 2006)
English Premiership champions Chelsea has announced that they will launch a new Chinese language website next year as they look to expand their marketing in Asia. . . . more . . .
German prosecutor calls for match-fixing referee to go free (Nov 28, 2006)
A German federal prosecutor has called for former referee Robert Hoyzer's conviction for match-fixing to be overturned. . . . more . . .
Cannavaro wins Ballon d'Or (Nov 27, 2006)
Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro won recognition for his stunning World Cup performance as Italy skipper by winning the prestigious European Footballer of the Year Award (Ballon d'Or). . . . more . . .
Struggling Bilbao sack manager (Nov 27, 2006)
Struggling Spanish first division side Athletic Bilbao have sacked their coach Felix Sarriugarte, the Basque club announced. . . . more . . .
Former Czech international to manage lowly English side Torquay (Nov 27, 2006)
Former Czech international Lubos Kubik has been named the new manager of lowly English league two division outfit Torquay United, on Monday. . . . more . . .
Tevez apologises for West Ham walk-out (Nov 27, 2006)
Carlos Tevez has apologised to West Ham for leaving Upton Park in response to his substitution during Saturday's 1-0 Premiership victory over Sheffield United. . . . more . . .
Singapore to play Indonesia at Asean Football Championship (Nov 27, 2006)
Defending champions Singapore will meet Indonesia during the group stage of next year's Asian Football Championship in a rematch of the 2004 final, organisers said after the draw. . . . more . . .
Lack of teamwork to blame for Brazil's World Cup failure: Pele (Nov 27, 2006)
Five-time world champions Brazil failed at this year's football World Cup in Germany because they did not play as a team, according to Pele. . . . more . . .
Pride at stake for Asian football powers after World Cup failure (Nov 27, 2006)
It might not be the World Cup but plenty is at stake in the Asian Games football tournament starting Tuesday, not least pride after the region's dismal failure in Germany. . . . more . . .
Reyna insists Manchester City can bounce back against Aston Villa (Nov 27, 2006)
Manchester City's Claudio Reyna believes his side can approach Wednesday's trip to Aston Villa in confident mood even though the Blues have won just one point on their Premiership travels this season. . . . more . . .
Sampredo sacked at Tarragona (Nov 27, 2006)
Gimnastic Tarragona have sacked coach Luis Cesar Sampedro after a 3-2 loss to Real Mallorca on Sunday, a defeat which leaves them languishing at the foot of the Spanish First Division. . . . more . . .
Blatter eyes goal-line technology within a year (Nov 27, 2006)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said he expects goal-line technology to be in use within a year but has ruled out video replays for disputed decisions while he is in charge. . . . more . . .
FIFA lift ban on Iran for Asian Games (Nov 27, 2006)
World football's governing body FIFA has temporarily lifted its ban on Iran so it can take part in the Asian Games football competition after frantic behind the scenes manoeuvering. . . . more . . .
Blatter hits out at rich clubs buying too many players (Nov 27, 2006)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hit out at rich clubs with inflated squads, accusing them of buying too many players and depriving smaller teams from being competitive. . . . more . . .
Ferguson claims psychological win after Chelsea draw (Nov 27, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson insisted his side had breached an important psychological barrier after Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford with champions Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Inter stay top as Totti hits back at critics (Nov 26, 2006)
Inter Milan brushed aside title-rivals Palermo 2-1 in Sicily as Roma skipper Francesco Totti hit back at his critics with goals in either half which lifted his side to a 4-2 win at Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Football's movers and shakers in Dubai to do business (Nov 26, 2006)
Football these days is as much about building brands and making money as it is about kicking a ball, and the top movers and shakers of the industry are in Dubai this weekend to do business. . . . more . . .
Sevilla stay on Barca trail as Raul saves Real (Nov 26, 2006)
Sevilla stayed in the hunt for the Spanish league title with a comprehensive 3-1 victory away at Athletic Bilbao. . . . more . . .
Lyon end year on top as PSG fail to shake off crisis (Nov 26, 2006)
Lyon picked up the largely honorific title of 'winter champions' with a 1-0 win at home against Auxerre as under-fire Paris Saint Germain failed to shake off the crisis surrounding the club with a 1-1 draw at Nantes. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart go third with Gladbach win (Nov 26, 2006)
VfB Stuttgart moved up to third two points behind leaders Schalke 04 with a 1-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. . . . more . . .
Wigan's run ends against Berbatov-inspired Spurs (Nov 26, 2006)
Tottenham ended Wigan's impressive run of form in the Premiership with a Dimitar Berbatov-inspired 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Honours even as missed chances cost United (Nov 26, 2006)
Manchester United maintained their three-point edge over Chelsea at the top of the Premiership but a 1-1 draw with the champions will go down as a missed opportunity for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. . . . more . . .
Totti double keeps Roma on track (Nov 26, 2006)
Goals in either half from skipper Francesco Totti inspired AS Roma to a 4-2 win at Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Sibierski finally seals a victory for Newcastle (Nov 26, 2006)
Substitute Antoine Sibierski has cemented his new status as a favourite of the Newcastle United fans by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth here. . . . more . . .
Argentinian Tevez set to be fined (Nov 26, 2006)
West Ham's Argentina international Carlos Tevez is expected to be fined after he left Upton Park following his substitution in their 1-0 win over Sheffield United. . . . more . . .
Magical Ronaldinho at the double (Nov 25, 2006)
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho went to the top of the Spanish league scoring charts with a double strike as Barcelona beat Villarreal 4-0 to open up a four-point gap at the top of the table. . . . more . . .
Le Tallec double sends Sochaux joint second (Nov 25, 2006)
A double from Anthony Le Tallec put Sochaux joint second in the French league with an emphatic 3-1 win at Lorient as Lille, held 1-1 by Monaco, missed the chance to close the gap on runaway leaders Lyon. . . . more . . .
Maldini strike eases pressure on Ancelotti (Nov 25, 2006)
AC Milan skipper Paolo Maldini grabbed the only goal of the game as AC Milan beat Messina 1-0 to help ease the pressure on underfire coach Carlo Ancelotti. . . . more . . .
Anelka returns to haunt Arsenal (Nov 25, 2006)
Nicolas Anelka shattered the title hopes of former club Arsenal by ending his Bolton goal drought with a double as the home side claimed a 3-1 win at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Gerrard's stunner sees off City (Nov 25, 2006)
Steven Gerrard was Liverpool's savior as his first league goal of the season killed off Manchester City's dogged defensive performance in a much-needed 1-0 victory at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Doyle spot-on to foil Fulham (Nov 25, 2006)
Kevin Doyle's penalty earned Reading a 1-0 victory over 10-man Fulham at Craven Cottage and made it three Premiership wins in succession for Steve Coppell's side. . . . more . . .
Rooney signs new deal with United (Nov 25, 2006)
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012. . . . more . . .
French judge questions policeman over fatal shooting of football fan (Nov 25, 2006)
A French examining magistrate questioned and then released a black French policeman who shot dead a football fan while protecting a Jewish man from a racist mob, judicial officials said. . . . more . . .
Comeback kings Bayern close gap on Schalke (Nov 25, 2006)
Title contenders Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen both closed the gap on surprise leaders Schalke 04 with respective wins over SV Hamburg and Arminia Bielefeld. . . . more . . .
Barry helps Villa to another draw (Nov 25, 2006)
High-flying Aston Villa preserved their unbeaten record at home this season with a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Mackie lifts Aberdeen (Nov 25, 2006)
Darren Mackie's double strike helped Aberdeen move back into second place in the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win at Dunfermline. . . . more . . .
Mullins gives Magnusson perfect start (Nov 25, 2006)
Hayden Mullins gave new West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson the perfect start to his reign as he clinched a 1-0 home win against Sheffield United. . . . more . . .
Reid strike earns reprieve for Charlton (Nov 25, 2006)
Andy Reid's first goal for Charlton alvaged a 1-1 draw against Everton at The Valley but failed to lift the Addicks off bottom spot in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Give ref a chance says Ferguson (Nov 25, 2006)
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has called on players not to crowd round and intimidate referee Howard Webb in Sunday's top-of-the-table match against Chelsea at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Dark horses Schalke go five clear (Nov 24, 2006)
Schalke 04 underlined their title ambitions by moving five points clear at the Bundesliga summit with a 2-1 win over local rivals VfL Bochum. . . . more . . .
Nakamura is like Beckham and Ronaldinho, say Celtic (Nov 24, 2006)
Celtic's Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura has been compared to David Beckham and world player of the year Ronaldinho after his sensational Champions League free-kick winner against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Ivanauskas back at Hearts helm (Nov 24, 2006)
Valdas Ivanauskas returned from Lithuania to resume his coaching job at Scottish Premier League side Hearts. . . . more . . .
Rooney quizzed over nightclub 'brawl' (Nov 24, 2006)
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney was questioned by police over allegations that a photographer was assaulted outside a nightclub. . . . more . . .
Chelsea ponder West Ham move for Wright-Phillips (Nov 24, 2006)
English champions Chelsea are prepared to sell unsettled winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to London rivals West Ham, the Stamford Bridge side's chief executive Peter Kenyon said. . . . more . . .
We want to dominate like United says Lampard (Nov 24, 2006)
Frank Lampard insists he won't be satisfied until Chelsea have emulated Manchester United's decade-long dominance of English football. . . . more . . .
Ferguson eyes six-point gap (Nov 24, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side can strike a decisive blow in the Premiership title race by taking Jose Mourinho's Chelsea into uncharted territory when the two sides meet at Old Trafford on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti plays down Milan's Serie A woes (Nov 24, 2006)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has claimed his fallen Serie A giants were enduring more of a difficult than dramatic period. . . . more . . .
Barca's Marquez is handed Spanish passport (Nov 24, 2006)
Barcelona's Mexican international defender Rafael Marquez has been granted Spanish nationality. . . . more . . .
Figo to retire and become investor in a year or two (Nov 24, 2006)
Inter Milan midfielder Luis Figo is planning to become a major business investor when he retires in "one or two years". . . . more . . .
Nigerian league finally gets kick-off date (Nov 24, 2006)
The Nigeria Football League (NFL) has announced that the 2006/07 premier season will now begin on January 6. . . . more . . .
West Ham's Ferdinand in court on assault charge (Nov 24, 2006)
West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand has appeared in court charged with assault and violent disorder. . . . more . . .
I'm still improving insists Fabregas (Nov 24, 2006)
Arsenal's teenaged midfielder Cesc Fabregas has made a major impact since his arrival in the Premiership three seasons ago but he insists there's still plenty of improvement to come. . . . more . . .
We're at rock bottom admits PSG coach (Nov 24, 2006)
Ailing French giant Paris Saint Germain hit rock bottom in Thursday's humiliating UEFA Cup loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv, coach Guy Lacombe conceded. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Hleb named Belarus' Player of the Year (Nov 24, 2006)
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has been named Belarus Player of the Year. . . . more . . .
French policeman shoots dead fan in post-match violence (Nov 24, 2006)
A French police officer has shot dead a Paris Saint Germain (PSG) football fan and seriously injured another after witnesses said he was targeted by a racist mob following the team's defeat by Israeli side Hapoel Tel-Aviv. . . . more . . .
China skippper upbeat about Asian Games prospects (Nov 24, 2006)
Team captain Zheng Zhi is confident that China can go all the way to the finals of the Asian Games football tournament next month, echoing comments by new Serbian coach Ratomir Dujkovic. . . . more . . .
Israelis pile on misery for PSG (Nov 23, 2006)
Hapoel Tel-Aviv piled on the misery for French giants Paris Saint Germain and their under-fire coach Guy Lacombe when they won an action-packed UEFA Cup clash 4-2. . . . more . . .
Blackburn through to UEFA Cup last 32 (Nov 23, 2006)
Blackburn made it into the next round of the UEFA Cup despite being held to a goalless draw at Feyenoord. . . . more . . .
Berbatov haunts Leverkusen as Spurs progress (Nov 23, 2006)
Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a 1-0 group win over Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Magpies give desperate fans some UEFA relief (Nov 23, 2006)
Stephen Taylor headed an 86th-minute winner as Newcastle came from behind to beat Celta Vigo 2-1 and secure their progression to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Le Guen smiles as Rangers book UEFA ticket (Nov 23, 2006)
Embattled Scottish side Rangers qualified for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Auxerre. . . . more . . .
China skipper Zheng trials with Charlton (Nov 23, 2006)
China captain Zheng Zhi could earn a move to English Premiership club Charlton after impressing in a trial. . . . more . . .
Benitez orders more from Gerrard (Nov 23, 2006)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he wants captain Steven Gerrard to demonstrate his leadership qualities as the Anfield giants battle a midfield injury crisis. . . . more . . .
Ehoigu moves as loan window closes (Nov 23, 2006)
Middlesbrough defender Ugo Ehiogu joined Championship strugglers Leeds on a month's loan. . . . more . . .
AC Milan keeper Dida out for up to three months (Nov 23, 2006)
AC Milan keeper Nelson Dida has been ruled out for up to three months after damaging the quadricep tendon in his left knee, the Serie A club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Anelka not for sale, say Bolton (Nov 23, 2006)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce insists France striker Nicolas Anelka is not for sale. . . . more . . .
Wenger admits improper conduct (Nov 23, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct following his touchline row with West Ham boss Alan Pardew. . . . more . . .
Southgate decision slammed by Managers' Association (Nov 23, 2006)
The English Premier League's decision to allow Gareth Southgate to continue as Middlesbrough manager without the necessary qualifications has been slammed by the League Managers' Association. . . . more . . .
PSG look for some salvation as Le Guen returns to France (Nov 23, 2006)
Paris Saint Germain fans could be forgiven for having given up on their team for yet another domestic season but they can try and keep alive their hopes of some silverware in the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Iranian football federation suspended (Nov 23, 2006)
The Iran football federation has been suspended by the sport's world governing body for governmental interference and non-adherence to their statues. . . . more . . .
Cahill targets early return (Nov 23, 2006)
Australia midfielder Tim Cahill is convinced he will return from his knee injury ahead of schedule. . . . more . . .
South Africans complain over Australia World Cup sniping (Nov 23, 2006)
South African World Cup organisers said they have complained to Canberra over suggestions that preparations for the 2010 tournament are in trouble and Australia could fill the breach instead. . . . more . . .
Collina's World Cup kit auction to help Maldives tsunami victims (Nov 23, 2006)
A leading Maldivian newspaper is auctioning World Cup memorabilia of popular Italian football referee Pierluigi Collina to help tsunami victims in the Indian Ocean atoll nation. . . . more . . .
Argentinian stars reassured by Pardew over Hammers future (Nov 23, 2006)
West Ham manager Alan Pardew has told Argentinian stars Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez they have a future at Upton Park -- despite this week's takeover of the club. . . . more . . .
Bellamy in court over nightclub clash (Nov 23, 2006)
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy grabbed a woman by her throat during a row in a nightclub, a court has been told. . . . more . . .
Bulgaria transfers British football fan to serve out 10-year sentence at home (Nov 23, 2006)
Bulgaria is to transfer a British Liverpool fan jailed for 10 years for attempted murder in Bulgaria to serve out the rest of his sentence in a British prison. . . . more . . .
Urawa one win away from J-League title (Nov 23, 2006)
Urawa Red Diamonds are one win away from winning the J-League after powering past Ventforet Kofu 3-0 to stretch their lead to five points as their rivals failed to win. . . . more . . .
Inter get mean as Crespo secures last 16 place (Nov 23, 2006)
Hernan Crespo has put Inter Milan's eight-match winning run down to a newly-discovered mean streak. . . . more . . .
Liverpool cruise to victory over PSV and top the group (Nov 22, 2006)
Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch struck second-half goals as Liverpool made easy work of Dutch side PSV Eindhoven to claim a 2-0 victory and top spot of Champions League Group C at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Clinical Crespo steers Inter through to last 16 (Nov 22, 2006)
Inter Milan beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 to book their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Shakhtar beat Roma to keep their hopes alive (Nov 22, 2006)
Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk kept alive their hopes of clinching a place in the Champions League knockout stages with a 1-0 home win over Italy's AS Roma. . . . more . . .
Bremen give Chelsea blues ahead of United duel (Nov 22, 2006)
Chelsea progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League despite losing 1-0 in their Group A clash with Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
Barcelona win but stare into Euro abyss (Nov 22, 2006)
Reigning European champions Barcelona kept their hopes of a title repeat on course with a 2-0 win over Levski Sofia but now must beat Werder Bremen in their final group game to progress. . . . more . . .
Feisty Spartak frustrate Bayern in Moscow (Nov 22, 2006)
Bayern Munich still have work to do to guarantee top spot in their Champions League group after being held to a 2-2 draw by Spartak Moscow. . . . more . . .
FIFA happy with South Africa's 2010 World Cup progress (Nov 22, 2006)
A delegation of FIFA officials have expressed satisfaction with South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup, declaring they had made more rapid progress than their German predecessors. . . . more . . .
West Ham's Ferdinand charged with nightclub assault (Nov 22, 2006)
West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand was charged with assault and violent disorder on Wednesday following an incident outside a nightclub, police said. . . . more . . .
Drogba and Eto'o nominated for African award (Nov 22, 2006)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o have been nominated for the 2006 African Footballer of the Year award. . . . more . . .
Big test for Rijkaard's champions in Bulgaria (Nov 22, 2006)
Spanish champions Barcelona and Italian counterparts Inter Milan face a test of their Champions League ambitions in potential make-or-break matches on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea look to prove point against Bremen (Nov 22, 2006)
Chelsea go into Wednesday's Champions League clash at Werder Bremen knowing a point will secure them top spot in group A and manager Jose Mourinho has promised his team will not take their foot off the gas. . . . more . . .
Liverpool in search of Euro relief against PSV (Nov 22, 2006)
Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool will not let-up in pursuit of finishing top of their Champions League group as his side look to put their domestic failings to one side when PSV Eindhoven visit Anfield on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Unpredictable Inter eye last 16 place (Nov 22, 2006)
Inter Milan host Sporting Lisbon here on Wednesday knowing victory will earn them a place in the Champions League knockout stages at the expense of their Portuguese opponents. . . . more . . .
Boruc reveals secret of penalty heroics (Nov 22, 2006)
Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc has revealed how he read Louis Saha's mind to make the penalty save that sent the Scottish champions into the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time. . . . more . . .
Naka best in world says Strachan (Nov 22, 2006)
Shunsuke Nakamura can count himself among the best free-kick experts in world football, according to Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. . . . more . . .
Van the man misses late penalty as Lyon hold Real (Nov 21, 2006)
Real Madrid missed the chance to go top of group E when they were held 2-2 by Champions League rivals Lyon at the Santiago Bernabeu. . . . more . . .
Wenger confident despite Henry blow (Nov 21, 2006)
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can get the point they need to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase despite losing Thierry Henry for the crunch clash at Porto. . . . more . . .
Hail Cesar as AEK down AC Milan (Nov 21, 2006)
Brazilian striker Julio Cesar's goal in the first half and brilliant goalkeeping from Italian Stefano Sorrentino inspired Greek side AEK Athens to a 1-0 victory over Italian giants AC Milan in their Group H Champions League match. . . . more . . .
Nakamura fires Celtic to historic Champions League win (Nov 21, 2006)
A sensational Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick helped Celtic make history in the Champions League with a crucial 1-0 win at home to Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Maldini evokes possible retirement (Nov 21, 2006)
AC Milan's iconic veteran defender Paolo Maldini hinted that this season could be his last as a professional player. . . . more . . .
Benitez hits out at Kromkamp critique (Nov 21, 2006)
Rafael Benitez has reacted angrily to former player Jan Kromkamp's bitter criticism of the Spaniard's Liverpool side. . . . more . . .
Porto go top with defeat of CSKA (Nov 21, 2006)
CSKA Moscow's Champions League hopes dipped dramatically after a comprehensive 2-0 defeat to group G rivals FC Porto. . . . more . . .
Traore out till January, Chantome to also miss Tel-Aviv tie (Nov 21, 2006)
Paris St Germain defender Sammy Traore has been ruled out until after the winter break with a hamstring injury, the club said. . . . more . . .
United and Arsenal sweat on Euro dream (Nov 21, 2006)
English giants Manchester United and Arsenal, who saw their high-speed Champions League campaigns hit the buffers last time out, aim to get back on track Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Lehmann can't forget Paris final (Nov 21, 2006)
Jens Lehmann is determined to lead Arsenal back to the Champions League final to make up for the bitter memories of his side's defeat against Barcelona in Paris. . . . more . . .
Benitez confirms Liverpool takeover talks (Nov 21, 2006)
Rafael Benitez has indicated that Liverpool could be the next Premiership club to be subject to a foreign takeover after the manager confirmed he has been made aware of contact between the club and prospective overseas buyers. . . . more . . .
Icelanders back Pardew as West Ham takeover completed (Nov 21, 2006)
Eggert Magnusson, the head of the Icelandic consortium which has won its bid for control of West Ham, has promised manager Alan Pardew that his job is safe and that he will be given funds for new players. . . . more . . .
River reject Real bid for teenage striker Higuain (Nov 20, 2006)
River Plate have rejected a first bid from Real Madrid for the Argentine giants' French-born striker Gonzalo Higuain, it was announced. . . . more . . .
American ace trials with Man United (Nov 20, 2006)
Ghana-born American teenager Freddy Adu has reportedly taken a step closer to playing in Europe after starting a two-week trial with Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Guti and Roberto Carlos extend Real deals (Nov 20, 2006)
Spanish midfielder Jose Maria Gutierrez and Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos both extended their current deals with Real Madrid, the Spanish giants said. . . . more . . .
United skipper Neville could need surgery: Ferguson (Nov 20, 2006)
Manchester United skipper Gary Neville may require surgery to cure his troublesome calf problem, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer picks out Gomez as star of future (Nov 20, 2006)
When a legend such as Franz Beckenbauer, a World Cup winner with West Germany in 1974, heaps praise on a young player people tend to listen and everyone is talking about VfB Stuttgart's promising striker Mario Gomez. . . . more . . .
Desire burns as strong as ever for Wenger (Nov 20, 2006)
If Arsenal fail to beat Hamburg in the Champions League on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger will be as depressed as when his side lost in the final last season. . . . more . . .
Wenger highlights television flash-points (Nov 20, 2006)
Arsene Wenger believes the introduction of pitch-side television monitors is causing Premiership managers to lose their cool. . . . more . . .
Ferguson wants United to land knockout blow at Celtic (Nov 20, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson takes his Manchester United side to Glasgow for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Celtic determined the team will return home having secured a place in the knockout stages. . . . more . . .
Kenyan court overturns dissolution of football board (Nov 20, 2006)
A Kenyan court has suspended a government order that dissolved the country's fractious football governing board to consider a case lodged to challenge the legality of the disbandment. . . . more . . .
Gallas ruled out for several weeks (Nov 20, 2006)
Arsenal defender William Gallas will be out of action for several weeks after suffering a thigh injury in training. . . . more . . .
Elleray blows whistle on abuse of football referees (Nov 20, 2006)
Former leading English football referee David Elleray has warned the "game will die" if officials are not treated with more courtesy by players and managers. . . . more . . .
Man Utd plan 'holy trinity' statue as tribute to Best, Law and Charlton (Nov 20, 2006)
Manchester United are to honour three of their greatest players with a statue of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. . . . more . . .
Rovers and Spurs appeal against red cards (Nov 20, 2006)
Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur have both appealed against the red cards issued to Turkish international Tugay and Egypt midfielder Hossam Ghaly during a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
China needs to sharpen up for Asiad football: coach (Nov 20, 2006)
China's new Olympic football coach Ratomir Dujkovic believes his team will struggle at the Asian Games in Doha next month unless they sharpen up mentally and tactically. . . . more . . .
Brazil's Romario arrives for four-match stint with Aussie team (Nov 20, 2006)
Brazilian great Romario has arrived promising his Australian A-League club Adelaide United that he will score goals and try to close the gap of tearaway league leaders Melbourne Victory. . . . more . . .
Marseille victorious amid dark memories (Nov 19, 2006)
Mickael Pagis scored for Marseille in a 1-0 victory over Valenciennes in the first meeting between the teams since the 1993 match-fixing scandal which saw Marseille demoted. . . . more . . .